And I don't feel like going. Were doing a gift exchange and havn't even gone out to buy gifts. Were suppose to bring an appetizer but I havn't even thought about what to make. I have nothing nice to wear. All my "Christmasy" clothes have been worn for the last few Christmas Parties and I dont want to always be wearing the same things in all my pictures (They take a lot, its a big thing). I dont feel like the food today. But I just have to suck it up and go. I'm halfway ready (well, everything but dressed) and when DD wakes from her nap we'll head out to do the millions of last minute things.

Anyone else have BIG family Christmas parties with the family you see only once a year? Do you enjoy it?

I think i'm out of the mood because we just saw 80% of these people on Thanksgiving and its over an hour drive!

By Kay on Saturday, December 11, 2004 - 12:39 pm:

Sounds like you need a big {{{{{{{{HUG}}}}}}}}

The holidays can really be overwhelming at times, and when you couple that with the 'downs' that come with the 'highs', it can be even more stressful.

Even if you don't feel like it, smile a lot (I really do believe that thing about good chemicals being released through your body when you smile and laugh), so do it to be healthy!

Of course, with that precious little girl, you have lots to smile about!

By My2cuties on Saturday, December 11, 2004 - 12:58 pm:

We go EVERY Christmas Eve to my Grandmothers house and exchange presents, It is hard because we draw names and there is a 50 dollar limit on 1 person, but I guess if I were to buy everyone something it would add up to more than 50 and I have to keep in mind I am getting something worth 50 too so it is an even exchange. Anyway, I always look forward to it because it is always fun and lots of good food to eat and I love watching all the kids open their presents. I know what you mean about the outfit situation though, I always feel like such an outcast (when we go to DH's side of the family's get togethers) because his sisters are both older (40) and settled and have money and we are a young couple and have 2 small children and that takes some money, so I can't go out and buy a 100 dollar sweater to look nice 1 day a year.. Anyway, I hope you have a good time and Kay is right smile, smile, smile, and no matter what your wearing you will look beautiful.. Have lots of Fun!!!

By Tink on Saturday, December 11, 2004 - 03:28 pm:

I have to do this tomorrow and am dreading it a lot. I did the shopping today but I have no idea what kind of appetizer to take and nothing to wear either. I keep trying to remind myself that watching my kids enjoy themselves will make this more fun for me. Lots of hugs, Melissa. Can you pick up some spinach dip and a loaf of french bread to make life easier on yourself? I hope you end up having a better time than you expect. Try to keep your chin up!

By Feona on Sunday, December 12, 2004 - 07:15 am:

Someone told me to just have low expectations.

Someone else told me to Try to enjoy the good meal. Listen they aren't going to change and neither are you. I do it for my son now. He has a ball with his cousin. Loves his cousin.

I look at that I don't care about anything else. I let everything go over my head like I am jelly.

By Karen~moderator on Sunday, December 12, 2004 - 09:16 am:

LOL Feona! And I agree, have low expectations, that way you are hardly ever disappointed and you're more than happy to get back to *your* life!

By Tunnia on Sunday, December 12, 2004 - 09:47 am:

I hope you ended up having a good time at your Christmas party, Melissa!

By Tink on Sunday, December 12, 2004 - 11:33 am:

How was it? I hope it ended up better than you expected.{{{Melissa}}}

By Boxzgrl on Sunday, December 12, 2004 - 12:25 pm:

It actually went better than expected. My friend called at the last minute and was bored because her DH is in Drill Instructor School and had to work so I invited her to tag along. The food was good but the meatballs I made were the best (check out the recipe board). I had DH stop on the way and run into Walmart and grab the first gifts he saw! DD had a ton of fun and was making out with my SIL's son who is 3 weeks older, wish I could have taken some pictures. But even though it turned out good, i'm glad the family gatherings for this year are over! Christmas is at my house and its just my Mom, Grandparents and siblings coming so that wont be so stressful!

Thanks for asking Cori and everyone else, thanks for the good thoughts!

By Insaneusmcwife on Sunday, December 12, 2004 - 12:30 pm:

I'm glad to hear it turned out good for you. As sad as it is to say it I think I acutally enjoyed the holidays better when we were overseas .

By Boxzgrl on Sunday, December 12, 2004 - 01:11 pm:

Do you celebrate them differently in Oki than here Kristie? Or is it just a nicer environment there?

By Insaneusmcwife on Sunday, December 12, 2004 - 05:30 pm:

Its just me, dh and the kids. No nonsese. We keep the holiday calls short and sweet. Maybe I just feel this way becase dh won't be home this year. Who knows. I am a bit bah-hum-bug-ish this year, I haven't even began to shop for my kids. But then again everyone else has gotten them the things they want so next week when I do go shopping there won't be much to buy.

By Breann on Sunday, December 12, 2004 - 06:46 pm:

Our will be next Sunday. I try to set my expectations low. Otherwise I get disappointed. It's never all that great. More annoying that anything.

There has to be a better way out there somewhere

By Boxzgrl on Sunday, December 12, 2004 - 07:10 pm:

Hey Kristie, can you email me your home address when you get a chance? Thanks!

By Tink on Sunday, December 12, 2004 - 11:07 pm:

Glad it was better than you expected. Mine wasn't but it's over!