Christmas and family

Chinafoot

So I've noticed a few threads in PI lately about family problems and Christmas, so I was just wondering how all the ladies (and gents) are set for Christmas this year and if there are any family fall outs that need to be taken into account.

Will you be spending Christmas with you parents/brothers/sisters?
With your husband/wife/girlfriend/boyfriend?
Your children?
Friends?
Alone?

I'm currently undecided as there is an on-going row between myself and my sister. I'm of course expected to go home as far as my parents are concerned but my sister has been quizzing our other sister about what my plans are. She expects me to stay away, hence my current state of indecision.

Anyway, enough about me...how are you and yours set for Christmas?

minidazzler

I live at home...I kinda have to be here unless someone wants to invite me to their house??? Anyone???

I will be actively ignoring my sister if she comes to dinner. Not even acknowledging her.

You should definitely go to your family home though, don't stay away because your sister is being all snotty!! Just don't acknowledge her!

Nevyn

Do what will make you happiest.

I have a sibling who isn't talking to me, they've been that way for the last 4 and half years.
Last year they were in my parents for christmas dinner and my mother wanted us all there. It was awful, from the run up and dreading it to an athmosphere on the day and over all it was nerve wrecking.

So this year I am staying at home with my kids for our own family christmas here and we will do what the kids want and we will get to see dr who and what ever else we want on the day instead of pleasing others.

liah

Probably alone tbh.

-Family (well, my mother and grandmother) are back home in Canada, I'm still here in Ireland; none of us have money so travelling is out.
-Haven't a clue what'll happen with the boyfriend, if we are still together he'll be spending it with his parents and I don't know if I'd be particularly welcome (they're non-English-speaking foreign, so I wouldn't understand a word unless they forced themselves to speak English just because of me, and, well, that's kinda rude).
-No kids.
-Friends will probably be doing stuff with their families and then their friends of years who I don't know, and the rest of my friends are back in Canada, too. The joys of being not quite established in a foreign country, I suppose.

So, yeah. On my todd, I'd assume.

..anyone wanna save some leftovers for me?

Chinafoot

If we get enough of us we could have an anti-christmas gathering :P

Nevyn

"Family" are often our nearest and dearest and those who are in our lives and care about us. I would rather spend the holidays with people who like me and care about me and who are in my life then people who just share genetics.

metrovelvet

liah wrote: »

Probably alone tbh.

-Family (well, my mother and grandmother) are back home in Canada, I'm still here in Ireland; none of us have money so travelling is out.
-Haven't a clue what'll happen with the boyfriend, if we are still together he'll be spending it with his parents and I don't know if I'd be particularly welcome (they're non-English-speaking foreign, so I wouldn't understand a word unless they forced themselves to speak English just because of me, and, well, that's kinda rude).
-No kids.
-Friends will probably be doing stuff with their families and then their friends of years who I don't know, and the rest of my friends are back in Canada, too. The joys of being not quite established in a foreign country, I suppose.

So, yeah. On my todd, I'd assume.

..anyone wanna save some leftovers for me?

Oh that stinks. It sucks being away from home at christmas. Im away from home too, but i have family here [which tbh is not much of a consolation.]

Orla K

I know who I'll be having it with but I don't know where.

It'll be my father, two brothers, maybe uncle, me and then my fathers girlfriend (or partner but I think that sounds like a name for a gay couple) and her two children (in there early teens). If there's any fights it won't be from me or my brothers were all to laid back to care that much but Teresa(the girlfriend) and her kids are always shouting about something, but I don't think anyone listens so none of us will mind that.

As for where we're having it, they're doing up the house, kitchen is in a state (it's probably not going to be finished for christmas) the house they're renting now isn't big enough for all of us (and the number may get bigger), last year I did the dinner but her two girls weren't there and one is alerigic to cats so it rules out my place. It'll get sorted out at some point before christmas day.

metrovelvet

Thaedydal wrote: »

"Family" are often our nearest and dearest and those who are in our lives and care about us. I would rather spend the holidays with people who like me and care about me and who are in my life then people who just share genetics.

Blood may be thicker than water, but love is thicker than blood.

sarahlulu

My mother died in October, so Dad, my brothers and sister, brother in law and sisters in law will come to my house to have christmas with my husband, three kids and I.

g'em

sarahlulu wrote: »

My mother died in October, so Dad, my brothers and sister, brother in law and sisters in law will come to my house to have christmas with my husband, three kids and I.

