Once again, we find ourselves smack dab in the middle of silly season. Over indulgence is the word of the month. I know from personal experience that by the time the last week of December hits, I’ve got at least a month of dieting to look forward to.

Our local TV station ran a special on this very topic late last week. They urged people to eat carrots, celery and other assorted veggies instead of chips, dip and the usual party fare. Of course alcohol abuse was high on their list. Some people just don’t handle it well. We’ve all seen them. At the office party, they’re usually the first to do the speed wobble, the first to slur, the first to corner the boss (or worse, the boss’s wife) and the first to wind up worshipping the great white toilet bowl. Ouch.

Of course the big problem these days is the ride home. We all know the consequences of drinking and driving. The good news is that more and more people are planning for this part of the evening. Enter the designated driver or taxi.

I was famous for using the 50/50 formula when travelling to and from parties. I’d drive there and my wife would drive home. It was a great solution that worked for years since she’d limit herself to a glass of wine.

The 50/50 rule is still in effect but for some reason, she keeps track now. Everyone knows whose turn it is to drive by what time I want to leave. Sooner than later means I drew the short straw and I’m driving home. For all you designated drivers, no one blames you.

After all, how many times can you listen to the same person tell you the same thing, over and over again? A party can be like a night in the Groundhog Day movie when you’re sober as a judge.

Then there’s the person who has way too much fun. They can be the life of the party and that certainly doesn’t make them a bad person. The host usually gets a phone call the next day with an apology (especially if it involves breaking a glass.)

I don’t know who feels worse, the person making the call or the host receiving it. I try not to call before noon.

Lets face it, a local TV report isn’t going to change who we are. I say enjoy the holiday season, no drinking and driving, and we can all look forward to the same behaviour next year. Enjoy!

– Rob Wilkins is the publisher of Truck News and he can be reached at 416-510-5123.