Sock hop. (GL life: ASK LUCKY).

My parents are divorced, and I feel horrible during holidays. I have to take turns spending Christmas with them, and I hate it. My mom's remarried, and I'm supposed to go with her and my stepdad. I feel bad for my dad. How can I be sure he doesn't have a lonely holiday?

Holidays can be tricky for kids with divorced parents. But you have options. If your parents are on good terms, ask your mom if it's OK to invite your dad over for Christmas. If not, offer to divide your time. Maybe you could have Christmas Eve dinner with your mom and spend Christmas day with your dad, or vice versa? Or, what if you spend Christmas morning with your mom and have dinner with your dad? What you're shooting for is compromise. That way, you can spend cool yule time with both 'rents.

My BFF is having a huge New Year's Eve bash. I'm allowed to go, but my mom wants me home by 10:30 p.m.! How can I convince my mom to let me stay out past curfew just this one time--at least 'til midnight so I can see the ball drop?

Since it's New Year's Eve, hit Mom up for a special exception. Tell her you appreciate that she's letting you go but that you really want to stay out past curfew--with her approval, of course. Remind Mom you are a trustworthy gal (usually, staying out later is a trust issue). Pull your weight around the house, without being asked. Finish your homework, pick up your room, load the dishwasher. Hopefully, Mom will notice how responsible you are and might be willing to give you some leeway. Reassure her that your friend's parents will be home the entire time. Give her your pal's number so she can call the parental hosts. If getting home is an issue, tell her you'll call her at 10:30 to let her know you are OK, and then call her after the ball drops to let her know you're ready to head home. Or see if you can arrange a ride with a neighborhood pal. Can you sleep over at the hostess' house (some moms don't like their loved ones on the road on New Year's Eve)? If you're mature and reasonable about your approach, Mom might bend the rules this time. If not, make the best of the time you've got!

Every year, my aunt has a holiday party. But this year, my BFF's family is having a party the same day. I really wan to go to my friend's party. How do I let my family down without hurting their feelings?

I totally get why you want to hit your BFF's bash. But, this is the holiday season. Spending time with the fam is priority numero uno. Lots of parents get freaky when kids want to bail on any ol' family get-together; traditional family parties are a whole 'nother ball of wax. But don't get bummed quite yet. Could you bail a bit early from your aunt's and show up fashionably late to your friend's shindig? As long as you give Aunt Flo a big smooch and let Poppy pinch your cheeks, your family might let you skate out a bit early.

My new neighbors are Jewish, and they invited us over to celebrate one night of Hanukkah with them. I'm worried that I won't like the food. Or, that I'll do or say something to offend them. Help!

Experiencing new things can be a tad intimidating--but also pretty cool. It's great your neighbors invited your fam to share their special time. As for the food, nobody says you have to like everything on the table. Surely, they'll serve a big dinner and there will be some chow you like. Nobody should be ended if you give it a try and don't love it. Just don't announce, "Blech! What is this gefilte fish junk anyway?" Be polite, like you would as a guest anywhere. They won't expect you to know all their traditions, so look at it as a learning experience. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask your hosts. They'll probably be more than happy to explain things.