This year I am spending Christmas Day with the in-laws. Not real excited about it. Got any suggestions for getting through it joyfully? And don't say alcohol, coz I'm the driver!
2006-11-28 17:58:39 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
I used to, then I got a divorce. It's all good now. Sorry if that's not an option. Seriously, just be as gracious as you can, and enjoy the people you do like. Do the in-law thing first(Christmas Eve?), so you have fun with those you love on Christmas Day and have something to look forward to. Good luck sweetie.
2006-11-28 18:11:18 · answer #1 · answered by terri m 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Goodness. I am spending Christmas with the in-laws too. My reason is money, we don't have enough money to have a nice Christmas and drive 2 states up to see my mom. It's kind of depressing since my mom and I are so close, and I hate not being around her and my sister for the Holidays. I had to last year too. Last year it KILLED my Christmas spirit. But not this year.
Here's what I am doing to make it better.
First, if it matters to you, explain to your family why you can't be there. They will understand even if they don't like it. Then make sure you get them nice cards, and a cheap little gift and send it to them about a week before Christmas with instructions not to open it until xmas day. And don't worry, you're not buying them off, you're just saying..."Let's improvise." And third make sure you call them Christmas Eve, and Day and give them a warm Merry Christmas. That takes care of your family.
Now for your in-laws.
First, listen and watch. What are their traditions? How do they act as a family? Talk to them and tell them that you want to add a tradition. For example, I told my in-laws that it was a tradition for my family to open one present on Christmas Eve. I would like for them to try that this year. It would make me feel more at home, and doing something personal for the holidays. Never try to change or take away, only suggest adding. That way you have something that makes you happy and that is familar.
Listen to Christmas music, watch Christmas movies. Enjoy your Holiday shopping. Treat yourself to lunch after a day of exhaustion shopping. Try and think positive thoughts, you do not want to be there, but... it could be a good experience. Watch While You Were Sleeping. It is a good insight on being with another family on Christmas. It always cheers me up. Help your mother-in-law or grandma-in-law with Christmas dinner. Make one of your own dishes. Get to know your spouse's siblings a little better.
Remember, you're not taking time out of your life by being there and not somewhere else, you are trading time for a new exerience. Be happy. Don't Worry.
Have a very merry Christmas. Lots of luck to you. Try to enjoy and embrace every moment in life.
2006-11-29 03:10:19 · answer #2 · answered by honeysuckle 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My husband's family celebrate Kwanzaa and they have a big celebration on New Years day. I convinced him not to go last year so this year it is only fair that we go. The best advice I can tell you is to just smile and stay friendly even if they are not the friendliest people in the world. Remember you do not have to stay there all day just long enough for him to spend some time with his family and then you can leave. You don't even have to have conversations with them if you don't want. Good Luck
2006-11-29 02:36:02 · answer #3 · answered by youngtendaz36104 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would start thinking positive thoughts. You are not excited because you're counting the wrongs, the chin quivers, the missteps, the oversteps, the history, the odd or overbearing personalities, all the things you don't like. Remember, they must have done something right in that you fell in love with their son.
Start by writing down who will be there. Then follow the name with the things about them you are thankful for. Be thankful for the opportunity to spend time with people who produced your wonderful husband and the people he loves.
Think about what you can do or give that will tell them what very special people they are.
If you do this, when you walk through the door, your face will be lit and your smile will say, "I'm here to enjoy my family".
2006-11-29 03:12:00 · answer #4 · answered by lindakflowers 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
This year I will be spending Christmas by myself. I live far away from home and agreed to be on call at work so my co-workers could stay home with their families. So, if I were you I would be grateful to be spending the day with others, even if they aren't the most pleasant. I would suggest that you go into the day with a positive attitude and don't let them spoil the day for you. Who knows your positive attitude may be infectious. Also, try to look for the attributes that you do like about your in-laws or maybe interests that you share and try to focus on that and deflect anything negative. Good luck!
2006-11-29 02:09:10 · answer #5 · answered by jjmlls 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
How about not going if your husband does not set boundaries for his family. Either that or bring a friend. But Christmas comes only once a year don't spend it with people you don't want to. I know when you're married you must split the holidays but stand up for yourself & make sure your husband backs you. But tell him ahead of time.
2006-11-29 02:05:43 · answer #6 · answered by gitsliveon24 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually yes, as I have to spend christmas with my Snobbish Grandparents, Father and his wife (my stepmother).
I look at it this way: I go because of my daughter. It gives her a chance to be with family that we don't normally see for the rest of the year unless something happens. Therefore I make the best of a bad situation.
2006-11-29 02:54:57 · answer #7 · answered by dragonbloodus 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. My parents 2 homestay students and their friend who refuse to speak english around me.
All I can think of is "It's Christmas. A time to be nice to others." Just enjoy the company of people you like that are there.
2006-11-29 02:07:40 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Prentend to be having a great time for about half hour when you get there, then go to the bathroom a lot and tell your husband you are sick and want to go lay down somewhere quiet.. Minimize your exposure to the dreaded in-laws. Take a nap until it's time to go home. Then be miraculously feeling better. It's a Christmas miracle!!
2006-11-29 03:52:34 · answer #9 · answered by ruthie a 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Whether you like them or not the Christmas season is about giving. Give them the joy of your kindness and forgiveness
2006-11-29 05:05:46 · answer #10 · answered by xovenusxo 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