I used to not be so hip on them either. I would begin my fall with the obligatory manic frenzy and tank out before thanksgiving. Then my Mom died in October of 2010. Thank everything holy, I had just gotten married to the true love of my lives that prior August. While I thought it would be horrible...instead...it was easier. I wasn’t that close to either parent in any meaningful way for too many reasons to go into detail right now; but, it intrigued me how so much of my anxiety regarding what I felt as expectations on me, simply vanished. Since then, we have had pretty laid back holidays other than the year my sister AKA (Mom clone), decided to be dramatically offended by my highly satirical son in law. Well, to be fair, they do not get along, but, she just went into total theatrics and packed her and her (DAD clone) husband and left. Strange, eyebrow raised looks circled the room for a few seconds, then shrugs, and...merriment continued. So, I’m still investigating why so much was lifted with her death but it won’t bother me much if I never know for certain. I loved her. She was there even when she probably shouldn’t have been but now she’s moved on and so shall I.

I might suggest to talk to your hubby about making new, more laid back traditions. If the outside family is opposed, I say, FEAFEFE. Ahem...( f them and feed them fish eggs). You say it like this, in an outrageous French accent.... “Fee ah Fee Fee....Mon Chere’!” And turn around on your toes, then leave the room in a histrionic huff. I promise they will leave you alone after that.