Really sorry about your mum sarahlulu *hugs*

I'll be with my Mum, my bro and my Nana for Christmas day in Mum's house down the country - the general plan is to chill out, relax, go for a long walk on the beach with the dogs and then eat and drink until we pass out Then I'll with Dad, my step-mum and all of my step-brothers and sister for Stephens' Day. It's like having two Christmases, which is pretty cool (although I tend to need a few days on my own afterwards to de-family myself )

Mackleton

Sorry to hear about your mum Sarahlulu, Christmas will probably be tough for all of you, but at least you will have each other to cause a distraction.

*Hugs*

sarahlulu

Thanks everyone, thats why kids are great...Christmas has to go on as normal for them.

banshee_bones

No idea where or with who. Iv a massiev paper due for early January so il be working on that so wont be having much of a Christmas break where ever I end up anyway.

princess-lala

Christmas should be a barrel of laughs in my house this year :rolleyes: I live with my parents, I dont speak to my father and havent since January, and then the fun part - my mother and himself dont talk either!

My younger brother and his OH will appear at some stage throughout the day, doubt she will stay for dinner as she normally goes to her parents house but I dont speak to her either! They will have their four year old daughter with them (shes the highlight of my crimbo)

My older brother and his wife I get on great with both of them so all will be good there but again I cant see them spending the day here!

So it could be myself my mother and father! Quite possibly my younger brother - still wont be a "normal" christmas!:eek:

stovelid

metrovelvet wrote: »

Blood may be thicker than water, but love is thicker than blood.

Or blood may be thicker than water but why spill it?

Having my Mum and Dad, sister and my mate over to ours for the day.

Ginny

Going to OH's parents for Christmas breakfast, then to my uncles for dinner where there will be about 24 of us, then back to the OH's family for the evening.

We're having our own mini Christmas together too, spending Christmas Eve watching as many Christmas Dvd's as we can...:D

The Big Red Button

Is it weird that there are nine people in my family and we all speak to each other?

I mean, we fight and stuff all the time of course, but there's never been any ongoing rifts or feuds. Actually we get on really well! Not Brady Bunch or Waltons style or anything, but it's cool. They're all cool people.

We'll all be at home for Christmas day, just family, no boyfriends/girlfriends. I'm really looking forward to it actually!

princess-lala

chatterpillar wrote: »

Is it weird that there are nine people in my family and we all speak to each other?

I mean, we fight and stuff all the time of course, but there's never been any ongoing rifts or feuds. Actually we get on really well! Not Brady Bunch or Waltons style or anything, but it's cool. They're all cool people.

We'll all be at home for Christmas day, just family, no boyfriends/girlfriends. I'm really looking forward to it actually!

Nope your not weird at all, every family has their ups and downs some of us just have more downs than ups

monkeyfudge

I'm another who doesn't get on with their family... so I usually give the whole christmas thing a miss.

I usually go into work just for something to do on the day.

Oh.. and Jimmy Chung's all you can eat Chinese buffet is open on xmas day.. that could be worth a go.

Ginny

€25 too

puppy cat

monkeyfudge wrote: »

I'm another who doesn't get on with their family... so I usually give the whole christmas thing a miss.

I usually go into work just for something to do on the day.

Oh.. and Jimmy Chung's all you can eat Chinese buffet is open on xmas day.. that could be worth a go.

Where is this Jimmy Chungs you speak of? I'm liking the idea of Chinese for Christmas!!!

445279.ie

Get on great with the family but for the first time in 37 years won't be spending it with them

Heading to New York with my best friend - can't wait!!!!

Creamy Goodness

it is on eden quay right beside the laughter lounge

puppy cat

Creamy Goodness wrote: »

it is on eden quay right beside the laughter lounge

Bit of a trek but I think I might suggest if for a change. Sounds delish!

Creamy Goodness

never been, but heard good things. I prefer Japanese cuisine more so if given the choice i'd go for that.

monkeyfudge

It also has all you can eat ice cream!

iguana

I'm really not sure what I'll be doing this xmas. Most years we spend it with my husband's family but I really don't fancy it this year. When we lived in Dublin it was fine. Christmas eve night and christmas morning was just the two of us in our apartment. Then his parents would collect us when they finished mass and we'd spend the afternoon and evening there. At night all our local friends would gather at somone's flat and chill for a few hours. Then on the 26th we'd head to my family for a few days and be back in Dublin for NYE. We used to have a really nice time, with enough time for ourselves to develop our own little traditions and it felt really special.

