
Embracing the principles of “Yes, And,” and “Making Your Partner Look Good” around the dinner table this season.
Ah, the holidays—where flights are delayed, family quirks are magnified, and you find yourself explaining your life in Geneva for the 400th time. If you’re an expat navigating this festive chaos, embracing improv principles like “yes, and,” “sometimes you’re the meat and sometimes you’re the potatoes,” and “make your partner look good” can be your holiday survival kit.
“Yes, And”: Just Go With It
The improv rule of “yes, and” teaches us to accept whatever happens and build on it. When your brother insists on showing you his new vegan eggnog recipe (a “yes, and” challenge if there ever was one), instead of recoiling, go with it. Accept the strange beverage, take a sip, and enthusiastically suggest adding a little cinnamon or even some Swiss schnapps. If your family suddenly decides on a beach Christmas, your job is not to question the sand-in-holiday-turkey logistics but to say “yes, and”, bring a Santa hat and start planning sandcastle competitions. You’ll either come out with a new holiday favorite or a story that gets better every time.
“Make Your Partner Look Good”: Giving the Gift of Shine
One of the best improv tricks is making your partner look good. Can you apply the principle to the festive dinner table with the same gusto as the stage? It could well transform even the most awkward family reunion. Compliment the cousin who tried a recipe they definitely weren’t ready for, help grandma finish that joke she’s fumbling, and for the love of all that’s holy, cheer when your dad attempts to pronounce “chocolat chaud” with his take on a French accent. Giving everyone a moment in the limelight brings out the best in the bunch, and makes you feel like an unspoken MVP.
“Sometimes You’re the Meat, Sometimes You’re the Potatoes”
In improv, sometimes you’re the star, sometimes you’re the humble background player. The holidays are the same—sometimes you’re recounting tales of those sweet sweet Valais ski pistes to an enraptured crowd, and sometimes you’re just…there, nodding while Aunt Mildred tells you the same story she told last year. Embracing your inner potato allows you to let others have their moment, knowing that when it’s your turn to shine, they’ll (hopefully) be there nodding and smiling too.
“And Scene!”
If all else fails, remember that January is just around the corner. No matter what happens, the holidays will soon be over. You’ll call “And scene!” on the family drama, wave goodbye, and be back to your Geneva life. And who knows? You might even miss the chaos… just a little
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- Improv Comedy Tips for Surviving the HolidaysAwkward family reunion? We got your back!