To be happy we are on our own?

[FlyMaybe]

Just that really.

Both my lovely parents died a long time ago. My ILs were not so lovely. Controlling, argumentative drunks.

MIL passed away 7yrs ago, FIL died last winter.

Although we miss him, we are a lot more relaxed this year. No worrying about how drunk he will be when he shows up, no worrying about whether he will take offence at an innocuous remark, no more worrying how much I need to hide from my D.C.

AIBU to be glad we are on our own for once?

why would it be unreasonable? I don't understand the question

YANBU

We're on our own this year, it has been utter bliss.

Lie in, mimosa, unwrapping gifts in our own time. Got a non-traditional lunch in the oven, Radio 5 live.

I love our respective families, but it has been very nice not to have to ferry ourselves around this year

Not unreasonable at all
It's just DP, DD and me this year and it's bliss!
We haven't lost anyone, just family falling out on his side and my family are miles away

No, YANBU.

MIL and SFIL died many years ago. We no longer have to worry about their drunken, violent entanglements.

My 'D'Ps liv in foreign climes! So we have no fear of them visiting - that and they've already been this year [we survived]

After about 15 years of NC with DHs siblings we had some contact this year - their lives are one great big soap opera at the moment, but we will go back to simply ignoring them once the festive season is over

Don't feel guilty for not feeing guilty! That. as we found out, is a mug's game!

Yanbu at all.

Up until this year I spent at least one day with the in-laws making polite small talk and feeling like I should apologise for where I live (in one of the poorest towns in the country, in-laws are in a well to do seaside town) this year I've changed my circumstances in a major way and I've had a lovely relaxed day chilling with a few glasses of wine while helping cook Christmas dinner. It's been awesome so far. Enjoy your peaceful day.

YANBU

Just because people are dead doesn’t mean they’re saints. They were real people with real flaws just like all of us.

Enjoy a relaxed Christmas with DH and DC

I wish we were on our own this year. UADNBU.

YANBU at all. Just because someone is family doesn't mean they're good people to have in your life. I hope people reading this don't think you can only appreciate being on your own once someone is dead. We all have the right to cut toxic people out and respect our own boundaries/enjoy our own company :)

My dad has done literally nothing but moan and sleep in the chair. Hes the same every year and i dread it. He didn't like dinner now has the hump because we aren't staying over. The house is minging full of dust and dog hair and my kids are wheezing. We slept over last night and it was shit.

We are on our own too and having a lovely time, so far I'd go so far as to say it's been perfect. My mum and both DHs parents both still alive and we both have siblings but no everyone is scattered all over the UK and no-one ever bothers to to travel at Christmas. It's much less stressful.

I love my quiet Christmasses. We used to have to travel to the inlaws, there was always a drama. My MIL, now deceased, lovely woman etc but she needed to be centre of attention and when she had a drink, watch out. We stay put these days. Get up latesish, presents, leisurely bath with nice products, Buck Fizz, dinner, nice coffee and after dinner mints. Currently watching Oliver for the 100th time, and will have a buffet and more booze later. What's not to like. Don't you dare feel guilty.

Thank you all so much. We've been 'under the cosh' for a long time. I was feeling quite guilty until I read your posts.

Hope you all have a wonderful peaceful Christmas.

YANBU We have hosted every year for as long as I remember. Just us this year and it’s been bliss

No you're not. I'm on my own (well, with the cat) this year through choice. Third solo Christmas. All the family with young children are overseas and me and my folks have agreed that driving halfway across the country at this time of year is a bit daft. Turns out they had been thinking the same for several years so it was a huge relief when I broached it.

In the run up to Christmas a few friends always double check I really don't want to come to them, which I do appreciate and some think I'm a bit odd. That is until about 6pm when I get a flurry of texts wishing they could do what I do and swearing they won't get caught next year trying to feed 10 people and make them all happy whilst they themselves end up feeling knackered, unappreciated and resentful. And then by September they're already back on the treadmill.

I do offer an escape route service if things go hideously wrong - my friend was punched in the face by his sister last year. His partner dropped me a text and I replied that he should feel free to tell the in laws that I had become unwell (they already think I'm weird because I didn't remarry) and they wanted to check in on me. We had a big pot of tea and watched a film. They then went back to carry on their day and I had scrambled egg on toast.

Sorry for the lengthy reply, but I keep seeing threads from people who are devastated to be alone today so I have been keeping quiet!