Strange Parents

Anyone else thinking the same thing right now about their parents? Only in the jovial sense of course.
This writers parents and in-laws are absolutely the opposite of stereotypical parents when it comes to Christmas and other major holidays.

First, what is the stereotype? For we young couples and families we are typically pulled in both directions by our respective families of origin, that is, typically both sets of parents want to have us at their house for the given holiday. And we are forced into a very uncomfortable position. We must choose either whom to spend the actual holiday with OR whom to visit first if all are close by. And then guilt is heaped upon us like coals on the fire by the side of the family who "plays second fiddle".

Now I don't recall how this subject was brought up with our parents but we are very grateful for the arrangement we have. Thanks to the insight and memory of our parents they all wanted to make our lives easier and realistic. They of course all want to have us for the given holiday but they know due to the distance and how that we have given them grandchildren that it's more difficult and stressful to get to both families on the same day.

Therefore, thanks to their overcoming semi-reasonable selfishness, the following arrangement/agreement was reached. Wait a second! How is it selfish to want to have your children with you for a holiday? That is rather harsh to say don't you think? Is it? When you boil it down, selfishness is left. When we want so badly to have our kids (married or in a serious dating relationship) with us that the other side of the family doesn't get to have their kids with them, AND we could care less, that is selfishness and therefore sin.

Never thought of it that much before? Hence the reason and title of this entire blog. It's amazing how much one can think about and think through while on 3rd shift....the quiet nights anyway:-)

Ok, enough suspense, here is what our strange parents and we have set up for holiday scheduling. We'll use this year as the example. We spent Thanksgiving Day with my in-laws and will spend Christmas morning and day with my parents. Next year we will do the opposite, Thanksgiving day with my parents and Christmas morning and day with the in-laws. This is pretty well set in stone as the only things that can alter it are horrible travel-hindering weather conditions, illness, or the birth of a child......but we are due in June so not a problem this year :-)

Early in our marriage we were often able to travel easily to both parents in the same day if we were up to it. Currently one set is 15 minutes away and the other is only 3 hours away. HOWEVER, while they were always gracious to us they constantly remind us not to do too much or feel pressured to do so. Pressure on us is the last thing they want us to feel from them. AND THEY MEANT IT, an aspect of our relationship we are so grateful for.

Yes, they are strange.

They are also impossible....to shop for!! But that's another thought :-)

Blessings and thanks to both sides of the family for handling this area of family life so well. May we do the same for our kids when the time comes.