I am dreading Christmas.  My horrid bullying father is arrogantly dismissing the dangers of catching Covid-19.  He won’t wear a mask and rejects social distancing.  He has also demanded that I, my husband and two teenage children must join my mother and him.   Mum said she will try her best to keep us safe and it will be just us.  I don’t want to disappoint her because Christmas dinner means so much.  

I am worried however as one of my children has asthma and is at risk.   At home and when we are out we take every precaution, and we shall insist on wearing masks except when we are eating.   

He will mock us I know. Can you come up with any suggestions as to how we can get away early if he misbehaves.  

 OUR COMMENTS 

It’s time to demand that your vulnerable teenager is safe and you need to check in advance if your father will blatantly disregard her needs and refuse to socially distance or wear a mask. If so we suggest you rethink your decision to visit.  Imagine how you would feel if she did contract the virus from your visit.

We understand that the stand you might take will be very hard for your mother so why talk to her first and explain how worried you are about your daughter.   

This year it’s more important than ever to be practical and realistic about the people we love.  We are all disappointed about what is happening around us but the real possibility of sickness is a risk not worth taking.  

You could suggest to you mother that as soon as everything is safe you could have a treat together, and ask her what sort of outing she’d choose.  You could also send her some flowers.   

As for Christmas dinner you could either plan a family meal sometime next year when everyone has been vaccinated or meet for a meal under your keeping safe instructions.  If you do the latter and your father flouts your requests at the last minute you should tell him firmly and clearly before you go that you and you family will immediately walk out.