For the past 5 years, I have gone to my brothers home on Christmas Eve. It has never reallly been enjoyable. There is a Yankee Swap that seems to turn people nasty. I do not want to go this year. I havent been invited yet but they have in the past usually called one or two days before. I dont care if my brother and his wife have any opinions. I would only go to see their child. Whats a good way to say NO without causing a family feud.
2006-12-16 17:48:44 · 15 answers · asked by richard w 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Man up. Just go. See the kid, if you are not enjoying yourself, leave when that starts.
2006-12-16 19:43:18 · answer #1 · answered by Jon 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since the invite comes late, tell them you have made other plans. Have some non specific details ready incase they ask - going to a significant other's house, getting together with friends, whatever. If it's really late notice - tell them you're sick or have a migrane. I wouldn't be honest with them, it'd cause more hassle than it'd be worth. Sometimes white lies are justified! Just don't end up feeling guilty, life is too short for this kind of stuff. You can see their child another time that will be more enjoyable. Enjoy your peaceful Christmast Eve. Gotta love the holidays. Good luck.
2006-12-17 08:30:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I think you ought to put in an appearance for the sake of the kid. You may think these family things are a pain in the neck, but someday you may regret not going.
However, if you want to duck out early or if you really can't put up with it for a little while, be sick. While you are at the party or talking to them on the phone, cough, sneeze or clear your throat several times. Tell them you think you might be coming down with something. Say Strep throat has been going around your office/school and that you don't want to expose the kid. They will be glad you don't want to expose them to a contagious infection and will be less likely to have hurt feelings.
Just about any other excuse you could come up with will cause problems. If you say you got invited somewhere else, they will wonder why you didn't say no since you always spend the evening with them. If you say you have to work, they will insist that you drop by after. If you say you have a date, they will insist that you bring the date with you.
2006-12-16 18:16:54 · answer #3 · answered by AmyU 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe good communication is the key to all relationships. Being around the company of loved ones, to me, is the best way to spend Christmas. This bonding is important to keep the relationships going. All other things are secondary. The Yankee Swap seems to get to you. Could it be done away? Find a good time to tell them what you really think, and you may be surprised! I wish you a Very Merry Christmas!
2006-12-16 18:01:22 · answer #4 · answered by Alfretz T 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Start a new tradition and invite everyone over to your place this year. Beat them to the punch. Even if you don't have a big place or aren't the best cook, I'm sure that the change would be appreciated by everyone and since you would be the host, you set the theme, No Yankee Swap
2006-12-16 18:00:04 · answer #5 · answered by knittinmama 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Dont know what a yankee swap is, but there are other people you could say have already invited you. In fact, call your family before they call you and say just to save you the call. I am going to __________s house Christmas. Give my neice or nephew my love.
2006-12-16 17:56:08 · answer #6 · answered by swamp elf 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i'll the scientific institution. i will attempt to get some left over turkey. the next day the hosp. is making turkey and crimson meat. Goodnight your self Scooter and a Merry Christmas Eve to you, with some supplies.
2016-10-15 02:41:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you close to your brother and/or sister-in-law? If so, call them now and calmly explain the problem you have. Offer to visit some other time near Christmas to see your brother and his family.
2006-12-16 18:00:18 · answer #8 · answered by Uther Aurelianus 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just go, not because your meek and boneless, but because its Fammmmily! and they Love you and there will always be differences no matter what you wouldn't be family if you guys were always agreeing with each other. Go and make the best of it. Thou this time pull whomever aside and let them know how you feel about whatever bothering you. God Bless. Love. Amen.
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2006-12-16 17:55:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Tell them you are still making some preparations and want to chill at home this year. Nothing wrong with that.
2006-12-16 17:54:34 · answer #10 · answered by Lake Lover 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