Prepare yourself—these family feuds could turn your festive cheer into total chaos.
The holidays are supposed to be magical, but let’s be honest—they can quickly turn into a nightmare when family drama rears its ugly head. You’ve seen it: the passive-aggressive comments, the awkward tension, the outright fights.
If you’re dreading what might go down this year, here’s a list of the most common holiday dramas to watch out for—and survive.
1. The passive-aggressive relative who won’t stop making digs.
There’s always that one person who turns every holiday gathering into a masterclass in backhanded compliments and subtle jabs. Whether they’re critiquing your life choices or questioning your cooking, their comments leave you fuming while they sit back, pretending innocence. It’s exhausting, and it can quickly sour the festive vibe.
Respond calmly and confidently without showing that their words got to you. Humor works wonders, too—laugh it off and move on. If the comments persist, pull them aside privately and set clear boundaries.
2. The sibling rivalry that always escalates into a showdown.
What starts as playful teasing between siblings can escalate into a full-blown argument faster than you can say “Merry Christmas.” Old resentments, unresolved grudges, or even competition for parental attention often bubble to the surface during the holidays, dragging everyone into the drama.
Steer conversations toward neutral, positive topics, and redirect attention when tensions rise. Encourage individual conversations if needed to ease tensions before they explode. Sometimes, separating the siblings physically for a bit can work wonders.
3. The relative who drinks too much and causes chaos.
The holidays often mean flowing drinks, but some family members take it too far. Before you know it, they’re slurring words, sharing inappropriate stories, or even starting fights. It’s uncomfortable for everyone and can quickly ruin the festive atmosphere.
Limit alcohol availability or suggest non-alcoholic alternatives to set the tone. If they still overindulge, have a trusted family member discreetly intervene and encourage them to step away and sober up.
4. The judgmental in-law who critiques everything you do.
No matter how hard you try, some in-laws never seem satisfied. From how you host to how you parent, their endless critiques can make you feel like you’re under a microscope. It’s draining and can leave you questioning your every move.
Stay confident in your choices and resist the urge to argue. Acknowledge their perspective politely, then firmly redirect the conversation to a lighter topic. Vent to a trusted ally later, but don’t let their words ruin your day.
5. The family member who insists on discussing politics.
We all know the rule: avoid politics at the dinner table. But there’s always that one person who can’t help but bring up divisive topics, turning a joyful gathering into a heated debate. The tension spreads, and soon, everyone’s uncomfortable.
Shut it down early by changing the subject to something lighthearted or neutral. If they persist, firmly state that holiday gatherings are not the time or place for political discussions.
6. The person who won’t stop bragging about their accomplishments.
Whether it’s their job, kids, or latest vacation, some relatives treat the holidays as their personal highlight reel. While they gloat, everyone else feels uncomfortable, left either trying to match their stories or struggling to hold back an eye roll.
Compliment them once to acknowledge their accomplishments, then pivot the conversation to focus on others or shared experiences. Balance the interaction to avoid letting one person dominate the room.
7. The overly competitive game player who ruins the fun.
Holiday games should bring laughter and connection, but some people take them way too seriously. They argue over rules, accuse others of cheating, and turn a friendly competition into a stressful battle.
Set clear expectations before starting the game—remind everyone it’s about fun, not winning. If things heat up, take a break or switch to a less competitive activity.
8. The family member who brings up embarrassing past events.
Nothing kills your holiday joy faster than someone dredging up your most cringe-worthy moments from years ago. Whether it’s a childhood mishap or a recent mistake, hearing it rehashed in front of everyone is beyond frustrating.
Redirect the conversation with humor or shift the focus by asking someone else about a positive memory. If it becomes a pattern, pull the person aside and ask them to stop bringing it up.
9. The couple who argues loudly in front of everyone.
Few things make a gathering more uncomfortable than a couple airing their dirty laundry for all to see. Their constant bickering creates tension and makes everyone else feel like an unwilling mediator.
Give them space by creating opportunities for them to cool off separately. If it continues, subtly suggest they take their conversation elsewhere to keep the atmosphere light for everyone else.
10. The parent who uses the gathering to lecture their adult kids.
Holiday gatherings often tempt parents to bring up everything their adult kids are “doing wrong.” Whether it’s about careers, relationships, or lifestyle choices, these unsolicited lectures create tension and often lead to defensiveness.
Encourage light, positive conversation topics that focus on shared memories or fun activities. If they can’t help themselves, gently steer them back to more neutral ground to keep the peace.