This is going to be fun day... not.

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Okay, I do like seeing my relatives, but I am always so drained after going to my grandmother's house. Sometimes there is drama, and sometimes there is not. No matter what, I leave exhausted. Now to top it off, I got sick two hours ago (after having about 2 hours sleep) and I don't feel any better. I really do not have a choice about going. I am expected to be there with my kids, and he kids want to see people. I just wish someone could take them for me and let me sleep. I feel icky.

Well, on the bright side, you have people to spend the holiday with and food on the table. Not everyone does. If the family drama is too much, maybe next year you and your kids (depending on their ages) could try serving dinner at a shelter or soup kitchen instead? The holiday is really just about being thankful and reflecting on what you have and there are plenty of other ways to do that, in addition to family dinners and the stress that can come along with them.

This year, I'm probably either going out for Indian food with my brother and a friend today or just staying home by myself, lol. Part of me wishes I was having a nice, traditional Thanksgiving dinner with a functional family, but I'm trying to remember the holiday is about being grateful for what I do have. It does get easy to forget that, though.

I understand what you mean about being drained by family visits. Is there any way that you could have the kids spend some time with an aunt or cousins while you sneak away for a little nap and recharge yourself? Maybe tune out some of the noise of conversation and listen to music for a little bit or just read a magazine.

I wish I still had my grandmas

good luck, let us know how it goes

Do you have the option of asking someone to take the kids there for you? You can also take the kids there and tell your grandma you are feeling sick and need to take a rest. That way you can take your kids there, have an excuse for not being physically there and avoid the pain (My husband have used the I am sick/tired excuse very successfully)

That's why I'm biking over so I can come and leave on my own terms.

I don't get why people think they have to care about their families. I gave mine the finger long ago. They weren't even particularly bad just - no one I was interested in.

I do not participate in any family events, or talk to anyone in my family who I don't have a real appreciation for. Some random s**thead that's related to me is still just a random s**thead.

And screw 'holidays'. You know when I'll drink and eat turkey? Whenever the f**k I feel like it. I don't need to conform to the herd's appointed days.

I did not mean to sound ungrateful for what I have. I am. I just am so exhausted already. And to tell yo the truth, I am one of those families that does go without. I was very happy that my grandmother decided to have the get together because it was one less meal I would have to come up with. I have *been* to the soup kitchens.

I agree that helping out at one is a good idea, but my problem is that I have extreme social phobia. I am okay at certain times, but around the holidays, I want to lock myself up in the house. Too many people. It stresses me to the point of a melt down if I am not careful. That is part of the reason I posted what I did in the OP. I love most of the family I am going to see and I am happy to see them, but on a good day, these gatherings leave me totally exhausted. To top things off, I am not feeling well, so it will be even worse as far as being able to buffer the people stress. And to top things off, my mom decided to create drama today. I am just not playing her game and am not responding to her drama, but she will be there and I am afraid she will create a scene and drag me into it. I do not play her games anymore (she is all about herself and when something does not work out her way because of whatever reason, it is always someone else who is disrespecting her and not listening to her needs and wants. *sigh*

I do think that when I get there I will take a nap. As long as the kids have something to do, they will leave me alone.