My parents are divorced. As a kid this was not much of a problem. My dad lived right nextdoor for many years. And I got 2 set of gifts for Christmas, and my Birthday. Holidays would often alternate where we would initaly be but usualy we would end up at the other parents' place by the end of the day. Now I'm moved out and live an hour from both of them.
So the conundrum. I just found around 10:30am my Mom will be in Springfield for the Holiday. Where as just Sunday night had I confirmed my attendance at my Dad's place in Salem.
I haven't seen my Mom in close to 6 months and haven't seen that side of the family in who knows how long now. I haven't seen my Dad in 3-4 months, the extended family won't be present in Salem so it doesn't matter how long it's been since I have seen them.
I love both my parents. But I connect much better with my dad and feel much more comfortable there as well, also with his side of the family (but that is not a factor today). I could spend many a word speculating as to the whys and whats about this but it doesn't really matter.
The events are happening at diffrent times. So I may be able to swing both. Assuming I can find my Aunt and Uncle's place in Springfield. But having to do both is a lot more stress than I feel it is worth. But one has to do what one has to do.
Posted by Ben at November 15, 2005 01:41 PMi totally understand all the mixed up family nonsense. holidays always suck, and this year i'm skipping the holidays completely. no way i'm paying to fly down to CA just to have a crappy time.
Posted by: bonnie on November 15, 2005 04:21 PMChristmas 2003 was hell for me. Ernesto's parents had just divorced, and so are mine (this was when I was still talking to my dad), so we split Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day between the four of them. The total travel distance was close to 400 miles, methinks.
This year, I am throwing my annual Christmas party. That's about all that concerns me. Thanksgiving and I do not get along on any level, so I don't have to worry about that, either.
Go where you will be happiest.
Posted by: Kala on November 15, 2005 05:04 PM