Frist Christmas trip-how'd the family take it?

[JCW]

Just my thoughts, whatever they are worth...

My SIL and her family (DH, DS, DD) go to FL for Thanksgiving and Christmas each year. The first year, we were upset that they wouldn't be around (DH and I are D.I.N.K.S and look forward to the holidays with the nieces and nephews).

But we also realized that they have their own immediate family, with children in school, and the holidays are the best time for them to travel (if we had school-age children, we would travel the same). So, we just celebrate the holiday either before they leave or after they return.

It took some time for us to get used to this, but, as family, we understand and respect their new traditions.

So, if your family at first is not understanding, in time, they should come around. It might not be easy, but the memories you have of your holiday vacations will make it worth it. There is nothing better then hearing our niece and nephew tell their vacation stories when they return. Like another poster said, they don't remember the gifts they received last year, but they sure remember the vacation.

 

[loribell]

We are going for Christmas this year; leaving the 16th and returning on the 30th. It is also my DD's birthday on the 23rd and we have been waiting to take her for her birthday. I have been telling the entire family for 3 years that we are going this Christmas. I even reminded them at Christmas time last year that we will not be here this year. I also have two grown children and they aren't thrilled with the idea but were told they were welcome to come along. They have made the choice to stay behind and run from house to house. My parents are okay with but make comments occassionally. DH's dad is fine with it but his mother has her comments every once in a while.

I agree with the others that have said this time is for my immediately. I spent my entire childhood going from house to house not getting to enjoy the holidays at all and never getting to spend any time at home. Although the family memories are great the holiday memories are not. I want my children to be able to just enjoy the holiday and that is exactly what we are going to do.

I have stopped the comments about us going away though, I told everyone that the next comment I got about it was going to ensure that we would be going for Christmas every year not just this year! LOL!

Have fun planning,
Lori

 

[Dizz42]

Time together is precious...things that come gift wrapped aren't.

Wow...my feelings exactly!
In our family, we have been getting together for 50+ years on Christmas Eve. This year, 6 adults and 2 children will be at Disney 12/23 - 12/29. Being already 8 short, my husband and I decided to leave early for our NYE trip and meet up with them. Remaining sisters and relatives said they were oh-so-happy for those of us going to WDW and therefore, no problem with the party. Aren't they fabulous! Disney is just not their cup of tea but they agreed we'll get together when we all get back.

It's like JodyTG says above and let me add my own creed: The material things are nice but I'm into making memories.