Q. Christmas could be tricky in our home this year: roughly half our dinner guests are Remainers, the rest Brexiteers. Before I carve the turkey, should I announce that any discussion about the EU is strictly off-limits, or would it be wiser to divert differences of opinion into a harmless party game afterwards (charades would seem appropriate)?
A. Traditional Christmas resentments will be heightened if Brexit differences are used to wage proxy wars — so yes, do decree the toxic topic off-limits. Distract with proxy referendums. Take votes on whether you attend Midnight Mass, bother with Brussels sprouts etc. With luck you will have landslide Yes votes for roaring log fires and roast potatoes, which will help with bonding. Incidentally, Strip Brexit — in which an article of clothing is forfeited for every mention of the EU — while unsuitable for family occasions, is becoming a popular dinner-party game.
Richard Madeley and other friends of The Spectator ask Mary Killen for advice in our Christmas issue, available here
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