[Aeress]

<p>Well, Christmas is usually celebrated by opening gifts here, making quick calls to inlaws and rushing to my family to share with them. We get to my family's house and rush through opening gifts before we the "extended" family arrives. It is so hectic and crazy, and I really don't enjoy it. I would love to stay home on Christmas and then go to my fam's on Sunday. If we do this, we would miss seeing my family.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So, would we be scroogish by staying home?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you stay home, how did you break it your family?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We do live an hour away- so going for the day can be taxing.</p>

 

[HollyBearsMom]

<p>We stay home!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.mothering.com/community/forum/thread/1283459/whats-you-holiday-schedule-timing-do-you-stay-home-or-travel#post_16094994">http://www.mothering.com/community/forum/thread/1283459/whats-you-holiday-schedule-timing-do-you-stay-home-or-travel#post_16094994</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>We made it clear that as soon as we had kids we no longer travel over christmas.  Our house was welcome to anyone who wanted to visit but there would be no running around craziness. </p>

 

[jeanine123]

<p>Our family lives in WI.  All of them.  We live in CA.  When it was just DH and I we'd go back for the holidays once every other year.  Once our oldest came along we made one last trip back during the holidays so everyone could see him.  We told them then that we would never do it again, at least not until the kids are much, much older.   The thought of flying with young children during one of the busiest times of the year, and during a time when it's more likely flights will be canceled or delayed due to weather was not appealing at all to say the least.  We made it perfectly clear that we'd be more than happy to help foot the bill for plane tickets if anyone wanted to come see us but noone has ever taken us up on it.  My family has been out here once in the 12 years we've lived here.  My MIL and FIL have been out here quite a few times but only once during Christmas itself.  Yes, there are times we miss family but oh well.  Though this year it was harder because our oldest, who's 7, was very disappointed to find out he wouldn't be able to see people's reactions when they opened their presents from us because we wouldn't be there.  That was heartbreaking.  We are giving very, very serious consideration to moving back to either WI, MN or IL to be within somewhat reasonable driving distance of the family.  But even if that were to happen I highly doubt we'd actually travel on Christmas Day.  I see us visiting family on another day close to that date and doing presents then. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm sure there was ruffled feathers and grumbling when we made our announcement but I never heard anything said to our faces.  And if there was, oh well.  This is the decision that works best for our family.</p>

 

[sapphire_chan]

<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>jeanine123</strong> <a href="/community/forum/thread/1283691/do-you-stay-home-for-christmas-would-we-bed-scrooges-for-staying-home-this-christmas#post_16095193"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a>Though this year it was harder because our oldest, who's 7, was very disappointed to find out he wouldn't be able to see people's reactions when they opened their presents from us because we wouldn't be there. </div>
</div>
<p><br>
Skype? Surely there's someone in the WI end of things capable of setting a webcam and connecting to Skype if you mail them a camera early.</p>

 

[MusicianDad]

<p>What we do for Christmas is up to our family, and Christmas day is always just DH, myself and the kids. We just made sure people understood that, even if they didn't like it.</p>

 

[Awaken]

<p>I agree, since we've had kids we stay home.  We make it clear that we welcome anyone to come over (but they only have once in about 10 years...)  We realized the first few years we were married w/o kids that the whole Christmas season was spent in the car, racing from one relative's to another, and when we had a baby and had to do naps, bring his stuff along, etc that just became complicated and not fun.  We are sure to get together with any family who wants to, any other time around the season and have our celebrations throughout the season and not necessarily on the day.  We talk on the phone, email, mail each other stuff. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Do what will be best for your family and make the holiday as meaningful and least stressful as possible! </p>

 

[jeanine123]

<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>sapphire_chan</strong> <a href="/community/forum/thread/1283691/do-you-stay-home-for-christmas-would-we-bed-scrooges-for-staying-home-this-christmas#post_16095332"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a><br><br><br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>jeanine123</strong> <a href="/community/forum/thread/1283691/do-you-stay-home-for-christmas-would-we-bed-scrooges-for-staying-home-this-christmas#post_16095193"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a>Though this year it was harder because our oldest, who's 7, was very disappointed to find out he wouldn't be able to see people's reactions when they opened their presents from us because we wouldn't be there. </div>
</div>
<p><br>
Skype? Surely there's someone in the WI end of things capable of setting a webcam and connecting to Skype if you mail them a camera early.</p>
</div>
</div>
<p><br>
Not so sure on my family.  Pretty much the only one who can is my DH and, well, he's here, lol. </p>

 

[LemonPie]

<p>We stay home on Christmas.  After Christmas fell on a Sunday a few years ago and we did our usual running around in addition to going to church, I was exhausted and our son hadn't had a chance to play hardly at all.  So even though my parents and ILs both live really close we stay home on Christmas day. We go out and visit everyone on Christmas eve, and anyone and everyone are welcome at our home Christmas day after we've had our family gift opening.  I don't think my MIL is terribly happy about it.  And she just emailed us to see if we're coming to Christmas dinner *sigh*.  DH is going to ask if we can host it here (we're the only ones in the group that have small kids, let alone kids at home). </p>

 

[sahli29]

<p>We stay home since we moved an hour from my mom. No way and I risking the roads to go spend a day with anyone.My mom understands and visits if the roads are ok.Even if anyone was upset I still wouldn't feel the need to go out when I did not want to go out.</p>

 

[yarngoddess]

