Regarding holidays, feelings and food, it's helpful to plan ahead and have a successful strategy in mind. Know how you’re going to play the game. For example, I don't recommend springing new ideas about “avoiding meat” just as people are sitting down in front of a large ham, turkey or salmon dinner. At an event where there will be people and food, feelings can get hot quickly. Here are a few tips I have used successfully to avoid frayed nerves, and unnecessary arguments.