I don't want to share my holiday

[merrygoround51]

Background is.
We live near my family, they pop in all the time, we spend far more time with them than my DH family although we do see them regularly and there is no tension - everyone in very nice.

Each year we go on 2 hols, 1st our 2 week family holiday, 2nd a weeks staycation with DH family. Its a great opportunity for cousins to get together and play and wonderful memories for children etc.

I usually like to do our family holiday 'just us' but my DB is keen to share a week of our holiday.

We did it this year, no issues but I really do like that 2 weeks for us as a family and hate considering others when booking a venue etc

How do I get out of it next year without causing offense. We see my DB and his kids at least once a week - lots of dinners, days out etc whereas DH family is concentrated in that one week,

Just say no, you're spending time with husband and kids.

Kinky yes I can say that but then its pointed out that I do a week with DH side - I feel like I am carving up MY family time!

1 week your family time - you, DC, DH only.
second week - wider family invited, on both sides.

But the Op wants two weeks of family time which I think is fair enough. You are going to have just say no - you as a family need time together alone and tune out when they try to talk you round.

Well you either say no or go along with it then, we can't decide for you

Say you see your side of the family a lot, compared to DH’s side, so going on holiday with them evens it up. Say you can only do so much holiday, it’s nothing personal but you really want some uninterrupted time with DH and DC.

Is there an issue with DB’s family that makes him want to dilute with others there, or is he hoping for shared childcare, or bored with his DW as the only other adult to talk to? Or maybe he wants to reduce overall costs by sharing a cottage for example? Or maybe, given they are popping in all the time, are just not good at being by themselves?

I would just book it then tell them something like "ooo we just booked our holiday and are going X, im really looking forward to 2 weeks just us 4" if they say anything just say you didn't realise they would be bothered and apologise and leave it there.

I'd say what you've said here, that you see your own family much more often / regularly so this is where the holiday with DH's family evens it up. You're happy with your nuclear family only on the 2 week holiday so will stick to that.

Why is your brother so keen to join up on holiday? Is it a help with childcare thing?