https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 10 May 2026 15:31:14 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holidays-with-the-ils-are#post-1189432 Fri, 01 Nov 2013 03:27:56 +0000 Sapphiresun 1189432@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JerricaBenton: You know, I have a hard time explaining what Christmas is like at my IL's but I think you put your finger right on it. Almost like everybody's just there because they don't want to be the family that doesn't get together at Christmas. My MIL makes a larger turkey at Thanksgiving (that's October in Canada), and freezes it, and pulls it out and microwaves it at Christmas. And SIL sends us an email mid November explaining that they already have enough junk and would really appreciate cash for Christmas, so we do that (we give her and her husband the same $100ish each that we spend on my family and she usually gives us Avon samples since she's sells it) but it's all just kinda... soul-less and obligatory. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holidays-with-the-ils-are#post-1189172 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 20:02:30 +0000 JerricaBenton 1189172@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Boring with gross food. It's always like they're just doing everything for the sake of obligation but there's no joy. So happy we don't have to go this year. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holidays-with-the-ils-are#post-1188759 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 16:03:36 +0000 Cherrybee 1188759@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Great fun! It starts with a champagne/brandy cocktail and then the wine starts flowing.... then the after dinner Gin and Tonics.... then more wine..... it's pretty awesome!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holidays-with-the-ils-are#post-1188702 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 15:40:49 +0000 NorCalWayfarer 1188702@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Anxiety-inducing. I like to keep myself busy by cooking -- I'd much rather host than go over to their house and just sit. Also quite alcohol-filled with helps with the anxiety. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holidays-with-the-ils-are#post-1188670 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 15:27:46 +0000 shinymama 1188670@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My MIL has her moments - all is well as long as we play along, if we don't... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holidays-with-the-ils-are#post-1188666 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 15:25:22 +0000 spaniellove 1188666@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Rare, for good reason. And there's never enough food. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holidays-with-the-ils-are#post-1188359 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 13:30:07 +0000 Mrs.Someone 1188359@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Non existent, they live in S. America :) But we did visit them for the Jewish holidays this year, but it wasn't a big deal. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holidays-with-the-ils-are#post-1188342 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 13:26:40 +0000 Pancakes 1188342@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Grizz Your in-laws remind me of mine! Except my MIL would get a Stouffers lasagna or something. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holidays-with-the-ils-are#post-1188300 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 13:13:00 +0000 deerylou 1188300@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Rowdy, but fine. They're a huge family, and I grew up used to more intimate, cozy holidays. Sometimes, it gets overwhelming, and I look forward to leaving for my parents. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holidays-with-the-ils-are#post-1188297 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 13:11:53 +0000 LovelyPlum 1188297@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>lots of fun, as long as MIL lets me do the cooking ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holidays-with-the-ils-are#post-1188267 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 13:06:23 +0000 Cole 1188267@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Usually lovely but stressful because I feel guilty for not being with my family. My mom usually has high expectations for holidays and the fact that they are impossible to meet makes me feel guilty... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holidays-with-the-ils-are#post-1188255 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 13:04:03 +0000 mrs. wagon 1188255@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Fun, but almost always drama-inducing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holidays-with-the-ils-are#post-1188240 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 13:00:03 +0000 jhd 1188240@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ok. I love my ILs but I wish they would spend less money on Christmas presents and just focus on quality time with each other. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holidays-with-the-ils-are#post-1188239 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 12:59:46 +0000 MarieJ 1188239@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>nervewracking. They get on my nerves, especially MIL. UGH! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holidays-with-the-ils-are#post-1188194 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 12:43:55 +0000 jessibear 1188194@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Fine but awkward? We spend Christmas Eve day at my MIL and SFIL's house. They're perfectly fine people, but my MIL is always apologizing for everything and is very insecure. My SIL is consistently negative and unhappy, also insecure, judgmental and greedy. She's a treat all year round. The extended family comes over around 5:30 and they're a ton of fun, but we always have to leave shortly after they come to get to my parents' house, so I always feel we're short changed at both places. </p> <p>Christmas at my FIL and SMIL's house is pretty fun and much more relaxed, but usually short. Honestly, nothing compares to Christmas at my parents' house, and I'd always rather be there. I feel kind of bad about it, but really, my husband prefers my family to his, too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holidays-with-the-ils-are#post-1188185 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 12:41:40 +0000 lovehoneybee 1188185@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Awesome. We spend all holidays with his family. I look forward to it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holidays-with-the-ils-are#post-1188148 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 12:29:11 +0000 Corduroy 1188148@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My in laws lived very close to us when we were in college and I used to hate going there for holidays. They didn't do anything to celebrate and we didn't even eat at the table - just sat in front of the tv. </p> <p>A few years ago they moved back across the country to where their families live. Now it's a trek for us but they actually celebrate holidays. Family dinners, decorations, guests. I still miss my family but at least I don't feel like I missed the holiday. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holidays-with-the-ils-are#post-1188101 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 12:05:00 +0000 yin 1188101@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Not too shabby. This will be my 8th Christmas celebrating with them. I love spending time with his extended family, and everyone has always welcomed me. The hardest year was LO's first when everyone was very critical. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holidays-with-the-ils-are#post-1187975 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 11:18:24 +0000 Alivoo01 1187975@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Not bad. We eat and chat for a bit. Nothing too exciting, but I like spending time with them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holidays-with-the-ils-are#post-1187950 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 11:12:03 +0000 mrs. bird 1187950@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cascademom: seriously. we need an ILs from hell support group. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holidays-with-the-ils-are#post-1187915 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 11:00:08 +0000 BabyBoecksMom 1187915@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Busy. I feel like we're always all over the place and never get any time for just me, DH and DD. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holidays-with-the-ils-are#post-1187908 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 10:57:24 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 1187908@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Awesome. My ILs are great. We spend more of our holidays with them than my family because they are so much closer. I do feel guilty about that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holidays-with-the-ils-are#post-1187907 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 10:57:17 +0000 purrpletulips 1187907@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>awkward - although my BIL/SIL only live about 15 min from us we really only see them at Thanksgiving and Christmas (their choice) and we really only see them them because FIL stays at their house. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holidays-with-the-ils-are#post-1187900 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 10:54:32 +0000 cascademom 1187900@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs. bird: I consider inlaw visits a ring of hell, onto itself. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holidays-with-the-ils-are#post-1187897 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 10:53:18 +0000 cascademom 1187897@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>are stressful. It's exhausting maintaining a happy face and being on guard all of the time in case my MIL is looking for drama. I usually come back needing a few days to reorient myself after it. I also feel bad for his grandma since she has to cook for everyone in the family during holidays or almost every other gathering. None of the other family members really step up to do the cooking and hosting. It's tough to watch. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holidays-with-the-ils-are#post-1187886 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 10:47:52 +0000 mrs. bird 1187886@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>hell. i'm pretty sure that if there is a hell, it is exactly like spending time with my ILs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holidays-with-the-ils-are#post-1187884 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 10:47:47 +0000 Boheme 1187884@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Lame. Its just MIL and FIL, usually. FIL lays in bed and watches Westerns while MIL sits in the dining room and nervously tries to entertain us. She doesn't cook so she usually gets something like KFC. DH said they have always been this way. Its so foreign to me! I like to actually celebrate! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holidays-with-the-ils-are#post-1187881 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 10:46:49 +0000 Smurfette 1187881@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Fine. Nothing awful not not fun. They don't have any traditions. Crap shoot as to what we will have for dinner. I also HATE that they give everyone their gifts and all open at the same time. I can't see what anyone got or if they liked what we got. Nephews don't say Thank you. Sometimes FIL and SMIL do, but SIL and BIL don't either. Just so different then my family. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holidays-with-the-ils-are#post-1187860 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 10:38:23 +0000 Sapphiresun 1187860@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Fine. Not the same as Christmas with my family, but not bad. </p> <p>His family Christmas is very small. Just mom, dad, us, his sister and her husband, and now our LO I guess, and they don't really do anything besides eat dinner. And his sister only likes to receive cash, and his parents only ever give gift cards, so the gift exchange is a quick and boring envelope exchange. </p> <p>My family comes from far and wide (like my cousins that I grew up with more like siblings come home from Europe), and our dinner is about 25 people. We draw names on Labour day to decide who you have to make a homemade gift for, and exchange them on Christmas and it's always awesome, hillarious and highly anticipated, and then we get a little drunk and go caroling or play games.</p> <p>So, as much as I like DH's family I'm sometimes like... we could have a quiet dinner with the immediate family any day of the year so I want to be at the spectacle and see family that's only home at Christmas. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holidays-with-the-ils-are#post-1187845 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 10:33:04 +0000 LuLu Mom 1187845@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Are wonderful, I honestly feel like his family is my family and love to see LO with her cousin. This year is even more special because they built a new edition (family room) specifically to fit all of us better :) Grandma wants us to fill that room up with more grandkids! haha </p>