What are you doing for Christmas?

For well over a decade, it became the tradition that my son and I would travel approximately 75 miles with my parents, to spend Christmas Day with members of my mother's family. It was the only time I got to see them, and I mostly enjoyed it because the atmosphere was relaxed. 

My aunt (who hosted) has always owned dogs, and I sort of took on the role of helping to keep them out of the kitchen whilst everyone else pitched in with the cooking. It was a role I thoroughly enjoyed. The dogs were always super-excited and friendly, and I loved lavishing them with my attention and enabling them to burn off some energy before we all sat down to eat.

Since my dad died a few years ago, my son and I have spent Christmas Day at home (just the two of us). It's very quiet and sometimes a bit TOO quiet for my liking, but we find it considerably less stress-inducing than attempting to spend the day with my mother.

For well over a decade, it became the tradition that my son and I would travel approximately 75 miles with my parents, to spend Christmas Day with members of my mother's family. It was the only time I got to see them, and I mostly enjoyed it because the atmosphere was relaxed. 

My aunt (who hosted) has always owned dogs, and I sort of took on the role of helping to keep them out of the kitchen whilst everyone else pitched in with the cooking. It was a role I thoroughly enjoyed. The dogs were always super-excited and friendly, and I loved lavishing them with my attention and enabling them to burn off some energy before we all sat down to eat.

Since my dad died a few years ago, my son and I have spent Christmas Day at home (just the two of us). It's very quiet and sometimes a bit TOO quiet for my liking, but we find it considerably less stress-inducing than attempting to spend the day with my mother.