The holidays can be rough...

the seeming obligation to interact with people who throughout the year don't have much to say to us or about us unless they are gossiping with "auntie jane", "uncle ****" or "cousin susie" about us or our immediate family can be a dreaded occasion. For families that are not close knit ( are there any besides the ones on TV???) it can be a tense encounter. Celebrate the people who matter most to you around the holidays and don't let "GRANDMA GRUMPENSTEIN" ruin your time. I'm not suggesting you call her out on her manipulative negative behavior, just focus on the people you want to connect with and shower them with goodwill, and smile sympathetically AT THE INDIVIDUALS WHO CANNOT PUT THEIR RESERVATIONS AND ATTITUDES ASIDE IN THE SPIRIT OF the holiday season. It is their loss.

(SORRY about the Caps, I didn't mean to shout. Must have hit cap lock by accident!)

Glad you are going to channel your energies towards being creative to cope with missing your sister, and glad you had the opportunity to connect with her and put your mind a little at ease.

Peace to You.

-Breezer