It is that time of year again with holiday event after holiday event. Whether you are looking forward to it or not, everyone can envision ways that dinners and parties go wrong without the proper etiquette.

Here are just a few key things to keep in mind as you move through the next month or so to prevent you from being that party pooper:

1. Avoid controversial topics – Although it’s sometimes hard, try your best to actively avoid topics that you know will rile someone up. If someone else does it, try to disrupt it with something positive or silly before it gets out of hand. One key point to remember: you can’t change anyone’s behavior or opinion, but you can be a role model and show respect for everyone’s opinion.
2. Assist the host – If you didn’t cook the meal, you should be helping clan up the meal. As much as it is nice to go one holiday without doing the dirty work, showing kindness to your host goes a long way.
3. Focus on what you can control – go in with manageable expectations. Going to a family party, the expectations should be seeing your family, a few new faces and having a good dinner. old serenity prayer – sit down or arrive with no agenda
4. Know when the party is over – If the refills have stopped, most of the families with little ones have gone home, and the kitchen helpers are putting away leftovers, it’s time to bid adieu.
5. Say Thank You – Not just your sister-in-law that’s hosting Christmas Eve, but everyone you interact with this holiday season. Many people go overlooked and overworked during this gift-giving month so give a well-deserved thank you to store clerks, sales associates, and baristas too.