Enjoying a holiday dinner and time with family can be a challenge if the conversation starts to go downhill, which is why it's important to avoid certain topics to keep the peace.

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Enjoying a holiday dinner and time with family can be a challenge if the conversation starts to go downhill, which is why Heritage Behavioral Health clinical director Chelsea Mueller says to avoid certain topics to keep the peace. 

"Well, the number one answer is politics. That's probably one that, if you are in a room with 10 people, everybody's going to have their own perspective," Mueller said.  

Mueller said holidays can bring stress just as much as joy.

"For many families, it may be the only time that year that they're seeing particular family members. For others, it might be that they see folks in their family that they may not have the best history with," Mueller said.  

Healthy boundaries are key. Avoid invasive questions such as "When are you getting married?" If conversations start heating up, take a break. 

"Anything that you can do to give yourself just a moment. So that way you can collect your thoughts, because that's the only thing you have control over is how you respond to that situation," Mueller said.  

The goal is connection with family, not conflict. 

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