Last year, we didn’t spend Thanksgiving with a single one of our five children.
Did it feel odd? Yes.
Was it the best for everyone? We think so.
Our oldest daughter and her husband alternate holidays with his family and our family; last year Thanksgiving was with his family. Our oldest son lives in California and coming home for Thanksgiving just wasn’t in the budget. Our middle daughter, her husband, and our granddaughter were already expected at two different Thanksgiving gatherings on his side of the family. Our second youngest spent the holiday with some friends, and our youngest and his fiancé would have been happy to join us, but we decided to give them the freedom of no expectations and the ability to enjoy the day fully with her family. Instead of gathering our immediate family, Mark and I drove a couple hours to spend time with our parents.
I love the holidays but I don’t love them more than my family. I love traditions but I don’t love them more than the people I share those traditions with.
Too often the biggest “gift” given at the holidays is guilt. Sometimes the most loving thing we can do is give our family freedom.
So instead of turkey, dressing, pumpkin pie, and large helpings of obligation on Thanksgiving, we had a family gathering of whoever could come for pizza and games the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Instead of ham, sweet potatoes, and persimmon pudding on Christmas Day, we gathered everyone together on a day that worked best for all after Christmas.
One of the hardest things to do as a parent is to allow change to happen as your kids get older. Their sphere of relationships grows exponentially when they marry and start a new family. These days I’m using phrases like these more often:
“We understand. It’s not the day that’s important. We’ll find another time that works better!”
“Your heart is most important to us. We don’t want to add any additional pressure by piling on expectations. If you can join us, we’ll be thrilled and if you can’t, we understand.”
“I love you. I love you the same no matter what decision you need to make for your sanity and what’s best for your family.”
Want to give a powerful gift this holiday season? Give the gift of freedom. Flexibility. No expectations. Unconditional love.
Your loved ones will thank you!
I’d love to receive this gift! My husband and and kids and I have been alternating Christmas Day between his family and mine. We also see his family on Christmas Eve. My family is 3 hours away and we see them once or twice a year. We really want to start doing Christmas Eve with his family and Christmas Day with mine- no more switching. I’m concerned that my in-laws are not going to take this well. I’m praying for peace and understanding this Christmas.
Wonderful, refreshing, and much needed words at the beginning of this holiday season! Thank you for being real Jill.
Jill,
I loved this post! Holidays have always been a struggle for me in trying to please everyone. Now, my children are grown and I do want to give them the flexibility. Sharing your post.
FYI: I tried to share on Pinterest and was unable. The picture wasn’t coming over. Not sure if it was on my end or yours but I thought you might like to know.
It seems to be working on our end but we’re curious: Did you try to pin it from your phone or computer?
We too try to be flexible with holiday expectations. We’ve found with our ever changing growing family, and children ranging in age from 10 to almost 30, it truly is a gift for all of us. It may not but the stuff movies are made of but it’s real life and real love. I love my children everyday and want to enjoy whatever time we can share.
Wonderfully said. When we were first married and after having kids, I really struggled with the guilt put on me to be with both my parents (divorced) for every holiday when we lived 6 hours away. My in-laws live near my parents and were very accommodating but it added so much stress, pressure and guilt. This year, I am hosting Thanksgiving on Saturday so that my older boys can spend Thanksgiving with their girlfriends and their families. I still have 2 at home and we just moved this summer, so I am looking forward to hosting. But, I also look forward to hosting (or attending) every other year in the years ahead and planning a get away on the off years. I have told my boys as far as holidays in the future, they need to do what works for them. We always love to see them, but we love them when we don’t see them as well. <3
Lisa, you are embracing holiday freedom in a beautiful way!