I have come to a conclusion. As conclusions go, it’s not or gasp inspiring or earth shattering, but it is never the less a pretty decent conclusion. So what is it? Rather than let it continue to annoy you like a gnat or itch you cannot scratch I’ll just come out and say it — Alcohol is the Great Communicator.

Huh? Well its simple really. Some people are born communicators, its in their blood and even if you wanted to shut them up, you would fail miserably. Others it can be like pulling teeth. My German side of the family (Father) is notorious for never talking with each other.

I don’t think its a conscious decision on their part, I think it just never crosses their minds, like its something burned into their genetic code. My wife’s side of the family (Mother) are just as bad.

For a long time we have tried to come up with ways to get them talking. Everything from gentle nudging to open confrontation (which often didn’t go as planned). Recently at my wife’s family Christmas, alcohol was applied like never before. And not just any alcohol, but bourbon!

The sweet burn of burbon trickled down our throats and warmed our bellies, and loosened our collective lips. People started talking, really talking, and some interesting things were learned which might not have been said without that key element — Bourbon.

I have my family Christmas coming up in a few weeks, in addition to the presents and food items we will be bringing, something extra will be coming, I’ll let you guess what it will be.