But since we moved to London it's changed. If we come home for xmas we have to stay at his parents house. And while his parents are lovely and we get on fine, we get on better when we see each other in smaller doses than a week - ten days under one roof. We end up spending all of xmas day in the house and it gets a bit claustrophobic. Going to both Dublin and Limerick on such a short trip is really tiring, but coming to Ireland and not seeing my family seems like such a snub to them. Especially when my parents have always been brilliant about me spending xmas with my in-laws ever since my husband and I were first dating.

This year I'd really rather stay in London and have xmas by ourselves. We've had a really tough time emotionally this year and I prefer love the idea of having our own xmas, just the two of us and the dogs. We have a wedding in January in Dublin so two trips feels like overkill and expensive in terms of dog-sitters. But my husband really, really wants to go home and I think his feelings on the subject are stronger than mine. And there are quite a few friends which we only see at xmas as they live in other countries too and everyone is back in Ireland for xmas. So I'm muddled.

Raze_them_all

Christmas is a big thing with my family. I actually don't remember a christmas when I've not seen my grandparens, parents, sisters and all my aunts uncles and cousins(on my fathers side) I usually average 3 christmas dinners a year.

TBH I don't know how'd I spend christmas if I culdn't do that


Also...Turkey Rashers soon

Man I miss rashers

Anna Molly

WOW.
It's frightening how many of you who don't talk to family members!:eek:

Usually a few aunts, uncles, cousins and my gran come over for dinner.
My bros, parents and I are going to America this Christmas. Should be fun.
Generally a laid back happy affair, no fighting.
I feel out of place.

Raze_them_all

Anna Molly wrote: »

WOW.
It's frightening how many of you who don't talk to family members!:eek:

Usually a few aunts, uncles, cousins and my gran come over for dinner.
My bros, parents and I are going to America this Christmas. Should be fun.
Generally a laid back happy affair, no fighting.
I feel out of place.

Pfffft angry city folk.

The only family member I don't like is my scummer uncle.

This will be the first time in 5 years I've not woke my mother up at 4 in the morning to open presents while loaded. I think she's a little sad about that fact.

Anna Molly

Raze_them_all wrote: »

Pfffft angry city folk.

The only family member I don't like is my scummer uncle.

This will be the first time in 5 years I've not woke my mother up at 4 in the morning to open presents while loaded. I think she's a little sad about that fact.

They others are angry, or I'm angry?
I'm zennn [:

Loaded as in wasted drunk?
I thought you only drink at times such as christmas and birthdays, oui?

Raze_them_all

Anna Molly wrote: »

They others are angry, or I'm angry?
I'm zennn [:

Loaded as in wasted drunk?
I thought you only drink at times such as christmas and birthdays, oui?

They're some angry folks, From what I know you weren raised in the city.

Used to be true, went on a normal binge the last few months. Now gone straight edge.

Pretty_Pistol

There's no ongoing feuds within my family (parents & siblings) yet. So I'm sure we'll spend Christmas how we always spend it. In different rooms of the house. My sisters in the living room, brothers together in one of their rooms and my parents in the kitchen. :rolleyes:

My parents aren't close to their siblings. So no visits or visiting to be done. I'd like my family to be closer but you can't force people together.

Stench Blossoms

My family don't get on but insist we are all here for Christmas. Think i'll be working this Christmas so that'll be my excuse this year.

efb

Were having an Xmas dinner all together on the 14th

Morgase

I'm going to my boyfriend's family, as I have done for the past couple of years. And now I actually enjoy Christmas! Yay!

pikachucheeks

I'll be spending Christmas at my family's house in Cork.
In the back and beyonds, far away from normal people!
My dad likes to have just the five of us (parents, brother, sister & me) at home and we spend the holidays together.

Luckily for me, I get on very well with my family. They're arguably a lot more fun than most of my friends :P

There's rarely any fighting, which is a refreshing change from most families, from what I've seen.
I think that stems from the little time we actually spend all together, given that I live in Dublin, my sister lives in Cork city, my brother is in boarding school and my parents live in west Cork.

