For some reason I am already getting worked up about the holidays.  We usually celebrate with my husbands family.  Herein lies the problem, ROUTINE!  I am burned out on making a sidedish that usally they never eat because they are not use to trying different foods.  I am burned out on traveling at least an hour to basically hear the same conversations which evolve around the family business.  (My BIL is my husbands boss.)  I am tired of the kids not being able to ride their bikes/scooters in the front yard at my MIL house because she is afraid of her busy street.  Did I tell you that the kids stay on the sidewalk, and never go out on the street!  I could go on and on...  

      What I am grateful for is that we do share time together and I feel that this is important for the kids to see.  I really try hard to make conversation and keeping it light.  I am happy seeing my son playing with his cousins, something he will remember forever.  

      I just told my husband about the pressure I feel surrounding the holidays.  He took it well actually and agreed that if I don’t want to go this year, that I don’t have too.  I feel guilt. This truly is a double edge sword. And because my husbands mom is 83yrs. old and his BIL has had his share of heart problems anything could happen at any moment...thoughts anyone?