I think that for those who get along ith their families it is wonderful to be together with them, and for me, every once in a while is great, as long as I keep my expectations down to realistic. I love seeing my nieces and nephew and seeing how much they have grown. But every holiday with my folks and siblings is too much. I have to have time with just my kids and husband, too. There is too much dysfunction in both our families of origin to be constantly trying to battle them on the holidays.

In time, our son will have to make the same choices, and i hope I am smart enough to see that. Christmas alone or with firends can be jst as healing and special in a way, I think. Happy new Year, and I'm glad you had a nice Christmas without the relatives! HUGGGGSSSSSS!