You’ve gotta love holiday parties — good friends, good cheer and good bubbly this weekend put me in a spirited mood. It got me thinking that this “Patch In” installment should be a little softer around the edges, in honor of the holidays.

So, as the last couple of columns were a bit more controversial, today’s piece will avoid (almost) all reference to anything controversial: no positions on race, sexual orientation or politics.

Instead, let’s try for a little humor and lightheartedness, shall we?

For my job I spend a good deal of time online. I regularly check a wide variety of news and pop culture sources, I like to stay up on what people are talking about on Facebook and Twitter, and I’m a rabid link-clicker and re-poster.

So I thought I’d brush up on my suggested rules of ‘netiquette’ to keep in mind about the way I’d like to behave online — whether it’s in digital print within my own Patch columns or as I interact on social media and other comment sites.

It’s also a suggested starter list I’m more than happy to share with you.

Please don’t think of them as ‘resolutions’; it’s a little early to think about the New Year, especially as we still have the major Judeo-Christian holidays to get through. So let’s just consider them funny guidelines to live by in my column, on Facebook, online and in the wacky world of modern electronic communication.

Listen Up, Patch Peeps! I solemnly promise to never again use the word “peeps” on Facebook, Twitter, in print, or in an email. I don’t think human beings should share a nomenclature with neon, edible, marshmallow Easter fowl.

Krossed-out Kardashian: Words that start with ‘C’ should never be spelled to start with a ‘K’ when linked to the name ‘Kardashian.’ For example, let’s refer to the recently opened Kardashian Khaos boutique in Las Vegas. It’s your source for beach towels featuring pictures of the multi-untalented sisters as well as other nauseating all-things Kardashian.

Here’s a charitable corollary: If you buy any Kardashian-branded merchandise, you have to donate an amount equal to or greater to an organization that helps US Service men and women—people who make a much more important contribution to the world than the Kardashians could ever imagine doing.

Should I or shouldn’t I? Let’s consider never using the phrase “you should … ” I really try to be conscious of writing from my perspective about how I live and what I do. I hope readers can relate to the way I explore the lessons that I’ve learned about myself or that I try to teach my children. I try to resist the temptation to lecture anyone else with any sentiment that begins with the words, “You should …”

Especially if you’re considering commenting on one of my columns, you should take the same approach.

Does it pass the mom test? Speaking of commenting on my columns or anyplace else, what would your mom think about what you just wrote? Before clicking “send,” “publish” or “reply,” consider what your mom would say if she read your comments. Is it hateful? Kind? Would she approve? It’s fabulous to argue your point of view passionately, but perhaps it can be done without hostility, especially if dear old mom wouldn’t like what you had to say.

And while you’re at it, consider using your real name rather than a pseudonym. Not only will you be elevating your contribution to the discussion by putting your name behind what you say you believe in, you’ll make your momma proud when she sees your name in print!

Laughter is the best ‘net-icine’: Last year I made a “Facebook Free Friday” pledge, promising to give myself a once-a-week break from the addictive social network site. But I can’t stay away, I just can’t! I need to know where you’ve put your elf-on-a-shelf! I must see the latest video of your new puppy! I gotta know what you’re listening to on Spotify!

Instead of banning myself, I’m going to turn this coming year’s Fridays into “Friday Facebook Foolery.” FB friends be forewarned: now, my Fridays will be all about posting funny videos, links and inspirational posts.

To get an early start, just check out this viral video that just started making the Facebook rounds. It’s a candy-cane sweet video of some Kansas senior citizens doing a flash mob dance and lip synch in the middle of a local Target during peak holiday shopping time. It’s more adorable than any kitten video that you’ve ever seen, and definitely a good mood-lifter, any day of the week.

Which brings me to Lighten Up, Francis! I’m going to try not to take myself so seriously. The two most important letters in www stand for “world wide.” We now have such an immediate view of the wider world and our appreciation should be such that we realize just how lucky we are. With sharing, viewing and accessing so much, much more, we can remember we’re part of something much, much bigger than our own little private Idaho.

Case in point: consider the news to which we awoke on Monday morning — an already uncertain situation in North Korea just got a whole lot more unstable. We have a freedom the North Koreans certainly don’t and their lives—and ours too — are much more unsure today after the news of Kim Jong Il’s death.

It’s an example that reminds us we have such fortune even in our own particular, personal troubles. The Internet has shown us we are more linked now than ever. Where we can help, we should. When we can take pause, we should. And where we can use this amazing tool for good, over evil, we should too.

Yes, that last one had some ‘should’s. But I’m hoping you’ll let that one slide, considering I asked my mom if I could write it that way. 

Merry and Happy and Joy to all!