How do you pull a family together for the holidays?

Question

I am trying to get my family together for the 1st time in over 10 yrs. I have many brothers and sisters and our life was not very happy growing up. Our dad was a religious fanatic and our mother was just downright mean and unhappy.
My parents probably should have stopped at a couple of kids rather then have all of us.
My brother was abused mentally and physically by our dad.
His wife always wants to discuss his life with us and I dont feel like its an appropriate subject matter for the holidays.
He has so many problems one of them is drinking and he knows it, but I think he needs to come to our family gathering to make peace and get closure since our parents have died.
None of us really hate each other. It always comes down to how crazy our parents were.
I have asked everyone to come and so far, several have said yes. Now do you think things will just blend in together or will we all be uncomfortable. I am really nervous about this?

Answer 1

for the people that will be there just put the past behind for this get together..... life was hard growing up... well dont keep on maken it hard on your selfs, ok..... as far as your brothers wife goses... tell, her tonot talk about personal problems at this time to upset anybody.... the holidays are for enjoyment,,, not disapointment.... hope it works out....