Christmas when you are pregnant. Feel really torn.

[LoveActually]

In May this year my OH's sister said she was going to do Christmas because she's just bought a new house. Then in the summer my aunt announces she's doing a big Christmas round hers, my dad and step mum will be going, as will my sister, her two DDs and all my cousins.
In the end, at 38 weeks pregnant I've decided to stay at home. Just called my aunt to tell her and got the whole emotional blackmail stuff. She said she was laying on Christmas because my dad and step mum hardly ever saw us etc. My dad, for his part, has two houses plus a timeshare, so is his choice he's decided to spend each Christmas away. To be honest spending Christmas with him and my step mother who constantly makes snide comments isn't my idea of a christian holiday! So why do I still feel guilty.

Do what's best for you . I'm due on the 30th and staying firmly at home!

Hi Effie, you are right of course. Thing is have always had a difficult relationship with my dad (and with his family). Makes me feel guilty all the time. x

this is one time when you shouldn't feel guilty about looking after yourself!

Just say the baby could arrive at any time (which is true) and you have decided on a very quiet Xmas at home. Would you have to travel there?

Not very far, but it's the stress of being with my father's family that puts me off. Being with my dad also brings up uncomfortable feelings about how he has treated me and my sister. am going to have to deal with this when the baby arrives (my first) and his third grandchild. x

stay at home - i was 37 weeks last christmas and baby arrived on boxing day

For god sake you are 38 weeks pregnant, her attitude is appalling.

Must admit, even just sharing my story has made me feel better, thanks everyone.
I still do wonder what I can do to make my relationship with my father's family work better. My OH - who has worked through some issues of his own - reckons it's really up to my dad to help make our father/daughter relationship work. Maybe I should just concentrate on the baby and my own family for now. xxxx

I had a similar situation at 37 weeks and my brothers wedding. Didn''t go to wedding. Lots of emotional blackmail (and an 8 hour journey at the best of times, without stopping at every service station en route). Baby came a few days later. Was very glad I had stayed at home and relaxed, goodness knows what would have happened on a long motorway journey in August if he was ready to come early.

All family relationships - good and bad - back to normal!

i am 37 weeks stayed here for xmas mum and dad and bro came over. were due to come up to dhs parents in hull. thought there is no way i will be comfortable travelling

I agree with everything already said except you did leave it rather late to tell her. For that she probably has a right to be teed off.