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Home > Hosting Christmas? Not this year.

Hosting Christmas? Not this year.

October 21st, 2012 at 01:35 am

I finally decided to opt out of hosting Christmas this year. I've hosted more than 12 Christmas parties for the extended family over the last 15 years. And it stresses me out! And that makes me crabby. It also makes my chronic disability much worse. And then I thought about it on the financial front. Between the cleaning lady (don't laugh - it saved my marriage), making sure the bar is stocked, and providing the main dish, etc. it can really add up. Everyone is very generous in contributing but as a hostess you still have to ensure that everything from the Christmas crackers to the ice are on hand. I felt I had to have everything covered in case someone didn't bring the right amount.

I also host a late Spring family event every May/June.

So I'm free! Some guilt but I think it's better than the stress. Are any of you in the same situation where you fulfill an obligation and then come to resent it? Any confirmation that I am not being a selfish cheapskate is appreciated - oops, guilt is creeping in...

Posted in Uncategorized | 8 Comments »

8 Responses to “Hosting Christmas? Not this year.”

  1. Thrifty Ray Says:
    October 21st, 2012 at 01:45 am 1350783917
    1350783917

    I dont blame you for opting out. Perhaps another family member will offer to host this year and it can be rotated between others in future years. Once something is more stressful than enjoyable, its time to re-evaluate. Glad you are free!

  2. LuckyRobin Says:
    October 21st, 2012 at 03:07 am 1350788835
    1350788835

    I think this is wise. It is stressful to be in charge of everything and that is hard enough without throwing in a disability.

  3. creditcardfree Says:
    October 21st, 2012 at 01:25 pm 1350825957
    1350825957

    Sounds like a fine choice to me. I would look for balance...some years you host some you don't. Figure out how often that is and go for that!

  4. MonkeyMama Says:
    October 21st, 2012 at 03:50 pm 1350834648
    1350834648

    Sounds good to me!

    We host T-day every year, but the family is really good about sharing the burden. I honestly don't do much for the holiday. this is the ONLY reason we regularly host. Some of the family runs ragged with cooking and driving/traffic, but they all seem relieved not to host. We are very low key hosters, so is no biggie to us.

  5. rob62521 Says:
    October 21st, 2012 at 08:11 pm 1350850318
    1350850318

    Time for someone else to have this pleasure!

  6. Jerry Says:
    October 22nd, 2012 at 10:05 am 1350900317
    1350900317

    I echo the above. If it leads to stress and crabbiness surrounding a time that should be relaxing and happy, then it's time for you to let someone else host a party! Look at it as some insurance for enjoying your own holidays this year, huh? You deserve it after a dozen years of decking everyone else's halls... Smile Jerry

  7. wowitsawonderfullife Says:
    October 23rd, 2012 at 01:41 am 1350956500
    1350956500

    Thanks for your feedback. I really appreciate your support.

  8. ThriftoRama Says:
    November 9th, 2012 at 01:40 am 1352425252
    1352425252

    I know what you mean about the stress. I made the mistake of hosting christmas a few years back, when our youngest was 6 weeks old. DH's crazy mean aunt actually stuck her hands in my pockets on Christmas morning and accused me of stealing money from her!!! It was almost a divorce Christmas (kidding, but it felt like it!) .

    So yeah, we take it easy on entertaining now.

    And, hubby has been begging me to hire a cleaning lady for years, but I can't rationalize spending the money. Sure, it would be great, but I feel like we can't afford it!

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