The best gatherings are usually those where there is enough space to get away to be by oneself for a while and those that don't tend to go on endlessly for days. At times, a seemingly wonderful event can end with an unexplained hurt feeling or sudden eruption. Someone, usually innocently, says that one word or opinion too many and what had been a wonderful warm sense of eternal bliss flares into overt or covert chaos. If a version of this has happened in your family, don't feel guilty or badly about it. You are not alone or unique.
Real families do fight.
However, there are ways you can keep a family festival from turning into a family feud. Keep your expectations realistic. Plan ahead and bring what you need. Know whom you will get along with and stay away from sure fire explosive subjects. Visit for a reasonable time.