Sure wish I could go home for the holidays---I have to stay here and contend with my adult children---who are exactly as you describe your family.

I guess since I'm the oldest of four, there is a lot going on at my parent's house. My brother, Dad, and I tend to jibber jabber a lot. I tend to inch up towards hypomania during the holidays. Of course, after I dip down.

Can you find something to do that involves all? Like a card game...or....gee, I don't know.. They don't like to just sit and talk at the kitchen table?

I divorced my family a long time ago. Now I spend the holidays alone, I prefer it that way. or else i volunteer to work for soemone whos into the family thing..

my family always ignores me, at least you get excitement and hugs for an hour. they dont even call my husband by the right name.

I like Dobie's idea about trying to engange them in an activity. They sound like they care about you, but maybe aren't that great at interacting. How about watching a movie...either going to and bringing in. Is that their history with you as a kid? Do they get along with eachother? In any case,it's clearly their problem and not yours ( although it effects you).

Someone also suggeted volunteering for the holidays. As a former volunteer coordinator I know how helpful that is...to both parties. We always needed extra help on days like Christmas and thanksgiving. It was a wonderful celebration (a women's soup kitchen) and we always had a blast!!! It's very hard to feel unappreciated and ignore it that situation! I'm glad you are looking for a change from that treatment

Thats a shame nana

You are so lucky lunhop/elmo :(

Dobie, all my dad does is eat and watch tv/dvds.
My mom reads,chain smokes,tv.
We have never played games ROFL!
The last time I played a game with a parent was when I was a teenager and we played Tunk for pennies.

but numb your husband pays attent right?
I get nothing

Hi mumzy,
I went to volunteer match.org and one place needs 3people to help prepare dinner for mentally disabled. This is from 9-12. ONLY 3, I doubt they need help now but I will apply.

Thanks Seeking.

I figured it out this year, though. Since I am the one who cooks, the order for the day is be nice to Mama or haul your ass to Luby's!!!! and I post it on the front door!!!

Hey Seekingpeace,

Here are two other options to match.org:
Hands On Network....and ....Jersey Cares. I know people who do Boston Cares and really like it. Do you know of any non-profit org. that you like? Or a soup kitchen/shelter place near you. MAybe try calling them directly or looking on line to see when they have avolunteer orientation you could go to.

Sorry...I'll stop with the ideas. I've had too much coffee this morning!!

Now that my grandmother is dead ..holidays kind of suck. There are only 5 of us. My mom who hates to leave the house, my step father who hates my uncles , one uncle is a partner in a law firm ..stinking rich, he gives me money so I like him. Another uncle who is in a "rock band" addicted to porn, booze and pot and ALWAYS wants to leave wherever we are to get fucked up. And then there's my pop-pop who I dont see much since he's moved and I love him so much I am becomeing uncomfortable even being around him for fear that he will die and I will end up back in the bin. He's going on 83 ..i miss him already.

Happens all the time. Or maybe we are to paranoid. I treat people like guests in my home but I've learned most people don't change thier rutines for others. I'm not sure where the happy medium is.