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Post by jenb72 on Nov 14, 2020 17:09:02 GMT
We were supposed to spend Thanksgiving with my DH's sister's family this year and then rent a cabin in NC for Christmas with my side of the family (16 of us all together). Now that's not happening. We're just postponing to next year.
Jen
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paigepea
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Jun 26, 2014 4:28:55 GMT
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Post by paigepea on Nov 14, 2020 17:20:50 GMT
We just cancelled dd’s birthday at the movie theatre we rented out. It’s allowed to operate but we decided we didn’t want to worry about 7 kids getting sick. We are in the process of organizing a zoom something for her.
We also just cancelled her bat mitzvah. I’ve been talking about cancelling for some time but we just pulled the plug. It was supposed to be end of January. She’s now studying all over again for her new date next October.
Perhaps I should feel lucky that our province won’t let us have anyone in our homes or yards, so no one can have or make plans at the moment. We aren’t allowed to sit at a restaurant with someone from a different household. So all of our holiday socializing with friends or family will be on FaceTime or zoom. We did this for the Jewish high holidays in the fall and for pesach last spring, with food exchanges and what not, and it was ok. To be honest it was much less stressful and more relaxing with my kids, but a lot of screen time together. Although we’ve never had time to watch the 10 commandments on pesach before so that was a treat.
I worry that people will travel or gather against provincial health orders. Although now if it gets out that you’re doing that you’re pretty much looked down upon.
It’s interesting to me when people say they’re just having the immediate family or whatever. We haven’t had anyone in our house so I have a hard time understanding that others do. It’s like way back when our gov’t said only 6 people were allowed in our house. Wth? Who is having six people?
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Deleted
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Jun 1, 2024 9:52:55 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2020 17:29:18 GMT
The larger family gathering for Thanksgiving was cancelled on one side. The other is still happening as far as I know. We noped out early and haven't heard anything further since.
I'm really hoping the annual Christmas gathering gets cancelled. I rather like just staying home with cheesy Christmas movies on Netflix and freedom to have wine and pie for lunch.
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kate
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Jun 26, 2014 3:30:05 GMT
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Post by kate on Nov 14, 2020 17:35:32 GMT
We canceled our Christmas plans a couple of months ago. It will be the first time in my life that I have not spent it with my parents and siblings. I'm trying to look at it in a glass-half-full way, appreciating the miracle that I've had over 50 consecutive Christmases with them - what a blessing! And next year's, God willing, will be all the sweeter.
We have spent the last several years with my ILs for Thanksgiving. Before that, I used to host a motley group of people, usually including at least one person who otherwise would have spent the day alone. It was always relaxed and fun. This will be our first Thanksgiving with just our household.
I'm glad I enjoy the company of my DH and all our teenagers. I think it will be okay. I'm definitely more worried about the kids at Christmas.
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Post by fiddlesticks on Nov 14, 2020 17:44:27 GMT
We didn’t make any plans to begin with. 🤷🏼♀️ Usually my sister and her family comes for thanksgiving but they aren’t. We didn’t even have a discussion about it. We just knew.
My MIL always comes for Christmas so we are doing the quarantine thing before she comes. She’s an hour away so she’ll drive over. It stresses me out a little that I need to be “ready” for it all so early this year but it will be ok. As long as I’m ready for DD. The rest of us are adults and can deal with it if something is forgotten. 😂
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Post by birdy on Nov 14, 2020 17:49:57 GMT
All of ours are cancelled too. Feeling so sad, just as I'm sure you all are.
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Post by Delta Dawn on Nov 14, 2020 17:55:44 GMT
I think for us it will depend on ferry availability to the island. We have been asked not to travel to the lower mainland but not mandated yet. Things could get better too. I hope the kids can come. I will also understand if they can’t.
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Post by Darcy Collins on Nov 14, 2020 18:01:53 GMT
We knew our daughter would be coming back from university the week of Thanksgiving, so never planned anything for that holiday. We had a crowd last year, but I'm so happy to see my baby girl, that it's easy to be thankful on Thanksgiving. Christmas is so much harder. We've been planning on quarantining and testing so that we can see my parents. They've been basically home alone for 9 months and it's been so hard on them. I'm not sure if logistically we can make it work, but I'm not quite ready to cancel. It's hard when you have older family members with health issues. They don't have a lifetime left. I know my mom feels like she's missing out on a handful of good years she has left. It's incredibly difficult.
