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% are looking forward to getting together with their loved ones over the festive break but 43% are bracing themselves for arguments.
The top 30 list of light-hearted rows includes what temperature the house should be, whether to allow gadgets at the dinner table and when to open presents. 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.
Despite this, 37% admit Christmas would not be the same without squabbling, with 54% saying they enjoy a family squabble.
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.”
(Image: Getty Images)
It also emerged 71% plan on braving a board game with loved ones over the festive period. With Monopoly, Scrabble and Trivial Pursuits the top three board games those polled will be playing.
But board game brawls are the top cause of festive arguments, with rule-breaking (26%), losing (24%), and too much competitiveness (23%) sparking the biggest rows.
When it comes to squashing the squabbles, most spats are settled together (24%), with a light-hearted comment (19%), and occasionally, 14% of peeps need a bit of a time-out from their nearest and dearest to get over it.
A rep from British Gas said: “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.”
BRACE YOURSELVES FOR THE TOP 30 YULETIDE TUG-OF-WARS:
- The ultimate movie marathon picks
- Dish duty debates
- Squabbling over the rulebook in games
- Household heat wars
- Smart tech – yes or no during festive feasts
- Present protocol – early birds vs. patient pack
- Choosing the Christmas game challenger
- Festive feast timing tiffs
- Heating vs. extra jumper jumbles
- Pre-meal choc, how much is too much?
- Gift unwrapping rules all at once or in turns
- Debates over domestic light shows
- To stroll or not to stroll on Christmas
- The clash over Christmas tunes
- Seating squabbles for the festive feast
- Dress up dilemma or casual Christmas
- Christmas tree twinkle tactics
- Whos hogging the hot water?
- Bathroom booking battles
- Under-the-table treats for the four-legged friends
- Cracker pulling quandaries
- The last roast spud standoff (and other veggie vendettas)
- Should it be carols or pop songs played during the day
- Who’s going to sit next to granny or grandpa and listen to their ‘stories’
- When is too early to open a bottle of fizz
- Who makes the tea or coffee first thing
- Christmas pudding or a modern dessert
- Who carves the turkey
- Whether to watch the King’s speech
- Whether it’s ok to use the dishwasher multiple times