Christmas
Important rules of conduct for a Corona-compliant party
This year the round is smaller at Christmas.
© Roman Samborskyi / Shutterstock.com
Christmas is family time. How to survive a corona-compliant party without embarrassment, Knigge expert Dr. Marlena Fischer.
Christmas is the feast of the family, even in Corona times. The federal states can relax the current five-person rule with a maximum of two households from December 24th to 26th. In addition to your own household, you can invite four other people from your immediate family, not including children under 14 years of age. But even with the closest family there can be unpleasant table discussions, arguments or wrong gifts. Dr. Marlena Fischer, etiquette expert and author of "The art of not being embarrassed", reveals in an interview with the news agency spot on news how the family celebration is harmonious and Corona-compliant.
What does a Corona-compliant Christmas look like this year?
Dr. Marlena Fischer: The exact rules can vary depending on the state or district – depending on the infection rate. My advice: Find out more in advance and celebrate within the framework of these regulations as you need for a fulfilling Christmas. But do not use all possibilities as a matter of principle if there is another way. This can mean, for example, that you do not travel across Germany. The next family celebration is sure to come.
In Corona times you should avoid hugs. How can you still greet friends or family?
Fischer: Smile! Assume an open stance – arms outstretched, palms up. Express in words what else you want to say with the hug: "How nice that you are here. I am happy that you are okay!"
Festive or cozy: how should you dress for Christmas?
Fischer: The following applies here: family tradition stands out. Some families cannot get out of their jogging suits that day, others celebrate in tails and floor-length dresses. If you are new to a family, only discreet questions will help. Smart casual is usually the case for Christmas parties in the office. So leave the tinsel boa in the closet.
What are absolute no-gos at the common feast at the table?
Fischer: The classic rules apply. The napkin is not used to blow one's nose, the elbows do not come on the table and do not speak with your mouth full. The most important thing, especially at Christmas, is gone. And not just on the next shelf, but in your pocket, switched off – or even completely at home. Christmas is a very special day.
Are there any issues that shouldn't be addressed at festivities like Christmas?
Fischer: As a family, you usually know each other pretty well. So you know which topics others like to react sensitively to. In my family, for example, death and dying and the role of women are topics that we always get into each other's hair about. For other families, it may be the corona restrictions, the love of money or raising children. I think that in the heart of our hearts we all know which topics we can provoke our relatives with – and which ones we should therefore leave behind at Christmas.
What if there are still arguments? How should one react at the first signs?
Fischer: First of all: The second part of the word family festival already gives it away. Such events are not there to discuss fundamental issues, but to celebrate together and to remember the good things. With this in mind, it is much easier to focus on the positive things at the festival. If that doesn't work out, it helps to get out of the situation. A walk? A board game? Distraction helps to let five be straight.
When you get a gift that you don't like. What is the best way to react so as not to hurt feelings?
Fischer: A "thank you" is always important. Simply for the effort that the giver has made. Whether it goes further depends on how close and open the relationship is. If this is very narrow and characterized by openness, then you can postpone: "… but unfortunately that doesn't meet my taste at all." Ideally, just ask yourself: How would I react if my father-in-law exclaimed, "What? Another bottle of wine?" When opening the gift? Do what you have to do.
If you can only see relatives by video call on Christmas Day, are there any things to be aware of?
Fischer: Video calls are usually not made spontaneously. That is why the basic hurdle when calling to find the right time is eliminated. It's usually not before nine or ten in the morning and after eight in the evening. Otherwise, whatever you like is allowed. But don't let yourself go completely – the "out-of-bed" look is a bit too simple at Christmas.