The practice and theory of deciding which family a couple must visit during holidays throughout the year. More narrowly, it's achieving and exercising a position of power with both your
significant other,
your family, and his/her family to ideally get as much of what you want without
disturbing the family dynamic.
Martin and Jane are working through the holitics of Christmas this year. They spent New Year's at his Mom's house, but she also wants
Christmas Day. Jane's family wants
Christmas Day as well, and so she suggests they spend
Christmas Eve at his family. Martin, knowing Jane's mom will make life a holy hell if she gets snubbed, agrees.