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Going to my girlfriend’s grandparents for Christmas dinner and meeting them for the first time. She told me what to wear, to leave my baseball cap at home, and to buy her grandmother a box of chocolates, but what else do I need to know?

–B.L., Charleston, SC

Rise to the occasion by arriving on time with a gift for the hostess and shake hands with your hosts. Make yourself a self-sustaining guest by hanging up your coat — leaving your cellphone off and in your coat pocket — and pitch in. Ask, “What can I do to help?”

Circulate and make a point of talking to the other guests. To catch up on what’s going on in the world, whether it is the fall of the Russian ruble, cyber spying from North Korea, or the opening of Cuba, catch the buzz at theSkimm.com.

During dinner, stand up from your seat and make a very short toast such as one of these:

Here’s to the day of good will, cold weather, and warm hearts!

Joy to the world — and especially to all of you!

Peace and plenty for many a Christmas to come!

~Didi