I use a masher to make mashed potatoes. The only person I knew to use a mixer made mashed potatoes that were almost unedible - they had the texture of glue. Maybe mixed too long?
Prior to her divorce, we did have to share holidays with our older daughter's inlaws. I would expect that to happen and wouldn't pressure our kids to not have time with their other family. Since the divorce, believe it or not, holidays have gotten harder and messier.
Pretty much all of the rest depends on who and when. We're pretty casual.
AngelaS, your comment about the charcuterie board made me giggle. DH and I do a charcuterie board for dinner once a week or so. At the last one, I wondered aloud why we call it that now. It used to just be a snack tray!