My parents and brother have usually come over to stay at ours for the Xmas holidays, travelling all the way from Southern Europe where they live. Never reciprocated the invitation, but alas.
This year DM announces they might not come this year, because DH's mum might be around and they don't like her. They'd rather come another time. I explained I don't have a lot of annual leave and I can't just make free time if they decide to visit outside the holidays. Despite my protestations, instead of coming here, they decided to go to the US with my brother who has just graduated, just before Christmas.
Now DD keeps asking about when she can next see her grandparents, they gave her a book where grandparents visit at Christmas and she's been talking about it for months. Part of me feels relieved at avoiding family drama, but I just feel sad for her! I don't get a lot of help from my side of the family, any at all if that, and it saddens me a bit they can't make time for their only grandchild during the holidays.
Am I being unreasonable - should I just enjoy a blissful holiday without family complications?