[jcommin]

I have had some awful Christmases. It is a holiday I can take or leave and it usually ends up with someone saying or doing something stupid (usually it's my ex) .

I'm divorced: my ex is Jewish and my kids are raised Jewish so Christmas was a blend when my parents were alive. That changed when they past on - we didn't celebrate Christmas as much. We traveled or stayed home eating Chinese and going to movies, I got use to it - Christmas became a non event. I have had some ugly holidays during my marriage that I would rather forget.:

Fast forward, my kids are grown and they celebrate the holiday differently. They have families and have put up trees but there is no religious connection. My ex and I have celebrated birthdays and holidays with them - it is different. We get along - so long as things don't go south. I'm guarded and I will excuse myself and leave. I have the attitude, the date means nothing to me. I need no drama during the holidays or special events. My ex can/could train wreck a holiday. I actuality like my DILs and their families. But, I'm not vested in them - I see them on special occasions. They don't get in my head.

So I truly empathize with those who struggle with the holidays. I'm in a better spot today but there were times I couldn't wait for the new year and get past holidays.

Happy New Year everyone!