Cows Go µ

I'll be back in Bandon with my parents and my brother. The four of us are really close. We used to fight a lot when I was growing up but nothing serious. Now that me and my brother have moved out and only see each other once a week we appreciate each other so much more. Won't be seeing any other family as they are all in Northern Ireland. At least I hope not, I hate when my grand parents come down for christmas which they have done a few times, its never quite as fun and our normal traditions don't get done

joes girls

Heading out to spend christmas with my mam, dad and brothers. cant wait to be home for christmas, and with my boys santa will be visiting again, which i know my mam and dad cant wait for. It's looking like it will be the best christmas in alot of years:)

pikachucheeks

Cows Go µ wrote: »

I'll be back in Bandon with my parents and my brother.

Aww, I went to school there!

I go back every once in a while to see my German teacher, he's a legend!

Chinafoot

Well my mind is made up as of this morning.

Not worth the hassle of my cow of a sister.

Cows Go µ

pikachucheeks wrote: »

Aww, I went to school there!

I go back every once in a while to see my German teacher, he's a legend!

I never had him but always heard really good things. Come to think of it, at christmas, I will probably see old friends from school just because I'll be home and its such a small town still. And at least 2 of my childhood friends are within 100 metres of my house

Cookie Jar

My parents are away this year.. again.

Still living at home.
First Christmas really as a single parent.
So me and my little girl will spend the day together. Hopefully my brother will get out of bed at some stage:pac:

As me and my brother are home alone more or less we have had a few invites for christmas dinner but we will go to our nannies.

Will be working alot over the Christmas holidays.. joys of retail :rolleyes::mad:

pikachucheeks

Cows Go µ wrote: »

I never had him but always heard really good things.

Waaaait, did you go to BGS?

Cows Go µ wrote: »

Come to think of it, at christmas, I will probably see old friends from school just because I'll be home and its such a small town still. And at least 2 of my childhood friends are within 100 metres of my house

Aww, that's really nice

None of my friends live close to my house really, I'm totally isolated!

jenny2hat

I'll be spending christmas at home. I'd love to see my bf on christmas though, if even for 10 minutes

Notorious

I still live at home so I'll be spending Christmas at home with the family too. Thanks to my kid sisters Santa still visits our house so I'll be woken up bright and early. Ah, the excitement of it all! Queue a day spent feeding and vegetating.

Blush_01

We'll have visitors after mass - my bachelor uncle goes to my aunt's for dinner, has done since I can remember, so he'll call over before he goes for dinner, and some neighbours will pop in too. Then dinner will be a family affair only, just the 5 of us (Mam, Dad, Bro, Sis & me).

Around 6 my aunt, uncle, their 5 kids and assorted other halves will arrive and they'll stay until after midnight. My other aunt will arrive at some stage - she's my sister's godmother, and my sister's birthday is on Christmas day - with at least one, if not more, of her kids.

All my dad's side of the family are in their late teens or older at this stage, so it's grand, although it'd be nice to have some young kids to enjoy christmas with.

We usually visit my mother's side of the family between Christmas and New Years - they live over 100 miles away. I'm sure it bothered her once, but she's pretty used to it now.

I'd like to see the other side of the family in the way we do Dad's, but I like how it is too.

I'll be narky anyway, and we'll probably all kill eachother because they'll get in my way while I'm trying to get the dinner done, as usual, so it'll be a noisy, mildly verbally abusive christmas. If we weren't shouting at eachother we'd have to be checked for a pulse!

sofia11

At some stage in your life you decide what you and your partner/husband want to for Christmas. It all can change when you are no longer single and have children. After trying the 'his crowd this time, yours next year... the arrival of children is a good way to 'make the break' Santa has to find our house excuse to come and leave presents at our house and the freedom is great. You are grown ups now, free to make your own decisions as to where you want to be at Christmas, preferably somewhere stress free as possible, with people who like you and who you like being with, yeah.

sarahlulu

Santa was the perfect excuse for us to do our own thing at Christmas. Kids don't want to leave all their presents to go for dinner with a load of relations.

Blush_01

Chinafoot wrote: »

Well my mind is made up as of this morning.

Not worth the hassle of my cow of a sister.

Only saw this now. Sorry to hear that Peachy (edit: force of habit, sorry!), it really sucks.