THE top festive family debates are what movies to watch, who should do the washing up – and the correct rules of board games.
A study of 2,000 adults who celebrate Christmas revealed 83 per cent are looking forward to getting together with their loved ones over the festive break but 43 per cent are bracing themselves for arguments.
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With what temperature the house should be, whether to allow gadgets at the dinner table and when to open presents also featuring in the top 30 list of light-hearted rows.
There will also be bickering over whether tree lights should be turned off if you leave the house, and whether to go for a walk.
But 37 per cent admit Christmas would not be the same without the squabbles.
The research was commissioned by British Gas, to mark its PeakSave half price electricity offer on Christmas Day and Boxing Day,.
A spokesperson said: “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.
“Families bickering like this are as much a part of the festive season as mince pies and questionable jumpers.”
It also emerged 71 per cent plan on braving a board game with loved ones over the festive period.
With Monopoly (37 per cent), Scrabble (31 per cent) and Trivial Pursuits (22 per cent) the top three board games those polled will be playing.
With the biggest arguments during games being rule-breaking (26 per cent), sore losers (24 per cent) and too much competitiveness (23 per cent).
But it’s not all fighting talk, as 54 per cent enjoy a family squabble – with one in four revealing they find it more entertaining than what’s usually on the telly.
Most arguments are resolved together (24 per cent), by someone lightening the atmosphere with a joke (19 per cent) or while 14 per cent of us take time out from our loved one to move on.
The spokesperson from British Gas added: “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:
1. What movie/s to watch
2. Who is washing up
3. The rules of the games / board games you play
4. The temperature of your home
5. Smart devices being allowed at the table or at all on Christmas day
6. When to open the presents
7. What games / board games to play
8. When to eat
9. Heating on or ‘put another jumper on’
10. How much chocolate is ok to eat before lunch or dinner
11. To open gifts all together or take turns
12. Family members leaving lights on
13. Family walk in the fresh air – or not
14. Who gets to play their music playlist
15. Who’s going to sit where at lunch / dinner
16. Whether to dress up or wear casual clothes
17. Whether to keep the tree lights on all day or turn them off if you go out
18. Someone using up all the hot water
19. Who goes in the shower first
20. People feeding the dog under the table
21. When to pull the Christmas crackers
22. Who gets the last roast potato (or favourite veg)
23. Should it be carols or pop songs played during the day
24. Who’s going to sit next to granny or grandpa and listen to their ‘stories’
25. When is too early to open a bottle of fizz
26. Who makes the tea or coffee first thing
27. Christmas pudding or a modern dessert
28. Who carves the turkey
29. Whether to watch the King’s speech
30. Whether it’s ok to use the dishwasher multiple times
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