OS Daily Saturday 24 December Christmas Eve

ancientofdays

Another one here with contact with some of my family but not all and OH has had no contact with his family for over 25 years.

I'd have liked things to be otherwise but that's just the way it is.

bagpuss38

Just popping in to wish Caterina a peaceful day. My father decided that he much preferred his wife and step family to his only child. OH's family are a terrible toxic bunch and we are well rid.
This Christmas it's me hubby and 3 of our 4 kiddies (biggest girl is in Australia) and we are quite content.
Enjoy you hotel stay xx

Caterina

Thank you all. It is incredible how many stories of estrangements one hears, when opening up about personal history. Everywhere the media projects a picture of the family that often does not correspond to reality. However it is also wonderful to know that some families are really loving and united, it gives me hope.

Feeling a bit better, even if still quite weepy (which I have to conceal from mum and DH). After a good cry I decided to do something positive I tackled the quinces that I had got at the market a few days ago, they are now peeled, cored, chopped and cooked, ready to be turned into jam. At least I will have something homemade by me to take back to my DS in London.

I hope to feel well and energetic enough to go to Midnight Mass, the procession with Baby Jesus starts in the square just below mum's flat so at least I have something positive to look forward too. I spoke with my cousin and a couple of local friends and mum is being very pleasant, not challenging at all, may it last. Perhaps it will be ok.

As I said to DS's friend earlier on upon hearing that she is also feeling down in the dumps, only two more sleeps and it will be over for another year, take heart.

[Deleted User]

Caterina sending much love and good wishes Its a true saying you can pick your friends, but not your family.

I have been blessed with two smashing DDs and seven grandchildren (only one of whom I haven't seen for several years) but its her loss, and I have learned along with my DD to live with it .I just hope that one day in the future she may have a daughter who treats her as she has treated my lovely DD and then she will know how much she has hurt her Mum with her behaviour.

Today luckily, I have just got back to my eldest DDs house after seeing my eldest grandson Danny marry his beautiful new wife Hayley at Hertford County Hall. The day went beautifully, and even the sun shone a little and everyone had an amazing day.

My grandson Danny never stopped smiling all day and he made a lovely speech thanking his Mum and Dad for all of their support and love .
Not a bit like Danny at all, and my DD was absolutely gobsmacked as he rarely shows his feelings much, a very down to earth lad as a rule and very stiff upper lip.But he was so happy and I think it made everyones day when he said '
If I am as lucky as my Mum and Dad in my marriage ,and I feel sure I will be , then today is the greatest day of my life'
there wasn't a dry eye in the place. He kept it quiet from lots of people as he knew many wouldn't be able to get there as Christmas Eve is a tough day for a lot of folk,but we still had around 80 odd turn up for 10.30 this morning my facebook pages are full of the happy couple looking as though today is absolutely the best day of their lives (facebook page, Jackie Walder)

Tonight myself, DD and my son-in-law and his family are all meeting up and going out to dinner in Crayford to an Italian restaurant so it will be a lovely end to a perfect day.

Tomorrow after some present giving I shall be on the move to my youngest DDs until Boxing Night ,then back here for a big family party and then back to her house until the New Year I to and fro between them for about a week or so.

Exhausting at times but its only once a year so not too bad.

Its been a good end to a not very happy year and I think I am very lucky with my tribe

May I once again wish everyone on here a wonderful Christmas and a very happy ,healthy and God willing, peaceful New Year to you all

JackieO xxx

snoozer

Caterina and those of you missing family I hope you have a lovely time. I'm not close to any of my brothers and haven't seen 3 of them since mum died nearly 3 years ago, but no falling out, just nothing in common.

Luckily DH has a close, loving family that I am part of and my children are the lights of my life. We're waiting for DS but it looks lie he won't be here till nearly midnight, he's also bringing a couple of work colleagues who aren't able to go home to Eastern Europe Short notice but he knows we will welcome them and I always have enough food to feed the 5,000. DD is in India, hopefully having a fabulous time and staying somewhere special tomorrow.

To all of my OS friends I hope you hve the happiest of Christmases however you are celebrating.

Islandmaid

Just popping in to ask JackieO to pass my congratulations to Danny and Hayley- wishing them love and happiness x

Caterina - Families can be a PITA and often are - hugs to those who need them x

dp1

Hi Just popping to wish everyone a Merry Christmas for tomorrow.
Quite a wild stormy day here today - got soaked this morning after spending the morning at mam and dads; but then a lovely lazy afternoon reading. Had visitors the last couple of afternoons so nice to have a peaceful one.
Eldest DD came home from Holland last Friday for a couple of weeks....bless her shes a bit bored now....that's not much for the young ones to do here. Shes just about to go out with a couple of friends. Youngest DD is down playing cards at her gran and granddads. Both girls say they wish they were still little and waiting for toys tomorrow! We have no little ones now.....its not quite the same when they're all grown up. Though we'll still play daft games tomorrow afternoon.


We'll spend most of the next two days at my mam and dads along with my brothers and families. Dad has dementia and is in a wheelchair, so its easier for us all to go there. Everyone just mucks in together with the lunch, dishes, etc. Its only 10 minutes walk from our house.
Well, got some washing to put away and then I might just fill the girls' stockings and that'll be everything done. The 17 year old still wanted to get up at 7am , but after heated negotiations with 20 year old, present opening is now at 8am!!

jaybee

I like to think that true friends are the family we would choose if we could.

Hope you will all enjoy Christmas in whatever way suits you best - quiet or manic.

Let's hope for a peaceful New Year in our troubled world.

SpekySquarehead

Good evening everyone,

VERY late check in for me, been working then I was out for dinner with the family. All set and looking forward to tomorrow.

Thought I'd check in and see how we all are and wish those of you who wont be on tomorrow a very Merry Christmas and a super duper 2017.

Lots of love, Speky

FurryBeastOz

Have a wonderful Christmas everybody. Gers I am SOOOOO envious. 1 family row already tonight. I've got out and am hiding in the bedroom. I'm staying out of it.

Getting a running watch for Xmas. Perfect excuse to get out:D

I do love them really, they are just HAAARD work en mass and for any length of time.

Jackie so glad the wedding went well and you were well enough to enjoy it.