10 x typing family members during the Christmas dinner
Celebrating Christmas with the whole family: will it work out this year or not? Last year, of course, we could only invite three people to our Christmas dinner, and I wonder if people really found that so bad. Personally, I quite enjoyed it. A nice quiet evening. Because let's be honest: Christmas is also a bit of a hassle, isn't it? A social obligation with your whole family, and then there's the necessary stress that comes with it. Especially if you're responsible for a dish or when you're sitting at the table with your in-laws for the first time. Expectations, awkward conversations, failed food: it's all part of it. Shouldn't we just hope that we get measures again during Christmas this year? I think I sound a bit like the Grinch now, but I'm just not a big fan of this celebration. But well, if we do get to celebrate Christmas with the whole family this year, then I already have a preview here. You will surely recognize these family members/friends/supporters.
1. The Grinch
Let me start with myself: I'm just not that into Christmas. December, as far as I'm concerned, can be skipped. Every year I dread it, but in the end, I find it quite cozy. I certainly don't belong to the top category (among the Grinches) that flees the country during the holidays. People who really hate Christmas just book a ticket to a tropical destination. Quite understandable.
2. The chef
You're lucky if you have this one in your family. Often, this type is already in the kitchen cooking days in advance. From venison steak with red wine sauce to the best wines; no matter how annoying you find the Christmas days, at least you eat very well. And that's perhaps the most important thing, right?
3. The loose-lipped crazy distant uncle/aunt
The family member who always lets loose a bit too much during the Christmas days. After a few glasses of wine, he/she becomes quite talkative. Undoubtedly, a lot will be shared with the company about emotions and traumas. We can expect texts like: “Family is everything, right?” or: “Without you, I'm nothing!”, even though you only see him/her once a year. Tired of that complaining? Then turn on the music. This type will most likely go completely wild, and you'll have fun again.
4. The quiet family member
It's quite a bummer sitting next to this one. You've known him/her for years but have never really had a good conversation with each other. No matter how many questions you ask, the conversation remains one-sided. Yet you try again every year. By the end of the evening, you're completely exhausted. Next year, you'll definitely arrange a different spot.
5. The newcomer
Someone's new boyfriend or girlfriend who gets all the attention. If it's your own partner, you're often a bit less happy. Prepare your loved one for a barrage of questions, but if your cousin, brother, or aunt brings a new partner, then it's of course a feast, and you'll want to interrogate the newcomer a bit. Just be a little nice. I wish the newcomers all the success in the world this year.
6. The way too stressed host/hostess
Right before Christmas, this type is already on the verge of a burnout. He/she has taken on way too much and can't handle it all anymore. Nine times out of ten, everything also fails in the kitchen. During the Christmas dinner, this type is very grumpy and barely sits at the table.
7. Family member with a different partner every time
That one cousin with commitment issues who brings a different girlfriend every year. You don't really invest in this newcomer during dinner because you already know that her spot will be taken by someone else next year. She, on the other hand, thinks she's getting to know her future family better. We do feel a bit sorry for her.
8. The one who is always on his/her phone
The social media addict who wants to capture the entire Christmas dinner. “Can you toast with that champagne glass one more time? It's for my boomerang.” Every dish is first extensively photographed. With this type, you won't necessarily have a very cozy evening. It certainly doesn't seem that way when we look at his/her Stories. Fake it until you make it.
9. That one who is always on a diet
And everyone who naturally asks: “Who is on a diet during Christmas?” We all laugh about it, and secretly we're quite happy that there's more food left for us. There's nothing wrong with that.
10. The intellectual troublemaker
You know the type, the one who wants to turn every conversation into a deep and intellectual discussion. Nothing wrong with that, but this type does it only to share his/her own knowledge and show how much he/she knows about culture and politics. Much more than the rest of the family, of course, and we all have to be impressed by that. Quite exhausting.
