Anyone get stressed around the Holidays?

Does anyone's stress level rise around this time of year? I'm a pretty low stress guy (my wife really likes how easy-going I am), but this year is starting to get to me. Last year for Christmas, even though we weren't married yet, my wife and I were able to visit both sides of both our families (her Mom's and Dad's sides and my Mom's and Dad's sides). This year--especially compared to last year--is going to h***.

Her brother's coming to her parent's house the Sat. and Sun. before Christmas, so we're going to her parent's house Sat. and probably Sun. to exchange gifts with them. Her Mom's side of the family is getting together Christmas Eve which I have to work a half day. I have no idea when her Dad's side is meeting; I'm guessing the Sun. before.

My Dad's side isn't meeting until after Christmas in January, so that's perfect. But, my Mom's side, which I'm closer to relationship wise, is still trying to plan their get together. They're wanting to meet Christmas day which Steph and I kind of wanted for ourselves. Plus, my parents would like us to go to a Christmas Eve service at 11:00PM.

I guess I'm mostly stressing about trying to please everyone. My wife's side is pleased pretty much, but my side is a little annoyed at me. If I try to please my side, my wife and her side are annoyed at me. AAAAHHHH!!!!! :mad: :eek: :mad: :eek:

Well somtimes but I havent felt any latly, I will when the day comes closer

Nothing a case of beer and a coulpe hours alone can't handle! :p

Lucky for me my grandfather is a old fashioned man. What he says goes and he has the "in-laws" adjusting so they have Christmans in January! LOL! My Grandfather rocks, he is a total WWII gentleman and always stands firm but can admit if we was wrong. Anyways both families said that we could make them all cookies since Ethan (soon to make us parents) is due in Febuary. So I have no stress except learning how to make cookies.

You're lucky.

Clam's family=insane
Clam's wife's family=insaner
Holidays=time with Clam's family and Clam's wife's family

Therefore:

Holidays=Insane Clam

:D :D :D

[quote]Originally posted by Wayward Clam:
<strong>You're lucky.

Clam's family=insane
Clam's wife's family=insaner
Holidays=time with Clam's family and Clam's wife's family

Therefore:

Holidays=Insane Clam

:D :D :D </strong><hr></blockquote>

How is that different from any other time? :D

[quote]Originally posted by Akuma:
<strong>

How is that different from any other time? :D </strong><hr></blockquote>

Hey hey hey! Let's not even start naming him Insane Clam. Don't wanna give "someone" else the idea he is cool :p J/K Junglefart

Try this - it's the holidays - x-mas 2 years ago my favorite pet ever dies (old age and sickness). The year after my pseudo/GF broke it off with me. A week ago another pet dies (old age again). This year I have to move the week of X-mas. The worst thing is that I really don't want to move but my landlord (rot his eyes) is selling the place in the spring and some place to stay just popped up. I have to leave my beloved Philly and move to the damn burbs (I can't afford to live in philly without roomies unless I want to live in crackland near University City). My heart is breaking and all I can see is the horizon of the town I love everywhere I look.

Presently I am being forced out (more or less) of the city I love, my pet is dead and I have no girlfriend and nobody will get me a damn thing again this year for x-mas like they don't every year (well my family gets me stuff but my friends are bums).

I still like the holiday times and try to think about how bad my problems aren't and think of how bad things could be. People get nice to each other for a good portion of the month - even if it is just lip service - people seem more friendly.

Stressful time of year? If you let it be. Depressing time of year, for some no, but for many yes. Put me down in the "yes" column on that one. Confusing? Complicated? Difficult time of year? Only when I'm sober. I love the holiday season, but I also hate it. :( :)

SH** YEAH!!!

My solution this year involves more alcohol than usual , and blocking out the ignorant comments of my extended family. :mad:

Every Christmas that goes by reminds me of another year almost gone by and many of my goals un-achieved.

I hate the holidays and my girlfriend loves them. She drives 3hours a few days early to be with her parents. I drive down on Christmas day and back in one day. I think the holidays suck.

Its bs the way everybody plays it to be important.

I hate the holidays. ps im in a bad mood to. :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

Not any more.......my worst Christmas was spent on the inter-german border before the wall came down freezing my a$$ of on an alert (don't get more stressful unless the bad guys start shooting) Fortunately I married a girl from Indiana and live in Georgia...No problem on where to spend Christmas..I invite my single brother and parents to my house for dinner (I love to cook). We are haveing bourbon marinated pan seared finnished on the grill inch and a half thick New York strips for dinner this year and possibly a keg on the back porch.....My only problem ....what to get for my wife........

[quote]Originally posted by Mad Machinist:
<strong>We are haveing bourbon marinated pan seared finnished on the grill inch and a half thick New York strips for dinner this year...</strong><hr></blockquote>

Well forget my family, can I come have supper with you? j/k :D :p BTW, my brother went to Mercer; he's in the Army now.

Well, I'm feeling much better now. I was dreading deciding what we were going to do with my wife, but everything has worked out pretty well. We're going to my Mom's side on Christmas day; it depends on when the Christmas Eve get-together is planned with her Mom's family if we'll be going to the Christmas Eve service or not.

Most of the time stuff like this doesn't bother me, but yesterday it just got to me for some reason. Oh well... all's well that end's well.

Bring yer self on......no prob to throw another steak on the fire......

Yeah, it gets awful. Best advice, one year your side, one year hers. All that running just ruins it for yourself and your wife.

Good luck!

First year, announce that you are taking your wife for a romantic christmas break and pack.

If they are all so overbearing as to who has which christmas, I wouldnt want any of it.

Run laughing to the nearest hideaway!