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Post by natscraps on Nov 14, 2020 18:18:48 GMT
Thanksgiving the past few years has just been me DH and DS. I cook a turkey breast in the crockpot and we have all the sides. That is still on. The huge friendsgiving my BFF and I have the day after is still on but I’m not going. She’s on her own this year especially since her and 2 other friends are sunning themselves on the beaches of Mexico as I type this. Might I add that most of the guest list are nurses and first responders.
Christmas we haven’t made any decisions quite yet. The whole family together is only 9 of us. A lot will depend on whether BIL and SIL come in from out of town. Christmas Eve will still probably be at my stepdads as usual. It’s just the four of us and he’s part of our regular bubble.
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moodyblue
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Jun 26, 2014 21:07:23 GMT
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Post by moodyblue on Nov 14, 2020 18:20:25 GMT
My extended family has always had standing plans for holidays - my mom hosted for decades and then when it was too much for her, we had it at her house but my brother and I did everything. When my mom moved to assisted living, my brother took over having the holidays at his house on the farm, so it was back to the location my cousins remember, although the house has been remodeled.
This year, in the last five weeks, we have lost my aunt and my mom, the last two of their generation. That makes this year especially hard. Some of us are in our mid-60s, and there are several family members, including younger ones, who have health issues that make them high risk.
This morning I sent out an email, officially saying what I’m sure they all assumed - that we won’t be gathering for the holidays this year. But I stressed that we plan to resume when it is safer to do so. I’ve already heard from several of my cousins. Everyone so far agrees that it’s just too risky.
For many years my husband and I hosted his family for Christmas Eve, and I continued that last year. I’m sure we won’t be gathering this year, as his niece has Cystic Fibrosis, pitting her at super high risk. We did a Zoom meeting for her birthday with all their grandchildren and other family, which was nice.
I’m planning to mail packages with fun things and treats to the families I won’t see in person, along with the gifts for the little kids.
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Post by rainangel on Nov 14, 2020 18:20:38 GMT
I am trying to, but my dad keeps saying stuff like 'Oh, we'll see how things develop'. Because he will be very sad if me and my teenaged DD's won't come over for Christmas. We have pretty much shut down domestic travelling over here, so my family that usually comes for Christmas can't this year. So that leaves my parents who are 66 and 70, my grandmother of 91, and me and the girls. I really want to spend Christmas with them, but I am terrified of exposing the older generations to the virus. I work fulltime, my kids are in school and still have sport so we are more exposed to other people.
My dad pleading with me to let him spend Christmas with the girls breaks my heart though.....
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MDscrapaholic
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Jun 25, 2014 20:49:07 GMT
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Post by MDscrapaholic on Nov 14, 2020 18:39:32 GMT
It's my turn to host the extended family party this year, and I just sent out a text message to everyone (we're spread out over six states) saying that it won't be happening. Suggested a Zoom meeting and the younger generation jumped on it. One of them is going to set it up so we can still "get together" and sing the same Christmas carols like we always do. It makes me sad, but what can you do? Some of us live alone, and if we get sick, we have no one to take care of us. We're all being very careful. I'm hoping that we will get a chance to do it in person next Christmas.
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MaryMary
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Post by MaryMary on Nov 14, 2020 18:42:19 GMT
I was planning on doing a Thanksgiving/Christmas with my sisters that live locally, but cancelled. Now that I’m subbing, I’m much more exposed and don’t feel comfortable with the idea of increasing our bubble now that cases are rising again.
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Post by 1girlygirl on Nov 14, 2020 18:44:02 GMT
Ours aren’t cancelled, just changed a little. We never do big Thanksgiving gatherings with everyone now that we all have families with lots of other family to visit. I shut down multi family visits years ago because it felt like all we did was rush around, so now it’s only one side per holiday. Our Christmas plans are set and have been for a year, so as long as they aren’t cancelled our end, we’ll take the necessary precautions and go with it.
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Post by jlynnbarth on Nov 14, 2020 18:55:04 GMT
No canceled plans here as it’s just dh and I. DS and his gf have been a part of our “bubble” this whole time, so even though they don’t live under the same roof as us, they still come over and hang out with us. They will be here for Thanksgiving and Christmas. DD and SIL were going to try and come home for Christmas but SIL can’t travel more than an hour from his new base so that’s a no go. Truly a bummer since they are within driving distance now instead of flying, but it is what it is and we will hopefully be able to be together next year.
