Stay Sane: Managing Multiple Thanksgiving Visits
My parents live about two and a half hours south of me and my wife’s family lives about 45 minutes north. Holidays have always been difficult because we want to please both sets of parents and not miss out on any holidays.We used to wake up early in the morning and drive to my mom’s for Thanksgiving lunch and then drive up to her mom’s for Thanksgiving dinner. I am pretty sure we gained about 5 pounds a piece because of all the food, but it was worth it.
This was fine when it was just us, but with three small children in tow, driving seven hours in one day has become tiresome. We never get out early enough, so we only spend a couple hours at my mom’s house before driving all the way back to her mom’s.
My mom always got the short end of the deal because we could only be there a few hours before leaving. This is a common problem for many couples, but I have found a way where everyone gets what they want and you get to keep your sanity.
Rather than going through that, we skip my mom’s Thanksgiving and go to her mom’s. The drive is significantly shorter and much easier on a parent’s nerves. I call my mom on Thanksgiving and have a good long conversation and promise to be up during the weekend.
Sure, I miss my mom’s Thanksgiving, but I get to see her over the weekend and there is no hurry to leave. She actually gets to spend some time with us and her grandchildren without all the stress of holiday cooking.
My in-laws get to have Thanksgiving earlier like they used to and everyone isn’t eating so late. This really is the best of both worlds and we turn around and do the opposite at Christmas.
I realized that I can’t please everyone all the time. As parents, we can’t forget that we also have a responsibility to ourselves. So don’t let the inevitable guilt trip get you down and try to have the most enjoyable Thanksgiving as possible.
See also:
Thanksgiving: Don’t Forget to Entertain the KidsPink Paris Apron – Stay Pretty and Clean this ThanksgivingThanksgiving or Christmas? What To Do About DecoratingEntertaining Guests? Make Room At Home Or At A Venue3 Easy Ways to Make Thanksgiving MemorableGobble Up These Thanksgiving Decorations!“Where is that Thanksgiving Turkey At!?!”Affordable and Adorable Thanksgiving DecorKid’s Thanksgiving Tablecloth, Placemats and Napkins – Check out the Deals
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