<p>You would only be a scrooge if you let yourself feel that way.  Imagine an awesome christmas morning- no fighting, no rushing, enjoying YOUR family all day.  Imagine not having to RUN and SCRAMBLE and behave at anothers house.....Yes,we stay home.  After a few years of stress and whininy kids and temper tantrums and I don't WANNA leave my new xyz- we had it.  Now we don't leave the house x-mas day or the day after. We also dont leave the house on thanksgiving.  Those days are about OUR KIDS- and we do that by sticking together.</p>
<p> </p>

 

[Alyantavid]

<p>I just finally announced to everyone that we would be home for Christmas morning at the very least.  We'd be free by noon to go visit family but not before.  And everyone's been totally fine about it.</p>

 

[AllyRae]

<p>We're staying home for Christmas (not by choice...ILs will be in Australia, and my family can't host this year).  I'm not actually going to be able to see any of my family this holiday season.  I also have surgery a couple days after Christmas.  I don't think anyone thinks I'm scroogey for not travelling on Christmas because they told me they couldn't host. :lol:  (I'd host, but my family can't travel down here either...we're about 4 1/2 hours away in good weather, 6-7 hours away in typical December weather.)</p>

 

[Oka-san]

<p>We stay home too. I decided that our family home would be the place we celebrate Christmas morning each year, no traveling. We made no announcements about it, either, just started doing it. I do miss seeing some of our family members, but we have some around here, so it works out. I love the peace and non-stress of our Christmas mornings now!</p>

 

[ecoteat]

<p>We stay home. Almost all of our family lives in PA and when we lived in Boston (pre-dd) we went home for Christmas and it was so stressful. So we decided that when we moved to Maine we would not go anymore.The first year felt weird, but now I couldn't imagine it any other way. After a couple years of not going we opted out of the secret santa among my cousins too. So we have completely defected! Eveyone understands. We have a pretty idyllic Christmas season here (and every season, really), and I don't think anyone expects us to leave it! At some point on Christmas day we do usually visit dh's cousin and her family who live 3 miles away. She's the only family in New England!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I don't feel like I'm depriving our family of seeing the extended family. I feel like that if we travelled, we'd be depriving ourselves a really beautiful and peaceful holiday. We usually go home to PA in February to visit everyone, and it's much more fun because we aren't trying to see everyone in 24 hours for obligatory holiday gatherings. We can spread out our visits over the week and really enjoy everyone's company.</p>

 

[Arduinna]

<p>The only drawback of staying home is the possibility that they might decide to come to your house instead.</p>

 

[MammaB21]

<p>There are kids in my family and DD would be so hurt and disappointed if we skipped the extended family event. We have a pretty close family and I honestly can't imagine not seeing them for the holidays. I would be really sad and they would all be hurt if we opted out. I'd drive an hour (and have before, we just did for Thanksgiving) if need be. We may have to leave early though to avoid DS's crabby time which can be a nightmare in the car. With that said though, we changed our plans around a little this year to make Christmas day less stressful. Now we don't have to leave the house until 12pm so we have all morning as an immediate family. I can see opting out if you don't get along with your family and it's more of a chore then a good time. For us, it's something we look forward to for months leading up to December!!!</p>

 

[HollyBearsMom]

<p> </p>
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">
<div> I can see opting out if you don't get along with your family and it's more of a chore then a good time.</div>
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</div>
<p> We get along great with our family so it has nothing to do about that <span><img alt="shrug.gif" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/shrug.gif" style="width:29px;height:15px;"></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Its about the importance of slowing down and spending time as our own family. To avoid the rush rush rush of the season.  Spending an hour at 5 different houses isn't really visiting anyway and surely is NOT a good time, IMHO.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We will be driving 8+ hours later this week to spend 5 days with my husbands extended family later this week.  And we spend an entire day with the local side of family in early January (but we see them ALL time anyway) </p>
<p> </p>
<p>But thats why I asked the question.  No answer is better than the other. It what works for you (the collective you) and your family!<span><img alt="thumb.gif" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/thumb.gif" style="width:23px;height:18px;"></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>

 

[jeteaa]

<p>we do x-mas eve and morning w/ my parents (4 hr traveling) then come home and have our own family Christmas morning. Santa works OT around here! So depending on what/how/why you celebrate x-mas, I advise you to see your relatives then plan a special x-mas morning the next day at home.</p>

 

[Storm Bride]

<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>HollyBearsMom</strong> <a href="/community/forum/thread/1283691/do-you-stay-home-for-christmas-would-we-bed-scrooges-for-staying-home-this-christmas#post_16097549"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a><br>
But thats why I asked the question.  No answer is better than the other. It what works for you (the collective you) and your family!<span><img alt="thumb.gif" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/thumb.gif" style="width:23px;height:18px;"></span>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</div>
</div>
<br><br><p>This is my feeling. There's no real travel involved for us, as my mom is a 5-10 minute drive from here. But, I love going to her house on Christmas and will miss it when those days are over (not too much longer now, I think). My kids love it, because they get to see their cousins. But, if it wasn't working for us, then I'd stop going. Celebrating in a way that stresses one out, and means nobody is having any fun, makes no sense to me.</p>

 

[LynnS6]

<p> </p>
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">
<div>
<h1 class="forum-h1">Do you stay home for Christmas? Would we <strong>bed</strong> scrooges for staying home this Christmas?</h1>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p>I've never bedded a scrooge before, even when I've stayed home, so I think you'd be safe. Scrooges aren't all that common, and I don't think they bed easily (and if they did, would your partner mind?)</p>