Spanish Families Embrace Peaceful Christmas by Avoiding Political Debates in 2025
As political tensions affect millions of Spaniards, leaders and psychologists urge families to avoid political talk during Christmas 2025 to maintain peace and enjoyment.
- • Santiago Abascal urges Spaniards to set politics aside during Christmas and focus on family and peace.
- • Around 5 million Spaniards have severed ties over political differences, impacting holiday dynamics.
- • Psychologist Ángela Magaz advises respectful listening and strategies to avoid political disputes at family meals.
- • Positive interactions and festive activities are recommended to counteract tensions during Christmas.
- • Prior agreements to avoid politics or religion can help, but must be respected to prevent conflicts.
Key details
As Christmas 2025 approaches in Spain, the deep political polarization influencing family relationships has prompted widespread calls to sideline political discussions during holiday gatherings. Santiago Abascal, president of Vox, publicly urged Spaniards to "leave politics aside" this Christmas and focus on celebrating "in peace and with family." This plea echoes the sentiments of many amid a national climate where political conflicts have severely impacted social ties.
A recent report from More in Common revealed that approximately 5 million Spaniards—about 14% of the adult population—have cut family or friendship links over political differences in the past year. Moreover, 20% of surveyed individuals witnessed or participated in political debates during recent Christmases, highlighting the prevalence of such tensions at family events.
Psychologist Ángela Magaz, director of GAK Psychology and Training, emphasizes that the root problem is often the inability to engage respectfully, noting many enter discussions intent on convincing others rather than listening. She advocates for a fundamental approach: "first listen, then think, and then decide what to say," warning against repeating emotionally charged messages without reflection, which escalates conflicts.
To preserve harmony during holiday dinners, Magaz recommends strategies including anticipating contentious topics, preparing to change the subject, and agreeing beforehand to avoid sensitive issues like politics or religion—albeit with caution as such agreements can sometimes provoke tension if not respected. Additionally, she encourages fostering positive interactions by complimenting family members, sharing pleasant memories, and respecting holiday superstitions that offer comfort.
In regions like Vizcaya, families can also enjoy festive activities such as ice skating, craft markets, and community theatre, providing uplifting alternatives that divert focus from divisive topics. Amid the heightened political divisions, these collective efforts underscore a desire across Spain to reclaim peace and familial connection during the Christmas season.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
