Who should I invite for Thanksgiving?
@monicathinks407 (311)
United States
November 2, 2007 9:15am CST
My close friend asked me before anyone in my family if she and her 4 kids could come over for Thanksgiving. My friend is a lonely single mom of 4 kids. She hasn't even reached 30 yrs old yet. We are very close and I try to be as supportive as I possibly can. Well, although 2 of the 4 kids are like EVIL AND KINEVIL ...I am still willing to share with them. After 9 years of friendship this is going to be our 1st Thanksgiving together. Here is where the drama begins...my mother wants me to tell her to stay home and renig my invitation just so she can be here. I felt like that was so wrong of my mother to suggest. She didn't raise me and has no idea of what it means to struggle as a single parent. I am not renigging anything. I told her if she wants to come she can and if she doesn't then oh well. I think I doing the right thing. My friends family already don't except her multi-racial children....why should I turn her away ... let the kids misbehave I will deal with them. My mom is crazy and selfish.
2 people like this
9 responses
@nixtickleme (349)
• United States
2 Nov 07
Yeah, I think you should keep your original invitation and plans. Thanksgiving is about giving thanks to those that are in your life and sharing your blessings with those closest to you in your life. It is unfortunate that your mother can't understand that and appreciate the kindness that you are bestowing to your friend and her children. Best of luck and I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving!
2 people like this
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
2 Nov 07
I think you did the right thing too. It sounds to me like your friend deserves to be at your Thanksgiving more than your mom. And it sounds like you told your mom she could come anyways, so she shouldn't be worried about who else you invite, it's your business and your decision!
I think it is so wonderful you help your friend out so much. I know what singles mothers go through (not from 1st hand experience, but my older sister is a single mother of 2). My family helps her out the best we can. They lead a tough life, I know it has to be hard for them!
i hope you have a great Thanksgiving! :)
Just curious: Does your friend also spend Christmas with you? Sorry, kind of a random, personal question. If it's none of my business feel free to tell me so! ;P
1 person likes this
@monicathinks407 (311)
• United States
2 Nov 07
We haven't spent a Christmas together yet. But one day. Thanks your comment. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family as well.
1 person likes this
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
2 Nov 07
Thank you very much! I hope your Thanksgiving is great, and whoever you want to come shows up! Surprises are great! Thanks for the best response :)
1 person likes this
@copperkitten (3473)
• United States
2 Nov 07
Your mom need help! I would tell her to back off. You invited your friend to your house to eat your food. She apperantly needs a friend like you in her life! You are doing the right thing. Sometimes friends have to come before family. We usually split holidays between our parents. One holiday is spent with his family and the next is spent with mine and so on. But if I had a friend like yours I would tell the family sorry but she needs me MORE right now! Your mom will get over it and should be proud that you are doing such a good thing!
1 person likes this
@blueunicorn (2401)
• United States
3 Nov 07
My husband and I split the holidays like that with our parents, too. It just got too hectic to try to get to both places on the same day- especially with small children.
I agree that every once in awhile a friend needs to come first. There are just times that we can tell that someone needs a little extra attention and help.
@Dask1221 (160)
• United States
2 Nov 07
Yeah, that was wrong of your mom. It doesn't sound like you and your mom are all that close, so for her to tell you that you have to change your plans to her liking and advantage in inappropriate and rude. I think you should definitely keep your plans with your friend and her kids. It sounds like she really needs a friend for the holiday anyway.
1 person likes this
@PurpleTeddyBear (6685)
• Canada
2 Nov 07
I think you did the right thing. Not only did your friends ask if she could come before you made any other plans with family, but as a single mom of 4 I think it is great that you are being such a great friend to love and support her as much as possible. If your mom decides not to come that is her decision, and she will get over it I'm sure, but in the end I think she is the one missing out! Hugzz to you!
PurpleTeddyBear.
1 person likes this
@Treikens (32)
• United States
3 Nov 07
That's nice and all but in this house, thus year, its immediate family ONLY!! Last year I let thieves into my house!
@blueunicorn (2401)
• United States
2 Nov 07
I think you are doing the right thing by keeping your original invitation. Your mom should be happy to join you and proud of the daughter you are- even if she wasn't the one who raised you. Holidays get so stressful with the obligations and someone always being unhappy. You should spend the holidays doing what makes you feel good. Maybe next year your mom will make her wishes known sooner.
