me and my husband have three children (6, 4 and 2 years) we have spent the previous Christmas’s alternating between our families.
Back story. My family live a 3 hour drive away which we are more than happy to travel down to most school holidays with my parent coming in the middle of the term time. So we basically see them ever 3 weeks. I personally think it this is lovely and we all make a strong effort and I am more that happy with the amount we see each other.
My mother on the other hand is constantly making digs that we need to go to her more. I have explained with 2 children at school, children's actives and birthday parties and myself now back to working 2 days a week it’s too much to do on a Friday and return on a Sunday. Obviously if there is some special happening we would see how we feel and make the right decision for ourselves and the children. Like my sister 30th - we made the trip!
My mum brought up Christmas in about July! 😮 asking where we are going to be for Christmas and process to tell me that it’s “her” year!!!
I didn’t know what the plan was yet… talked to my husband and we agreed that we go this year and that this would our last year to go anywhere! That means his family as well. (They are lovely and basically say do whatever makes you and the kids happy)
I said it it a nice way, like we will come this year and going forward we will be at home etc. I explained it’s actually quite hard packing a car with all the stuff needed etc… my daughter is hoping for a bike!
and we want to start making memories in our own home… (we are having a kitchen extension next year!!).
nice for the kids to have a full day chilled at home…
We will have a open door at ours on Christmas’s going forward after this year.
Well my mum hit the roof!!! Saying… I just don’t understand why you don’t want to come here EVER again. You can make memories in MY house… then completely shifting gears… me and your dad and going to go away from Christmas after this one… we think Christmas is too commercial…. 🙄
I do understand it must be hard living 3 hours from your grandchildren but I honestly think seeing them every 3 week for 3 days is pretty good effort!
I also, understand about why she is upset about Christmas to a point but it’s not like I’ve said I don’t want to see her! They can stay Christmas Eve/day take it in turns with other family. And the kid will get older and we may come to them in the next 10 years!
Sorry for the rant! My mum just brought it back up today and it starting to piss me off. I don’t want to be rude/blunt but I see no other way!!