Remember???

[The Dad Fisherman]

I agree with you 110%.....the best part of the Holidays is Christmas Morning. Sitting in front of the tree with the kids, the smell of cinnamon buns coming from the oven. I can do with out all the other family/in-law crap. It completely sucks the enjoyment out of the holiday for me.

[chief10]

go christmas eve.Then spend the following day at home, but either way.. Go. you'll feel better after. I always beat myself up about driving everywhere then I realize its one day a year.

[justplugit]

Larry, I agree it's not anywhere close to the way it was.It's tough to break the family traditions as they are so much a part of us. Looking back, sounds like your Mom gave you some great memories. Things are always changing but you have to keep the traditions alive for your own kids.

All great ideas posted here. I might add that your Mom just might like to come to your house at this time of her life. I know my wife and i, at our age, would welcome going to one of our kid's house for Christmas.

BTW- know what ya mean about guilt trips. Like the old Raymond show where Marie says, "someday you'll turn around and i wont be here." So Raymond makes a motion, turns himself around and says, "NOT TODAY"

[BigFish]

I forgot to mention we have my family and Fishchicks family and several friends over on Christmas Eve for a party! We work hard on this all week and then when its over we are beat Christmas Day! Having seen everyone Christmas Eve I don't see why my Mother needs to see me for 3 more hours Christmas Day! 70/30 I will be starting my own "tradition"!

[Raven]

is some of them....attachable reindeer antlers for your car....

makes ya drive faster on christmas day....

[Fishpart]

B/F sounds like you need

[chris L]

larry follow your heart . you dont have your sons with you everyday so for you Christmas day is an important day for you their Dad . I dont go anywhere for Christmas day and havent since my girls were born (12years ) . At first my mom and Dad didnt understand until I splained it to them . I want my kids to expierence the same ( or as close as possible ) kinda Christmas I had as a youngster . We have over 50 people Christmas eve and open gifts from everyone except Santa gifts . Now that my Dad is no longer celebrating Chrismas as a mortal , we invite my Mom and step dad over for the day for lunch and dinner . works well for Me . I hate the rushing around from place to place like I had to do as a teenager ( divorced family and girlfriends family ) . My Mom seems cool with it cause she doesnt have to clean up after everyone leaves . My other brothers live out of state .

do what works best for you and your Boys but do remember your Mother may leave this earth before you and you dont want any regrets to haunt you for the rest of your life . I know about that all to well .

[justplugit]

Originally Posted by BigFish

We work hard on this all week and then when its over we are beat Christmas Day!

You are at stage #3 in your life BF,

you ARE Santa Claus.