Have you ever sat at a 4-way stop with folks who can't figure out who goes next? Have you played a game with someone who doesn't, or worse, won't learn the rules? Have you witnessed the chaos and rage that happens when people didn't know, or refuse to follow, the simple rules of standing in line to check out at a store or enter a concert venue? ⁠

Maddening madness. Anarchy. Mayhem. ⁠

All of which is avoided when everyone knows the rules and follows them.⁠

And that's all etiquette is, folks. A simple, agreed-upon set of rules and guidelines that keep everyone on an even keel, knowing what to do and when.⁠

"But, but don't these rules make the stressful holiday season harder?" No, the same way the rules of 4-way stops and roundabouts make them better than everyone just deciding when they want to go makes driving harder.⁠

"Why can't I just do what I want?!" Because other people exist, that's why. Because they have to plan too. It's the same reason you don't get to make up all the rules for Monopoly while you're playing the game. Some rules may make it harder, but all the players know what they are. ⁠

Knowing holiday etiquette makes your life easier, not harder. Following holiday etiquette makes other people's lives easier, not harder. It adds peace to what can be a chaotic time of year.⁠

And isn't that part of what the season of love, joy, and giving is all about? Give the gift of peace, both to yourself and to everyone else.