Far from Family - What do you do for the holidays?

i moved across country (1600 miles) 3 1/2 years ago, this christmas will be the first holiday that i have been able to go back and see my family since my move. the past three christmas' i usually call them on the holiday, mail gifts in time to be there for christmas, and send cards, tucking in a letter. i have also been fortunate to spend the holiday with my s/o and his family, which made me feel at home. my oldest daughter spent thanksgiving and christmas with us in '06, her hubby was deployed in iraq that year. i also keep some traditions going that my family always shared, which helps.

I am facing the problem even now. I am staying several miles from my family. I am staying alone here. I normally visit some shopping complex. Some times i do shopping but not always. I sleep for long hours on holidays as i will be tired by working in the working days. If holidays are too long i will stick on to my computer and start browsing and chatting with my friends. But nothing will give me the happiness which i get when i am with my family.

I really do not do much for the holidays, I like to go out and have dinner with my boyfriend, and my son and that is about it.

I completely understand what you are going thru. Let me fill you in a little. I use to live right next to my parents. And the farest I moved away from home was a mile when I got my first apartment. Then I moved back into there house because they had to live with my grandma right next door. I lived there for three years and finally we sold the house. My parents are still trying to sell there house. It's been two years since I moved about 900 miles away from them. I use to live in Ny and Now I live in SC. Now the family I got is my husband. Luckily we are going back up for Thanksgiving but Christmas we won't be able too. So his whole family 6 siblings and the rest of the family about 50 or so will be all getting together. And we been saving every penny now for about three weeks and praying we will have enough money to get up there. So i understand what your going thru. IT's hardier thru the holidays without family near by. Well it's hard all the time knowing my family is that far away from me and my sister is in TN. I just miss it up there sometimes well most times.

I'm going to be home alone for holidays. I feel sorry for you though, best wishes!