I don't remember ever sewing on a holiday gathering, but I don't see anything wrong with it either. The main reason I haven't is because I am usually too tired. But I have sat and crocheted in the evening to relax. When I go to family homes for dinner, I usually take something to work on because I can get nervous if there is something for me to do, so i have it in case I need it. The biggest problem is having the right amount of light for sewing when I am not at home. (I do have a light to wear around my neck if absolutely necessary, and it travels with me, but some people take exception to it.)