Is it appropriate to make your grown children fend for themselves during the holidays?

[SoCalDem]

28. Our grown up kids have liked creating their own "family traditions"

Yours may feel "obligated" to crash at "mom & Dad's place".

We have always lived a great distance from families, and we have very small families, so it was easy for us to create our own traditions.

If you are "stuck with it" this year, please consider telling them all (perhaps in a congenial letter) that you & Dad are taking a holiday trip next year, and that you would love to be a guest at their celebration of whichever one you choose.

Your "trip" need not be extravagant.. Perhaps a nice room at a nice hotel that is serving dinner.....Hell.. Go to Vegas.!!!! They know how to do holiday

Years ago, I called all three of our grownup boys & told them we did not want to do the "gift thing" anymore.. I have NO idea what their tastes are these days (the live away from us), and exchanging gift cards seemed so silly..

They were relieved. (although the sentimental part of me sort of wishes they would occasionally sent me a little "treat&quot

All during the year, if I see something I want them to have, I just send it to them (or their wives) and say " Care package..Happy Happy !)

Holidays are so mellow these days without all the pressure..

I fully understand how you feel, and hope you get through it unscathed