The worst festive icks, according to Brits

·        A new poll by greetings card marketplace, thortful, has revealed what the biggest festive faux pas are when it comes to a partner’s behaviour at Christmas time

·        With ‘getting too drunk at the family gathering’ coming out as the top turn-off, a relationship expert reveals how to impress the potential in-laws at Christmas

With 66% of Brits looking for love over winter 1, thortful* has conducted a study to reveal the top Christmas turn-offs that people consider an ‘ick’, so that new couples can impress their partner and their partner’s parents at any Christmas gatherings.

From a gravy-less Christmas dinner to family conflict, hangovers and talking politics at the dinner table, the top 10 Christmas icks are as follows:

Think twice about going overboard on the Christmas tipples

Whether you’re simply enjoying the festivities or are nervous to meet the potential in-laws, you might want to pace yourself on the Christmas cocktails. It turns out that a partner being too drunk at the family gathering is the ultimate turn-off, with well over a third saying it was the worst offence. Similarly, 11% said being hungover on Christmas day was an ick, putting it in the fifth spot.

Keep the boardgames hidden away

In second spot overall with over a third (34%) of the vote was if a partner didn’t get on with your family at Christmas, as well as 9% saying that if a partner argued with their family over a board game, they’d also be put off. So, avoid Monopoly if you can!

A gravy-less Christmas dinner is the ultimate festive food crime

There are a few festive food no-go’s for Brits when it comes to their partners, with two food-related icks making the top 10. Not putting gravy on your Christmas dinner came out as the top food turn-off (10%), followed by having a beige Christmas dinner (8%) – one with no vegetables at all.

 How to impress your partner, and the in-laws, at Christmas

With family tension ranking so high, thortful spoke to Relationship Consultant, Mairead Molloy3, who has offered some advice on how to conduct yourself when meeting your new partner’s family for the first time.

 Why might we be nervous to meet a partner’s family at a gathering, especially at Christmas?

 “Meeting parents at any time of the year is always a little stressful, however at Christmas the nerves may be heightened due to the significance of the time of holiday. You might also feel like you’re being evaluated while you’re there.

“The pressure to convey warmth and compatibility during a festive season, centred around family and being together, can intensify the usual concerns about making a positive impression. Also, the fear of not meeting the expectations or fitting into family traditions can contribute to the nerves.”

 What can you do to make meetings a partner’s family at Christmas less nerve-wracking?

 “Consider talking to your partner about their family dynamic before the event. Your partner might try to hide whatever stress they may be feeling about having you around their family, especially for the first time.

 “Prepare yourself for small talk, offer to help in the kitchen, dress properly, and bring a gift as a small gesture.  Respect their way of doing things even though you may not agree with it – sometimes it’s best to say nothing! Also, put your phone away and relax. It can also help to chat to as many people as you can to find someone you click with, as this can help build relationships.

 “Not vocalising your expectations in advance is a poor idea – talk to your partner about what you would like, expect, or need from them at the gathering. Make sure you are both on the same page before you arrive.”

 “The key here is to maintain self-control and don’t have too much to drink. Make sure you go in with that mindset. There is nothing worse than having too much to drink and making a fool of yourself – no matter how nice everyone is.”