Get ready, it's coming. Just because you are related doesn't mean you get along. But it might mean you will be seeing them in just a few days for Christmas. I don't have any advice for you. I am not going to tell you to tie one on so you don't care. I won't say to bury your nose in a newspaper, or wear your earbuds whether you are listening to something or just tuning out. Turn the other cheek, keep a low profile, keep your thoughts to yourself...these all might work. But they might not. Just remember as we walk up to the dinner table that nothing is forever, including the meal. Try to have a moment, try to bask in the light of the tree. Or try to deal in the wonder of the absurdity of it, that you ain't going to get along with everyone. My brother Mitch calls it the "Asshole Rule." That is, no matter who you are, no matter how much of a saint you actually might consider yourself, when you walk in the room, one person in there is going to think you are an asshole. What are you going to do? That's life. What do they say, "Butter wouldn't melt...?

Even with our best intentions, sometimes things get out of hand anyway. The general rule has to be 'be true to your heart,' and if your intentions are pure and not spiteful, you at least know you didn't mean to hurt anyone. The golden rule helps too. Does anyone even remember what that is anymore? Do unto others...? Ah, but we have a fine example of the conundrum rendered in song. Paul Thorn nails it down right and tidy with a bit of homespun philosophy to put it in perspective. It is a tune off Paul's most recent album, Pimps and Preachers, which we recorded on the Music Fog bus this past May at the Cherokee Creek Music Festival just north of Llano, TX. "I Don't Like Half the Folks I Love." Ahem, and Amen.

- Jessie Scott