It seems like every year someone has to open their big pie hole and bring up one of the following that either embarrasses someone or starts an argument.

This is a small list that seems to cause trouble amongst the larger families.

1. Leave the POLITICS, namely the President, out of ALL conversations.

2. No discussing of ex-girlfriends or boyfriends. My mom is good for starting this one. "I wonder how so and so is doing? Have you spoken to so and so? I sure miss so and so." She even called my wife, before we were married, by my ex's name at the dinner table. That went over like a fart in church. She did the same thing to my brother too.

3. Limit the alcohol unless the person(s) drinking it is a mute.

4. No discussion of religion if their is a mixed crowd of different religions.

Does anyone else have any DO NOTS for the family gatherings?

Don't feed the dog from the table.  ;D

Show up.

Don't gift wrap the family jewels, even for a laugh. Those ribbons cut like razors( Personal Experience)

Don't gift wrap the family jewels, even for a laugh. Those ribbons cut like razors( Personal Experience)

For some odd reason I believe you..

Don't poop your pants at the dinner table unless everyone has already eaten.

Show up.

Lol.....thats good. ;D

Don't gift wrap the family jewels, even for a laugh. Those ribbons cut like razors( Personal Experience)

This falls under the category of over sharing  

Leave the family out of it. ;D

Show up.

Amen. That's why my wife and I are staying home today.

Try to reason with a twelve year old daughter going through, ahem, how can I put this, "changes", when she is less than thrilled with some of her gifts. Hormones 1, Mom and Dad 0 :

Buy someone an ipod that has a lot of CD's but little computer knowledge. I spent 6 hours loading CD's onto my computer yesterday for my dad. But, he is very happy with it so it makes it worth while.

I slipped a few songs that he hates in there too.  ;D

Buy someone an ipod that has a lot of CD's but little computer knowledge. I spent 6 hours loading CD's onto my computer yesterday for my dad. But, he is very happy with it so it makes it worth while.

I slipped a few songs that he hates in there too. ;D

That applies to anything electronic.  The last two years, we have gotten my in-laws electronics.  Last year a digital camera, this year a digital frame.

Over the last year I've fielded a great many 'what does this do' calls.  Doesn't help any that until fall 07, neither of them had ever used a computer.

Be surprised when your daughter realizes that everyone else has become sick and tired of the alcohol induced, self-important posturings of her new husband and drags the blithering idiot home.  We are all very thankful to her for her wisdom.