Both my FIL and my father died this year, in April and August respectively.
MIL lives alone and is totally bedridden in Warwickshire. Her brother is one hour away but doesn’t drive. She has few friends. DP’s brother is in Bath and usually spends Christmas with his family and is unlikely to offer to visit.
My DB lives alone in our father’s house near Chester. He is not keen to leave the house but is relatively easy about Christmas Day itself. Of course, my dad is his dad, so he is also grieving.
We are in London, with our 14yo DD. In many previous years we have travelled between all houses (500 mile round trip) at Christmas, but are resentful of that and frankly, also need a break this year and would prefer to stay put. We know that Christmasses with MIL and DD are limited in different ways.
How the hell do we make Christmas ‘work’ this year? Do we be selfish and stay home, leaving MIL alone? WWYD?