37% confess Christmas wouldn’t feel the same without a family argument (Image: Getty Images)
The festive season is a time for family gatherings, but it also brings its fair share of debates.
From deciding which films to watch to arguing over who should do the dishes and settling on the correct board game rules, these are the top family disputes during Christmas.
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A survey of 2,000 adults who celebrate Christmas found that while 83% are excited about spending time with their loved ones, 43% are preparing for potential disagreements.
The list of top 30 light-hearted arguments includes discussions about the house temperature, whether gadgets should be allowed at the dinner table, and the appropriate time to open presents.
Other contentious issues include whether to turn off the tree lights when leaving the house and whether to go for a walk. Despite these squabbles, 37% confess that Christmas wouldn’t feel the same without them, and 54% even admit to enjoying a good family argument.
The study was commissioned by British Gas in conjunction with their half-price electricity offer on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. A spokesperson commented: “From debates over what films to watch to disagreements over who’s clearing the table, family get-togethers at this time of year are the scene to many a seasonal spat.”
The survey also revealed that 71% plan to play a board game with their loved ones during the festive period. Monopoly, Scrabble, and Trivial Pursuits emerged as the top three choices among those polled.
The festive period often brings with it passionate conversations, with the main sources of contention during board games being rule-breaking (26%), feelings of defeat (24%) and excessive competitiveness (23%).
Resolution to these disputes generally comes through collective agreement (24%), a well-timed joke to break the tension (19%), or by some individuals opting for a brief separation from their nearest and dearest to cool off, at 14%.
A representative from British Gas chimed in, noting: “Although our research shows we can enjoy a little festive family drama, nobody wants big arguments, and with half price electricity at Christmas that’s one less thing to worry about.”
TOP 30 HOUSEHOLD DEBATES THIS CHRISTMAS:
- What movie/s to watch
- The post-meal washing-up duties
- Rules of the games / board games played
- Home temperature settings
- Using smart devices at the dinner table or at all on Christmas
- Timing of present-opening
- Choice of games / board games
- Meal times
- Deciding between turning up the heat or layering up with another jumper
- Acceptable chocolate consumption pre-lunch or dinner
- Conventions around gift unwrapping all together or in turns
- Leaving lights on unnecessarily
- Taking a family walk outside yay or nay?
- Selecting the music playlist
- Seating plans for lunch / dinner
- Dressing up versus casual attire
- Tree light management throughout the day
- Hot water use
- Shower schedules
- Sneaking food to pets during the meal
- Cracker-pulling times
- Custody of the last roast potato (or any favourite veg)
- The question of whether to play carols or pop songs during the day
- Deciding who will sit next to granny or grandpa and endure their ‘stories’
- Debating when it’s acceptable to crack open a bottle of fizz
- Determining who is responsible for making the first cup of tea or coffee
- Choosing between a traditional Christmas pudding or a contemporary dessert
- Deciding who gets the honour of carving the turkey
- Discussing whether to tune in for the King’s speech
- Debating if it’s permissible to run the dishwasher multiple times