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TheOtherMeg
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Jun 25, 2014 20:58:14 GMT
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Post by TheOtherMeg on Nov 14, 2020 19:05:36 GMT
We cancelled Thanksgiving and have talked about doing it via zoom. Hope we can gather for Christmas, but it doesn't look hopeful.
This is where we are. Just DH & I for Thanksgiving. All the families (our kids/grandkids, our parents, our kids' in-laws) are staying in their respective homes for Thanksgiving, as well. On the up side, we're making what WE want to eat, and it ain't turkey! (I will be delivering fave dishes to various porches, though.)
We were hoping to see everyone at some point in December, but I doubt it's going to happen. The older kids coordinated their leave to be here at the same time for a few days, but the numbers all around us are just terrible and there's no way to gather outdoors here in December.
So, even though I haven't seen one of my kids in over a year, I can't complain*. We've been so fortunate to make it this far without anyone in our large/extended family ending up in the hospital with Covid. We're all managing the stay/work/school at home situation.
As much as I want to see everyone, I can't see giving up nine months of discipline & sacrifice for a gathering that I know I'd worry about the whole time. And then to wait two weeks for everyone to show symptoms or not? Ugh. I just can't.
*I admit to occasional bouts of whining.
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ddly
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Jul 10, 2014 19:36:28 GMT
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Post by ddly on Nov 14, 2020 19:11:59 GMT
It’s just me, DH and DS for Thanksgiving. We usually go to MA to se my stepson the day before and then eat Thanksgiving out on the way home. I’ll miss that. They always have turkey, fish and prime rib and it’s delicious. I don’t enjoy cooking but will suck it up and help DH.
Xmas we usually go to a Japanese restaurant with my family. Not happening this year. I’ll have both kids here and we’ll do a nice meal. It’ll be the first time I’ve ever spent the day home on Xmas. I’ll miss my family!
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TheOtherMeg
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Jun 25, 2014 20:58:14 GMT
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Post by TheOtherMeg on Nov 14, 2020 19:16:31 GMT
I worry that people will travel or gather against provincial health orders. Although now if it gets out that you’re doing that you’re pretty much looked down upon. Our problem here is that going against the masking/distancing/gathering orders does NOT get looked down upon. SO many people here are all "my body, my rights!" (unless it's a woman's body and she wants to make medical decisions, then it's a whole 'nother ballgame) and they'll trust herd immunity thanyouverymuch, or they know more than the scientists and say masks are useless and they will not mask up, or they're convinced this whole thing is a Soros/Gates plot to take over the world.
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Post by christine58 on Nov 14, 2020 19:21:06 GMT
Who is having six people? We are...
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Post by epeanymous on Nov 14, 2020 19:30:36 GMT
I worry that people will travel or gather against provincial health orders. Although now if it gets out that you’re doing that you’re pretty much looked down upon. Our problem here is that going against the masking/distancing/gathering orders does NOT get looked down upon. SO many people here are all "my body, my rights!" (unless it's a woman's body and she wants to make medical decisions, then it's a whole 'nother ballgame) and they'll trust herd immunity thanyouverymuch, or they know more than the scientists and say masks are useless and they will not mask up, or they're convinced this whole thing is a Soros/Gates plot to take over the world. The part I do not understand is—ok, so you do not want the government to order you to do something. But—doctors are telling you it’s what you should do. Why not just choose to do the right thing? Isn’t that what personal responsibility should be about?
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Post by littlemama on Nov 14, 2020 19:37:09 GMT
Not cancelling, just changing. My mom will come for Thanksgiving unless any of us does not feel safe with that- then we would Zoom thanksgiving. Same goes for Christmas Day. My inlaws are going to disney with bil's family, so Christmas eve will be whatever we want it to be. Even if they were in town, we would not be going over there- too many people, too many science deniers.
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Gennifer
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Jun 26, 2014 8:22:26 GMT
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Post by Gennifer on Nov 14, 2020 19:50:56 GMT
We normally host my entire family, which is about 45 people. We will be doing just our household (7) this year, while the rest of my family gets together at my parents’ house. 🤦🏼♀️
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Post by chlerbie on Nov 14, 2020 20:02:14 GMT
We pretty much have long standing plans with family and friends that we do every year--but it's all been cancelled, so it will just be the two of us. I'm trying to remain upbeat about it and trying to figure out ways to make the days special for us both.
