Family Gatherings – Yea or Nay?

It’s that time of year again. Family time! But, where’s my family? Everywhere… but here. Not a single family member of mine resides within the state I call home. Instead, they are hundreds to thousands of miles away, some even in different countries. So when it comes time for big family gatherings, there are none.

The last one I recall was back in the late 1980’s, but because of how young I was, I don’t honestly know what a big family get-together feels like. I’m not complaining. I simply miss what I’ve never had, but what so many others do.

Those others however, often feel the complete opposite. They are overwhelmed with family, seemingly never able to escape them. They crave time away from the constant drop-ins and invitations.

Then, when the holidays roll around it’s even worse. Joy is replaced with stress, usually weeks before the big day itself. Who’s going to host the dinner? Who will bring what? Who’s going to be there? Where on earth are we going to get enough tables and chairs for that many people?

It’s a mess. A crazy and wild day, filled with flour covered aprons and heads dripping with sweat. But, it’s also a day filled with love, laughter and fun. A time of family. A time where wonderful and hilarious memories are made.

Or, at least that’s how I imagine it to be.

This is a conversation my mother and I were having yesterday. It seems that we always want what others have. We, my mother and I, would love a large family get-together for Thanksgiving or Christmas, or any big family gathering for that matter. That would be a dream come true, especially for her.

For others however, they would love nothing else but to escape to a secluded place, far from family or anyone else who could contact them.

If you could have it your way this holiday season, what would you prefer?

A big family gathering or a quiet dinner with your spouse and children? Or, would you rather say “forget it” and head off to a secluded location far away from it all?