Dear Colette,
I’m already dreading the next 20 years, and my son is only 11 months old! My husband and I have always taken turns traveling out of state to see my folks or his parents over the holidays. Now that we have the baby, my mother-in-law has already made noises about how excited she’ll be next year, since this year it’s my folk’s turn. I’m feeling resentful as I begin to pack that I’ll never be able to experience the Christmas morning magic in my own home. Am I selfish to feel this way?
Packing with Attitude
Dear Packing with Attitude,
Anyone who has ever been on a flight during late December can relate to your feelings. No, I don’t think you’re being selfish at all given my own history. When my second daughter was born, I announced to the grandparents that I wasn’t going anywhere over the holidays until the girls no longer believed in Santa Claus and could carry their own gifts! However, they were welcome to come to our home, and we would look forward to their arrival. I’m sure they were disappointed and frustrated in the beginning. Yet, we’ve gone on to celebrate many holidays together in our home, and the memories are magnificent. It’s okay to ask for what you want – it’s the only way you’re ever going to get it. Although my girls are old enough now to meet the holiday travel criteria, luckily no one has asked!