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johnnysmom
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Jun 25, 2014 21:16:33 GMT
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Post by johnnysmom on Nov 14, 2020 20:02:30 GMT
I’m calling my parents within the next few days to say we won’t be there. I expect to be disowned shortly there after 🙄. We usually have dh’s parents and bro/sil here, bro/sil and their kids aren’t coming. Not sure about ILs, I’m leaving it up to them because we’re more risk to them then they are to us. Im sure ds’ gf will be here and ds will likely attend dinner with her family. They’ve been seeing each other all along so I don’t see any point in excluding her.
Thinking ahead to Christmas I’m thinking I might be comfortable doing a get together/gift exchange if we kept it brief and everyone wears a mask. Perhaps do a cookie exchange (to-go style) instead of a meal.
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Post by scrapsuzy on Nov 14, 2020 20:07:26 GMT
We decided last year that we were not hosting my husband's side of the family this year, for either holiday. There are 5 other people who can do that, and it is their turn.
In July my sil was already making noise about whether we should do the holidays this year, with the decision to play it by ear. At that time, we let everyone know that we weren't hosting, but would show up whenever and wherever. And I have not said another word about it.
We had a family wedding a few weeks ago and no one wore masks. We sat around tables and shared a meal, and hugged and intermingled just as we would at the holidays.
But again, I am not making their plans this year. And so far, no plans have been made for that side. Which is sad, because my FIL is 84.
For my side, I don't know if my parents are doing anything on Thursday or not. They may do something last minute, with whoever is around, which won't be any of my kids and their families. My side, 3 of my 4 kids are going to their spouse's families, or out of town. The Saturday after, my parents, my FIL, & my husband and I are going to my daughter's place. Just the 7 of us. About 20 fewer people than usual, but T'giving isn't the holiday I ask them to come home for. Xmas is my thing.
Last year, the kids and us decided to make our tradition to gather the Sunday before Xmas, with my parents included. Then, if they want to come down again to my mom's or my dh's side, they can, but it isn't expected.
We are not making any decisions due to Covid. This is just how it is working out for us this year.
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Post by oliquig on Nov 14, 2020 20:10:15 GMT
We are doing 6, but all isolate and get weekly Covid tests. Also we won't sit at a table, we are going to spread out with TV trays.
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Post by scrapmaven on Nov 14, 2020 20:14:15 GMT
Our plans are totally cancelled. Thanksgiving week is a complete events w/all of dh's cousins and their spouses/kids. Every night is a different theme night. This year it's just too dangerous to get together. So, we'll stay home and relax up here. It's a bummer for everyone this year. Try and make the best of it and we can hope that next year we'll be able to see our loved ones and have our normal celebrations.
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luckyjune
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Jul 22, 2017 4:59:41 GMT
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Post by luckyjune on Nov 14, 2020 20:30:07 GMT
We did...sort of. My mom and dad (in their late 70s) opted to not join us this year. As cases have soared in our state, we also told our three grown up kids that we'd not be gathering. Instead, DH and I are going to cook and deliver meals to them. It will be a day spent traveling, but at least we can feed them and see them from a distance.
I was on the phone with my mom last night and I expressed my sadness in all of this. She reminded me that this is one holiday in a lifetime of holidays and that perspective helped a little.
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scrappinmama
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Post by scrappinmama on Nov 14, 2020 20:51:07 GMT
We were scheduled to fly out to see my 90 year old mother and dh's mother for Thanksgiving week. At first we had a good plan in place. We were going to stay in a hotel, make sure we showered and changed clothes when we first arrived and before we went to my mom's apartment. We had planned to wear masks the entire time, eat Thanksgiving in the backyard and at different tables. But it's really gotten out of hand and the numbers have skyrocketed that we now feel that there is no safe way to do this. I don't know if I will ever see my mother alive again and it breaks my heart. But I also don't want to expose anyone to a potentially deadly illness. So cancelling seemed like the most responsible thing to do.
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jayfab
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Jun 26, 2014 21:55:15 GMT
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Post by jayfab on Nov 14, 2020 21:03:03 GMT
Yes, I'm staying home for Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. My sil usually has turkey day dinner with just a few family members but said no extended family this year and I'm ok with that. Going to cook a small turkey breast and a few sides for me and my sis (we live together). But sil has a BIG party on Christmas Eve with people in and out all evening and that is canceled too. I'm fine with that also. It's going to be a low key zoom Christmas this year so we can party like heck next year!
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