The holidays are supposed to be filled with laughter and connection. But there are words that sometimes add some tension, stress or negativity to the mix. This year I’m making a rule to make our holidays fun and not chaotic. By banning a few words that often cause discomfort or conflict, we can focus on what really matters—spending quality time with loved ones. These are 12 words I’m removing from my holiday conversations so that all can stay merry and bright.
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“Diet”
Holidays are for spending time with friends and family and enjoying delicious food. Even the mention of “diet” brings unnecessary guilt or stress to the table. No one should feel guilty about enjoying their favourite holiday foods. Let’s keep the focus on gratitude and togetherness, not on carbs and calories.
“Politics”
Few words can start heated debates faster than this one. It’s natural for people to talk about current events at the table – but if you bring up politics, you’ll be quickly transforming a cheerful party into a debate. To keep the peace, stick to subjects that help to unite people instead of dividing them.
“Busy”
Holidays should be about taking it easy and enjoying the present moment. Speaking about how “busy” everyone is means reminding everyone of their workload and endless to-do lists. Let’s stay in the moment with one another and keep the hustle-talk to another date.
“Work”
Holidays are a time to escape from the day-to-day life. If you mention work, it pushes the table back into the world of deadlines and office drama. Let’s instead chat about pastimes, past memories or the next steps – anything that’s fun instead of stress.
“Perfect”
Trying to make the holidays “perfect” adds unnecessary stress and sets unrealistic expectations. The best moments often come from imperfections, like a slightly burnt pie or an off-key carol. Banning this word keeps the focus on fun and authenticity.
“Drama”
Mentioning family drama – current or past – evokes old trauma. Holidays are for good times and not fighting over old problems. We can leave the drama at the door, and instead look for caring and connection.
“Should”
The word “should” often carries judgment, whether directed at others or ourselves. “You should try this” or “I should’ve done that” can make people feel pressured or criticized. Let’s embrace phrases like “I’d love to” or “Would you like to” instead.
“Stress”
Holiday stress is not exaggerated but we can all get anxious just talking about it. We need to do less thinking about the bad things in life and more about the good things, such as being together and eating good food.
“Money”
Talking about money quickly becomes awkward, especially during the holidays. Gift budgets, travel expenses, or economic insecurity – these subjects can be fraught with drama. Let’s keep the conversation light and save the money talk for another day.
“Hurry”
The holidays are not the season to rush. When you shout “hurry” or tell people to rush things, it prevents them from enjoying the moment. Whether it’s waiting for dessert or just talking, let’s be slower and enjoy the experience together.
“Expectations”
Christmas always comes with a lot of expectations— from the right food to the right gift to the perfect decorations. When everyone is repeatedly reminded of what to expect, it puts unnecessarily great stress on their shoulders. We need to enjoy what we have rather than straining to achieve the unattainable.
“Comparison”
When you compare presents or dishes or even life accomplishments around the holidays, people feel unworthy. No one is the same when it comes to celebrating, and nobody should feel that they are unworthy. Let’s enjoy the love and hard work involved in every aspect, big or small.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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