I need to whine

[DisneyOma]

(((Hugs)))

PreCovid I missed a lot of family events because one of the kids was sick, and sometimes my husband had to work on a holiday (power plants don't close down on holidays) so he missed quite a few until he got some seniority. Older daughter has been halfway across the country for 5(?) years, and after my dad died my mom moved away as well. So I know that feeling when you can't have that gathering you yearn for.

We used to have my mom's entire side of the family over for Christmas Eve - there were 9 siblings, plus spouses, more than 20 cousins, and they all came to our house (my mom/dad's house) to eat appetizers and drink and party. Just lost another aunt and uncle this year, and by the time I retire and move into the family house I'm not sure how many relatives I'll have left. It's really sad to think of it never happening again.

 

[anniemae]

well that stinks. what a disappointment. Honestly, I would just plan something for New Years. Invite everyone and celebrate with whoever makes it. It probably won't be all 25 people, but even if 6 or 8 make it, well that's something. Many don't have plans for NYE or New years day so it may work out.

 

[focusondisney]

Sorry OP. We’re in the middle of a blizzard & we probably won’t be getting together with our kids on Christmas Day either. But after being a nurse for 44 years & working so many holidays, I’m used to making adjustments. If we can’t do it Sunday, my preference is NY Eve. But if DS & DDIL can get back from her family 90 minutes away, we might do Monday.

I understand about elderly parents too. My dad’s been gone for 7 years & mom passed away in May. We didn’t get to have those last holiday get togethers with her either. We always did a get together with my parents, all my siblings & all the kids. It almost seems better to not be able to have a big get together to me. I think I’d miss her more if we were all together without her.

Hope you keep feeling OK & are able to do something with your family soon.

 

[marthachick]

Thanks for all the well wishes and sympathy. Hope those of you who are sick also are well soon. For those who can’t travel and/or whose family can’t travel, I’m sorry. Thanks to everyone for ‘listening’.

My Dad called today and he sounded the best he has in weeks (he had RSV earlier this month) so that cheered me a lot. He asked me if I was coming to celebrate Christmas with them but I told him I just couldn’t risk it. Bonus: today, he and Mom celebrated 61 years of marriage!

Oh, and today, I lost my sense of smell and taste. Maybe I’ll at least lose some weight.