Opinion
Courage for festive fun
No more lazy Christmas harmony – finally argue again!
Many topics are ignored at Christmas in order to preserve contemplation. A mistake
© skynesher / Getty Images
Nobody should put up with racist sayings, sexual jokes or Nazi jargon from Uncle Heinz at Christmas. A plea for the family dispute.
There are few days of the year when so many different generations and political opinions come together Christmas. Older family members with even older role models and a concrete world view sit opposite lazy students, trainees and pupils who have made themselves comfortable at the lavishly laid table. At least that’s the cliched version of the modern Christmas story.
In many places on Christmas Eve there is a danger that family discussions about goose and mulled wine will escalate because old and young, right and left, woke and reactionary come together. The debate then usually revolves around topics that are primarily raised by the conservative family members: climate glue, gender stars, cancel culture or the nephew’s painted fingernails.
Young people in particular often refrain from engaging in vigorous objections during such debates. Be it to maintain contemplation or out of fear of undermining the authority of parents or grandparents. But mostly out of the probably not entirely unjustified feeling that contradiction does not necessarily trigger any kind of reflection in the other person.
Silence means consent
But such gentlemanly restraint usually leads to a dead end. It is important to recognize that your own needs are no less valuable than Uncle Heinz’s slogans. Because he and those like him usually interpret silence as silent consent, which in turn further reinforces toxic structures. We should do better than all the bar buddies, work colleagues and partners our relatives deal with the other 364 days of the year.
Let’s show them that not everyone bases their opinion on migration policy on the anecdotal evidence of a visit to the nearest pedestrian zone. Let’s contradict them when a conversation ends with the fact that everything used to be better. Let’s ask the men to do the washing up when the care work again falls to the women in the family.
Get out of the bubble
Sure, most people don’t feel like messing with grandpa, grandson or sister-in-law on Christmas of all days. But: Not doing it would leave the field to those who are particularly loud and outspoken with their opinions.
Another argument for committed family disputes: debates outside of one’s own political bubble can be particularly valuable. It’s exactly these rare conversations that can bring about more understanding for the other side, show other perspectives and maybe even be fun. Especially since people usually come together around the Christmas table who show each other a minimum of respect, which should be good for the debate.
Instead of just nodding and maybe heading home a little faster, Christmas this year could be the perfect opportunity to stand up to the family. Note: You don’t owe anyone a contemplative celebration if that one family member “is the way it is” again.