My Dad was punched by a family member about 20yrs ago on Xmas day which was unprovoked. I was there and saw the full incident. This led to the breakdown of our family as Dad pressed charges against the family member & refused to be in the same room as them. We remained in contact with his Mum & Dad & used to spend Boxing Day with them but they have both now passed away.
Dad doesn't cook dinner but will buy me a ready meal for dinner. He doesn't decorate for Xmas but will get us a small gift each. Last year he said he didn't want any gifts & refused to accept any presents. I had to return them all which was upsetting as it was things he needed such as slippers & a new razor. Every year he just speaks about getting punched & the family breakdown. I struggle to redirect the conversation & when I asked to speak about something else he asked me to leave at 7am on Boxing Day. I managed to persuade him to let me wait until the 1st train home was due.
I really don't want to go this year. It's so difficult having to listen to him go over events & he has started bad mouthing his parents for not resolving the situation. I find this distressing as I was very close to my Grandparents & miss them a lot especially at Xmas. My Dad has mental health issues & has no other family or friends. I feel guilty leaving him alone. He won't go to any community events for people in there own at Xmas. Ideally, I would visit on both Xmas Eve afternoon & Boxing Day afternoon for an hour or 2. This means I would also be on own Xmas Day but I don't keep well & would be glad of a day at home to rest. My cleaner asked me today if I was looking forward to Xmas & I didn't know what to say.