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Mountain Views News Saturday, December 20, 2025FOOD - DRINK - FUN 99 
Mountain Views News Saturday, December 20, 2025FOOD - DRINK - FUN 
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Christmas Rules 

(Still Holding Up) 2025) 

By Peter Dills 

My dear old departed father used to remind me often: 
“Don’t argue sex, politics, or religion—you’ll never win.” 
Smart advice then. Even smarter now. 

I wrote this piece several years ago, not long after mydad passed, and after rereading it recently, I realized 
something—it still holds up. So no, it’s not too late to pass 
it along (wink) before you head to Cousin Bob’s house… or 
Aunt Kathy’s cat den—oops, I mean house. 

The holidays mean time with loved ones… and the loved ones who quietly test our 
patience. I still don’t argue politics at family gatherings. That said, I will happily discuss 
the NFL coaching carousel—because unlike politics, everyone agrees the referees are 
terrible. (Rams) 

A few reminders from my personal holiday rulebook: 

Ask for help, but don’t expect it. 
Families are never fair. Work is never evenly divided. Someone always disappears when 
it’s time to clear plates. I go in prepared to do everything—and pleasantly surprised 
when I don’t. Keeping score is a guaranteed way to ruin the mood. 

You don’t have to be right about everything. 
Holiday gatherings turn sour when someone needs to win every conversation. Of 
course, I am right about most things—but that doesn’t mean I need to prove it between 
bites of stuffing. 

Ease up on the criticism. 
Public criticism—of a spouse, a sibling, or a child—is a mood killer. Holidays aren’t the 
time for life coaching. If something truly needs to be said, take it private and keep it 
respectful. 

Sit down and enjoy the moment. 
If you’re doing most of the work, remember to stop and join the party. Dinner doesn’t 
have to be on the dot. I try to spend a few minutes one-on-one with each person—real 
conversation, not just “How’s work?” That’s where the good stuff lives. 

Drink smart. 
I don’t drink at home, but I do enjoy a cocktail at parties. The key is knowing your limit. 
Too much holiday cheer has a way of turning minor annoyances into major productions. 

Remember: we’re all turning into our parents. 
The very things that drive us crazy about our mothers and fathers are probably baked 
into us, too. It’s just easier to spot in someone else. 

Pro Tip: Don’t bring an entrée unless you’re asked. 
Trust me—I learned that one the hard way. 

If this helps you survive one family gathering with a little more patience and a little less 
stress, then my work here is done. 

Happy Holidays—and good luck at Cousin Bob’s. email me thechefknows@yahoo.com 

Peter A. Dills 

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