Jimmy Hamby of Backroom BBQ

Jimmy Hamby holds the bar down at Barley's most nights, but we caught up with him during his Wednesday gig at Backroom BBQ, where he graciously offered us advice for surviving the holidays.

Questions for our bartenders can be sent to dawson@knoxvoice.com.

Every year we go to my wife's parents for Christmas. I don't like them, and they don't like me, and this is apparent to everyone, including my wife, but she still insists I go. I'm thinking of faking sickness this year, but I can't do that every year. How can I get out of this situation that is unpleasant for everyone?

I feel for you. But you have to keep your wife's happiness in check because it ultimately means yours. Go for the important things like dinner, gift exchange and a little socializing, then go somewhere to be alone with your wife. It will be over before you know it. Be a man, stick it out, and if you have to, take a flask.

As a bartender, do you notice that people really do drink more around the holidays. Why do you think that is?

Yes. It helps lubricate the wheels of the season. Plus, it helps people forget how much money they've spent.

Is it kosher to buy Christmas gifts for my Jewish friends, or will they be offended? But what if they get me a gift and I don't get them anything?

Sure, get them a gift if you want. It's a thoughtful gesture. If you decide not to and they get you something, say, “I didn't think you celebrated Christmas.”

Christmas is the only time of year my entire family gets together. My brother, who lives on the West Coast, is a raging drunk, and we need to have an intervention for him. This is the only time to do it as a group, but things could get ugly, and it could ruin the holiday for the children in the family. Should we choose a better time or address this problem now?

Whatever you do, don't include the kids in an intervention. Take a flask for the hard times, but keep it away from him.