T-Mobile today released the results of a new survey on mobile communications during the holiday season, which found that cell phones are creating "new family dynamics at holiday dinners and family gatherings."

The survey found that 70 percent of young adults (ages 18-22) and 56 percents of parents say they've made or answered wireless calls during a holiday gathering -- and 35 percent of young adults say they've made or answered text messages or emails under the dinner table during a holiday gathering.

But 67 percent of parents and young adults say it's okay to do so -- and 73 percent say mobile phones can "improve the holidays by keeping people in touch with those not there in person."

"Being together for the holidays remains important to parents and kids alike, but access to wireless devices creates an interesting balancing act for families," says Dr. tracy Wellens, T-Mobile USA's vice president of consumer insights. "For example, while parents want to support their kids staying connected with friends who can't join them at holiday events, ensuring their kids are 'fully present' at these special gatherings often requires setting ground rules in advance."

Communication expert Laurie Puhn offers the following tips for holiday cell phone etiquette:

1. Don't isolate yourself at a holiday gathering to make private calls or text message under the table. Do include other people at the gathering by putting your cell phone on speaker to call your favorite faraway relatives or friends so everyone can share in the moment.

2. Don't give in to the pressure to answer your cell phone every time it rings. Do allow your voicemail to be your "personal secretary" and take the message for you.

3. Don't assume parents or grandparents aren't interested in staying connected with people by wireless phone or text messaging. Do take the time to show others how to use the latest innovations on wireless phones and devices.

4. Don't be a "conversation paratrooper" and suddenly bail out of a holiday chat just because a text message or mobile call has come in. Do make a positive impression by alerting your conversation partner in advance that you are expecting an important call or message and will need to excuse yourself when it happens.

5. Don't assume kids are wasting time by chatting or texting via their mobile device. Do show an active interest in the friends your kids are connecting with. Better still, encourage your kids to invite these friends over in person for the next holiday gathering.