TECH NOW: Tech at the holiday table - just don't do it

• Set the Do Not Disturb on your iPhone, schedule tweets for later

For peace, love and understanding at the dinner table this holiday season, check your gadgets at the door. In today's TECH NOW, helpful tips for holiday unplugging.

Today everyone seems connected to a smartphone, gaming device, e-reader. Come on people: Have some eggnog. Kiss under the mistletoe. Put. Down. The gadgets.

One way to unplug during family time is to set the Do Not Disturb on your iPhone. Plus, all U.S. mobile phone carriers have parental controls that offer the ability to limit times when your kids can text or call.

If you need to make a call, go to a different room — but not the bathroom. Some 75% of people admit to using their phone there — a netiquette no-no and serious germ magnet.

Also, say "no" to tweeting your dinner. Give your newsfeed a break. Your friends, fans, and faithful followers are busy with their families too. Instead, schedule feel-good updates ahead of time through HootSuite or TweetDeck.

For peace love and understanding during the holidays, check your gadgets at the door. You'll be rewarded with cozy memories that linger well beyond 140 characters.

Jennifer Jolly is an Emmy award-winning consumer tech contributor and host of USA TODAY's new daily digital TECH NOW . Email her at techcomments@usatoday.com. Follow her on Twitter: @JenniferJolly.