How far will you go?

Hi, catdla1. You are doing the same as I. I am just going to stay home. My cousin wants me to come over to my grandmother's house for Christmas, but I am very reluctant on going over there. There is some friction going on. I want to put it past me but I don't feel comfortable being around my family after they have bad mouthed me to my own sister. So, I feel like I am not wanted even though I am welcomed to come over. That is what I dislike most about the holidays, having to be around judgmental people that call themselves my family.

Christmas is a great time to get the whole family together no matter what. Families are families and they always will be your family. I know some folk make it hard for others but someone has to say STOP so that you can at least try and enjoy Christmas together. Peace be with you and I hope you find some joy.

I'm sorry that you're having problems with your family. It certainly isn't fun to be the subject on malicious gossip (no matter how well intentioned) within the family. If this has been going on for a while, it sounds like you probably just want to stop sharing any information with them that they can turn around and use to gossip about you. If a family member asks questios about things you don't want to talk about you are certainly within your rights to say, "I prefer not to discuss that". Just because they are family, doesn't mean they have a guaranteed right to your private business. If you change your mind and visit with the family for at least part of the day, try to keep conversation light and away from subjects they have no business talking about. If you do opt to stay home, I hope they get the message, and that relationships can be rebuilt into something more respectful towards you. MsTickle is correct in believing that families should be able to set aside differences and get along at least for holiday events like Christmas. Sometimes I know that it's almost impossible to do, especially if the family if confrontational. It's really sad, because as upsetting as these differences are, too soon family members are gone from us. Then we look back and wish they could be around again....even if it was for one more argument.

I'm glad that you are all closer now and can be together more easily. Have a warm and wonderful Christmas.

Thanks, Yep up a holler and up a big hill, that has to be walked up and down..and we have a snow on this time right now. We ended up with 10 inches and more is coming in by Christmas day. Well, rain this the snow..so it will be slick. I will be happy to just spend time with the family and make snow angels and have snowball fights and make a snowman..I usually do the dinner.. I did thanksgiving also when my parents and my older sister and nieces was staying with me..I always stock up on food and start buying what I need a few months ahead that won't ruin. makes things easier.

Sorry rain turning into snow..mixed..then more snow..says we will end up with a total of maybe 22 inches of snow altogether.

That's right...you live in a holler. Cash is short for me too as I just had major car repairs. I was lucky to get a bit of work just before Christmas so I could replace at least some of the funds. Luckily, my daughter is this year paying for all the big ticket items like meat and drinks. It's very hard for a single person to all of a sudden have to find the money to lay out a feast for 4 extra people who are staying for 4 - 5 days. I hope you have some visitors and that your Christmas is just beautiful. Hugs to you and best wishes from your Aussie friend.

You'll all be together quicker Polly. I hope you are in a warm place or able to keep warm. Enjoy the time with your family and very best wishes to you for a wonderful 2010.

Thanks so much for your well wishes. Its been cold here where I live, but I do have heat in the house. We have had snow a few times too. Its winter time, where I live we have all 4 seasons, and the seasons are normal seasons. Take care and have fun, eat good food too. I will be cooking dinner. The kids will smell it and come running.

It's a stinking hot summer here and we are desperate for rain...December is a month when we can normally receive a good rainfall but it hasn't happened this year and we are running out of time.

One older and one younger. Had to drag them both after me through the snow...

That's quite a journey...I'm glad you had the company. I hope your Christmas is just wonderful. Hope you make the return journey safely.

I came to congratulate you. :) That is quite informative. :) Younger sister or older sister spartan? Hope she took good care of the little cub. :) LOL.

Travel safely my friend....you and the hubs. Have a blessed Yule and I hope the snow melts for you. Tell your family your Aussie friend will be raising a glass to them on Christmas day. Brightest blessings my friend.

I'm coming to your place Alice...woohoo!

Travel safely Gabs...no sneezing on Mum Gissi. Merry Christmas to you Gabs, Gissi too and also your son and daughter. Have a lovely time and be well.

yes a very wonderful son and DIL

What a good son he is. Sounds like you have everything well organised. Have yourselves a wonderful time now.

Hi Abby. Sounds like you will be busy enjoying yourselves. My daughter is here now...sleeping. We are all set for a lovely Christmas I think...except for the heat...it's dreadful. Hope your visit is joyful and that you arrive home safely again. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

I'm sure you will make it safe and sound..a little nervousness will keep you safe. This is the second time the family has been here in the 4 years I've lived here. Last year was a lot of fun. I think spending the night is a great idea...things are not so rushed and you can make the most of it all. Have a warm and wonderful visit with your family this Christmas dear friend.

Merry Christmas littleowl dear. I've spent a couple of Christmases on my own and I didn't mind at all. Of course I made myself roast turkey which I love so Christmas wasn't a total loss. When I was a child we would go to my aunt's for Boxing Day lunch. It was always a very special day for us....some fond memories there.

I've just been over on Fb behind you on Irish's Christmas post...lol. Is "the Donner Party" something memorable? It sounds vaguely familiar. I thought Nevada was desert country??? As in really hot like it is here.

My daughter loves to drive the distance to visit with me. She has a managerial position in the city so getting out on the country roads feels really good to her. It would be a pain to have to fly...so many things seem to go wrong when people try to fly at Christmas. My daughter will be here for 5 days so she will have time to relax. Her hubby does odd jobs for me while he's here...he likes to be needed. I'm very lucky.

Hi kelly. A white Christmas - how wonderful. Wishing you lots of joy and a safe journey through the snow. I've never seen snow...it's very hot here and we are expecting and wishing hard for some rain. Happy Christmas to you.

Thankyou very much wolfie and the same to you dear one. Big hug.

Wow zandi...sounds fantastic! I'm sure there will be some wonderful times at your Mum's house. Travel safely and enjoy yourself. Merry Christmas dear.

I'm sure it will be lots of fun...I envy you. Stay safe and have fun.

My daughter once said to me..."Christmas is what you make it" and ever since then, even when I have been totally alone, I make it special. Family makes it absolutely special. I hope your Christmas is everything you make it be.

Thankyou Wizzywig...same to you mate. Travel safely now...ok? Cheers.

You'll need to be organised...think of all those hello and goodbye hugs you can give and receive...marvellous!!