I'd happily go home now

[Confused228]

Done 3 hours with family, I'd happily go home now 😂

But if they are together, they are not alone, you get that, right?

I don't get it. If you are a moaning PITA, whatever age you are, you should not expect anyone to seek out your complaint.

Your brother has boundaries and is right to have these... you should instead take a leaf out of his book

6 hour joyless mission complete. Back home now in my pj's.

We had 5 lovely hours.Got home 4.30pm for films,cheese and whisky

One of the benefits of living a walkable distance away - 3 hours and done. Rest of the year 30 min cuppa a couple of times a week, send the kids round after school - works out better than I thought

I am exactly the same. Grandkids (teens) pop in a few times a week, helps keep their spirits up, mine are getting old and sick now.

I am home ☺️.

5 hours of forced boredom at the in-laws. He never seems ready to leave despite napping on the sofa. While the rest of use are itching to leave. Now his moody claiming the rest of us are moody 🙃🤣

I’ve been thinking the same thing all day
myself. Not sure my dh and kids would approve.

It just gets so boring! But feel we have to do it. We're off bright and early tomorrow, starting packing about 4pm.

In forty years together, we've only had a handful of Christmases with family. The most difficult was with the in-laws not long after we were married; my MiL's need to be needed always came first, even if she martyred herself in the process and she hardly stopped bobbing up and down throughout the meal. My digestion suffered, just watching what she was doing to hers. Being chivvied into wearing a hat from a cracker (MiL again) did nothing for my mood, then to cap it all, we had washing-up drama. IIRC, my DH persuaded her to let us do some of it. She and my FiL are no longer with us and while I occasionally miss them, I don't miss certain events with them, which were lightning rods for unnecessary tension.

We see my parents the week before Christmas and then just spend Christmas at home - me, DH and the kids. It’s so much less stressful!

This sounds utterly awful but we have just had the most relaxed, easy going fun Christmas in a long time with IL's and nephews, because it's the first year without PIL. FIL died at the start of the year and MIL is now in a care home.
May God forgive me.

How awful. I can relate to having alcoholism in the family 💔 Just wait until any alcohol is out of your system tomorrow lunchtime or whenever and hop in the car. Free yourself.

I think the point about the trains is that there's not a car option!

honestly if anyone is stuck with two parents and a three night stay, leave them to it. There's two of them. And life can be shockingly long.

god forgive me too - for the things I try not to even think as well as what I just typed! But it's Christmas. We are all redeemed. Or something.

:(

I have alcoholism in the family and I completely understand this. I'm sorry. Thinking of you.

Just one more night to go- DH and I are already discussing the plans for next year, admittedly prompted by me as I cannot do this again next year. I get particularly frustrated when someone who is no longer physically able (fine, that sucks) has to chime in with thoughts when we're doing something like cooking or pruning a tree (yes, that's what I was doing today). And it's never to say oh yes thank you well done etc

I'm stuck at my in-laws just now, trying to work out when I can bail without offending anyone. My PJs, bed, and half-read good book are calling me. Teenage son looks like he feels the same way, I'm sure he'll bail with me! Solidarity to everyone out there in the same boat.

I escaped! Found there was a coach I could get, followed by a worth every penny £20 taxi at the other end. Left at 4 (which I think is very reasonable) and will be home at 8.30 ish. In pjs with a glass of red by 8.35!

Solidarity to all those still in the trenches!

@Pleaseletmegohome yay! I'm hoping your journey is going smoothly. I left immediately after pudding with son and dog, and I'm just getting into bed

Great update, and hoping you're in PJs now and about to take that first sip. Aaand relax!

Going away at Christmas (with dp and the kids) is the best thing to do to knock any family patterns of visiting on the head. I highly recommend

@Pleaseletmegohome Oh god I really feel for you. I know all about Alcoholism unfortunately and this is a possible nightmare. Thinking of you and hope he manages to stay off it x

@Pleaseletmegohome sorry, just seen your update! Hurrah! x

We are staying in a hotel so at least having a break from people but costing money we don't really have.

ILs are fine but I really have nothing in common with them. It's a tiny house with too many people living there (long story) & when we are there the only place to sit is in the tiny lounge. Which had a solid 6 hours of football on today. I hate football with a passion! I escaped to the play park with DS2 & DS3 for half an hour, that was it. Oh and SIL told me that autism & epilepsy, which DS2 has, can be cured by stopping processed foods (they eat far more of these than we do). But hey, it's family!

Our first Christmas on our own and no plans and it’s been wonderful. Just us 4. Relaxed mealtimes, playing games, watching films, reading new books and doing Lego and gem art. Might brave a walk tomorrow but otherwise we’re in our festive bubble and I don’t want to come out of it.

It’s wonderful not having guests to cook and clean up after. I may feel differently next year, but this year has suited us beautifully.