Do you actually enjoy "extended" family occasions, like Thanksgiving/Christmas?

[nutterbutter2010]

We always celebrate the big 2 (Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving) with all the cousins, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. We are only still in contact with my mom's side of the family but they are Italian so you know how large those can be.

We also have some traditions among a group of our friends. In October we do a Thanksgiving in October where we all get together and make our own early Thanksgiving. It is complete with a turkey and all the fixings. Late on Christmas day one of our friend's parents that is very close with out group has everyone over for dessert. There have been days that this has had almost 100 people.

Groups I belong to also have holiday parties throughout December that are a lot of fun. I love all of the holiday gatherings and am blessed with family and friends that don't let drama ruin the days for anyone.

2??

 

[sturdypeasantstock]

My side of the "family" - how much time do you have? Let's just say I'd rather have root canal.

DHs side, with one noted exception (there's one in every family), has been fine lately. We often have our differences and my interests are different than theirs, so I'm a little bored, but they're good people. Everyone helps out no matter who is hosting. I don't have a blast but DH and my kids do. Lots of aunts, uncles and cousins. It makes me happy to see them enjoying the holiday.

 

[MIGrandma]

For us, it's just immediate family. Occasionally in the summer we'll get together with extended family for a cookout, or go camping with them or something, but for holiday dinners it's just the immediate family. There are 11of us then.

 

[momof1princess]

at this point, i don't even like my family any more. holidays and family gatherings have become about as enjoyable as major surgery, and i'd really just rather stay home. i would REALLY prefer to spend my holidays with DH's family-very laid back, no pressure, no drama.

 

[Golf4food]

Mostly yes. A few distant relatives here or there we don't much care for, but they certainly don't ruin everything.

 

[NMAmy]

I do but our extended family gatherings aren't that big. This year, it was my family, my sister, my niece and her husband and 3 kids, and my mom. My nephew had to work and his wife went to her family. We all get along pretty well so no major drama and I love to see the little ones.

My IL's all live in England so they don't really expect us to drop by.

 

[GeorgeG]

I'm a vote for no. I enjoy being with small parts of family for limited periods of time and usually not on major holidays. Everyone together is beyond unbearable and I don't even like the holidays that much, either, since they seem to stress everyone out. That's just not fun.

One of my goals is to get everyone together at WDW for a big family vacation, perhaps around the holidays, but the only way that could even begin to work is if everyone split up into small groups except for one major meal or party.

 

[Micca]

Quote Perhaps you don't do them anymore and celebrate with just your "immediate" family instead.

That's the stich here, works out great.

 

[FireDancer]

2??

Oops, I mean 3...I'll go fix that now...

See what happens when you don't proof read.

 

[mrsklamc]

I never did growing up. So when I married DH I LOVED spending holidays with him, his brother, and their parents. About 18 months ago BIL made some choices that made this time together not enjoyable anymore and I really resent him for it, to the point that I get bitter about the holidays. I feel like I finally had what I was searching for my whole life and he destroyed it.