Pre-Holiday Miscommunication With Family Resolved

I’m spending Christmas alone this year with my cat, MJ. No sympathies, dear readers; This is by choice. (Some of my friends have kindly extended invitations to spend Christmas with their families, but I’ve declined.)

Christmas has never been THE big holiday for my family. The biggie holiday has always been New Year’s Eve, when my parents come to visit.

Since I only live in a 1 BR, I put my parents up at the local Residence Inn every year. I live in a “tony” neighborhood, so the local Residence Inn on New Year’s Eve is always surprisingly expensive (i.e., over $200/night). Hence, my “winter holiday budget” always includes 1 night hotel stay, champagne and meals (approx. $500+), in addition to gifts.

Luckily, my budget will be lower this year since my sister will be joining us. My sister will take on the financial burden of the champagne and meals. Phew!

Anyhow, last week, my sister told me that mom wanted to come a day early. I told my sister that the extra night will have to be on someone else’s dime (hint, hint), since I’m not spending over $250 for their hotel costs.

Unbeknownst to me, my sister told my mom something to the effect of, “Shtinky doesn’t want us to visit a day early.” (Grrrrrr….)



Oblivious to my sister's misrepresentation miscommunication, I called my parents yesterday to thank them for the Christmas gift that I received in the mail. My mom, in the subtlest way said, “Your sister tells us that you don’t want to spend an extra day with us....” Sigh….

I set the record straight. “No, mom. I would love for you guys to stay an extra day. It’s just that I can’t afford 2 night’s hotel stay. If you’re willing to pay an extra night, you’re more than welcome.”

I then reconsidered said, “Actually, I guess I could pay an extra night in lieu of a Christmas gift to you and dad.” As expected, my mom replied, “Oh, silly. Don’t get us anything. We'll pay for the extra night.”

But... as it turns out, my dad (who is suffering from dementia), did NOT want to come out for an extra day. This discussion was all moot and pointless all along!

Anyhow, I'm glad any hurt feelings within my family is cleared up now.

Hope you all have a SANE holiday!