Do you look forward to the holidays?

I do look forward to the holidays. I enjoy every minute of them with my own family. I understand the family politics you are meaning, the outside influences that try to drain every ounce of enthusiasm from your mind. : ) I believe that most people have to deal with a certain level of this at some point in their life. For us, we celebrate the holidays in our own home. We lay down the rules of what is appropriate behavior in our home. One thing my husband will not allow is for anyone to say something demeaning to me (in our home). I am the same way by him. I now have a sister-in-law who refuses to come to my home for holidays. This does not stress me in the least. She is an adult and has made her own choice. I have a father-in-law who will not attend any of our functions because we do not allow him to drink in our home. (This has led to many fights and altercations in the past) You definitely need someone in your corner to back you up and I hope that you do have that. I am sorry that you no longer enjoy holidays, but take them back if you want! Put your foot down and let your voice be heard! : )