Family at Christmas

Well said, Sarah1245

I think marblerun has just highlighted the fact that her main issue is that of being lonely over the Christmas period.
If seeing friends can't make up the void, could you possibly check into a hotel near them for a few nights, and just call round occasionally or invite them to go out somewhere jolly with you?
Sometimes it's the job of the grandparents to travel the distance or change their plans at the last minute, though I know that isn't easy when the established pattern has to be revised.

I try to remember that 'Christmas is a Season, not just one day' and all the sides of the extended family (too many & too spread out to all meet together at once) will get together in various groupings over the Season.

A kind of 'off the wall' suggestion but would it be possible for you (perhaps with a friend) to book into a hotel near your SIL's family for a day or two and then be able to spend some time with your DGC. I know that Christmas itself can be prohibitively expensive but bargains can be had for the Twixmas period 27-29th December?

A hug and for you marblerun. I didn't see much of my family last Christmas and I felt pretty miserable about it. On a scale of things that can go wrong in ones life it's not up there at the top, but it makes you feel a bit empty.

Thank you for all your messages. I think it's as much that I'm on my own and it's not an easy time of year to be on your own. I will see friends of course but it's not the same as a family Christmas or even Boxing Day. But some good points and the last thing I want to do is cause Ill feeling. I suppose the fact I'd been looking forward to it made it more disappointing

I think many of us don't see our GC open presents I certainly don't. One GD I have never seen on her birthday and she is 13, I have seen her brother (16) on two birthdays and 3 GS 14,6 and 4 I have never seen on their birthdays, the youngest I did not see until he was 13 weeks as we don't "relate" to his mother. We live with all this and love our GC and get on so well when we are with them. It is a sign of modern times and family life now.

marblerun I have rarely seen my DGS open his presents at Christmas because they are so far away - we don't visit at Christmas because it is their (very) busy time of year and far too hot for us anyway.

However, we are lucky to have other DGC nearby so we can share Christmas with them. I do hope that you can share your Christmas with someone, if not then I hope that they can visit at another time and you can have a lovely time together whenever that is.


Re the Panto - local amateur pantos can be brilliant and far less expensive than the theatre.

My dd wont come for Christmas as her partner wont, so they stay on their own I go in the morning and see DGD open her presents, however as his parents live nearby they usually call in to see them on the evening. I do think DD should be more assertive and insist that they come over to me alternately but I don't want to cause trouble, they have in the past came on boxing day but last year she came alone, depends if he has been drinking or not.

Hope they come over this year as im keeping some of DGD presents to be opened at my house. I love them lots regardless

Make it a loving gift to your daughter marblerun she will be very grateful to you for it. I never see my DGC open gifts , they live locally so we see them either Christmas Day, or Boxing Day, usually for lunch, but just for a few hours.I think that relatives from Australia make it a special time for your DD and family and inlaws.

Yes Annsixty and Elegran, I meant the inlaws rarely see the family who are coming from Australia.

Elegran It isn't often you don't understand as you are very bright but I think the poster Sarah meant the inlaws rarely see the family who are coming from Australia, not the OP's D and family. Have I got that right?.

I feel for you too. My Mum asks me at least once a week at this time of year if we're still coming to them for Christmas - and there's only one time in my life we didn't spend it together. Your daughter probably knows you would be disappointed and wasn't looking forward to telling you.

Some good ideas have been made, especially using Skype. We Skype my brother and his family every year now and I know that helps my Mum with being so far away. Going out to the Panto when they're back is a great idea too. Lots of pantos run well into January, although it could be a bit expensive if you pay for everyone.

It is partly shock marblerun, you had been thinking they would be with you at Christmas and now they won't. You just need time to adjust. Try to put yourself in the place of your DDs MiL. She probably sees very little of the DS in Australia. Be gracious and let her have both her DSs for Christmas. Try to smile and assure your daughter that all will be OK. Perhaps you can arrange a special treat for yourself and your DGGs during the holiday so you have something to look forward to (Panto or something)

ummm - she didn't say that her DD's inlaws don't see them very often she said "My daughter has always alternated Christmas with me and with the "other grandparents" so as far as we know the honours are even.

Can you Skype them, marblerun ? That could lessen the disappointment of not seeing them.

just a suggestion in our nearest little town they have a christmas lunch in the assembly rooms for people on their own is there any thing like that near you marblerun as a guest or a volunteer I hear that these can be really happy occasions as people go there through choice and make the most of it.

Disappointment I understand. Marblerun sounds like a nice lady who obviously has brought up a kind and thoughtful daughter. I just think devastated is a bit strong in the circumstances. Only my opinion and coloured by my own circumstance. I truly hope you manage to enjoy your Christmas Marblerun.

Can't you keep your presents for your grandkids back until you see them after Xmas. Then you would see them open them.

I do feel for you.

She's devastated because until recently she thought they were spending Christmas with her and it's natural to feel upset, especially when she's got to put on a brave face and say how much she understands [which she does]. If you look forward to something you can't help but feel disappointment when it all falls through; doesn't help knowing that other people can't see their family .

I'm yet to see DGS open presents on Christmas Day!
If I were on my own I'd have an 'alternative ' Christmas or go away or some rather than be alone and resenting my DD being elsewhere.
Can't you plan something different just for you?

I dont wish to sound unkind but really I think you are very lucky to see your dd and dgc every other Christmas usually. Think of your dds inlaws who dont see their son and his family very often at all. How can you be devastated. As I said I dont mean to be unsympathetic but I think you need perspective. I say this as a mum who has a son who lives in New Zealand

Thank you - I know that you are right I have to do this with grace but it is so hard. Two years running without seeing the GC open their gifts is difficult to bear.

I can't go there as it's 200 miles away and they will be bursting at the seams - if it was local it would be fine but sadly it's not. The brother is here for the whole period so they are going from Christmas eve to New Year. As I mentioned I do understand and they don't have the money to go and visit in Australia themselves so this time is rare and precious. But being on my own at this time of year is hard (I'm divorced) and although I can spend time with friends it just isn't the same

Smile bravely and say that you hope they have a lovely time.

You're very lucky she spends alternate Christmas' with you, I'm very much of the opinion that it's lovely if the DCs come but if they chose to stay at home or do something else then that's fine.

I'd hate it to be done as a sense of duty rather than through a real desire to be here.

We always hope to see then sometime over the festive season, and generally that works out really well.

I always say the family must go where they want or feel they should. I then host a lunch for everyone between Christmas and New Year, on a day to suit them all. I remember how awkward I used to feel in their position.
marblerun, just have your quiet Christmas, knowing that you can probably celebrate with family at a later date. Are you on your own? If so, you might find they invite you to join them.

I agree with the others you have to smile and say its fine even when it clearly isn't. Some good suggestions from kitty and jane there.

Just accept that is a one off and arrange to have " two Christmas's" so you don't lose out. Sometimes compromises have to be made. Don't be a " dog in the manger " over this or you may make everyone uncomfortable. Your D will appreciate the gesture you have made.