Let Us Row, Let Us Row, Let Us Row
In soap operas, Christmas is usually the time of a key storyline - where everything comes to a head, and someone inevitably gets punched. In reality, rather than going against fiction, the situation can be even worse. Christmas is a fraught time, where family members are brought together for enforced jollity, and after a few days things can begin to grate.
Christmas is a notorious time of year for arguments, as the tensions of planning the perfect meal and relative strangers being in close proximity becomes overwhelming. While you can try and assure you will remain calm and dignified at all times, that doesn't guarantee other members of your family will have made the same promise. In fact, two family members besides yourself arguing can be even more distressing than if you were involved yourself.
It is therefore wise to play the role of peacemaker during the festivities, and give yourself an opportunity to be the one with the clear head. If you yourself feel you are losing control, take a moment and step outside. Take a few deep breaths to clear yourself, and then go back inside with a smile on your face.
What's more, if you sense an argument brewing, do something distracting. Say something, ask a question or distract one of the people involved in the build up to the row. Don't be obvious about what you're doing - don't say "now now, calm down both of you" - simply slide past the issue and move on to something else. People will get the hint without feeling offended or babied by your actions, and a sticky moment should pass.