Oh god, me too!!!!
I had and have a dysfunctional extended family.
This year I am ditching the thanksgiving festivities altogether.
I gave up all the Xmas hoopla long ago. We send money instead for kids and grandkids.
Holidays put the most pressure on women. I know ways to do all the shortcuts on doing a turkey dinner- gravy packets that come w the lil butterball small turkeys,yummy prepared mashed potatoes, etc. don’t be a slave to tradition. We women are supposed to enjoy these days, not be nervous wrecks like my mother always was. Potlucks are nice, but you still have to organize it all.
I have this horrible Walton’s complex that romanticIzes what families are supposed to be like. Perfect, of course. All those old tv shows presented perfect families and I think it really warped my thinking.
One year when I was going to be alone for the holidays, I invited people from a support group. That was a huge success.
Hang in there people. Be creative. Don’t be a slave to tradition. Hugs!