What I did for my family for Christmas this year

[Medusa]

Jen, your family situation sounds similar to mine except that I had no younger siblings; I was the baby, and no one talked about their feelings much, so I can relate to what you did for them for Christmas. Personally, I feel that it was a courageous and healthy step to take and even if they don't discuss it w/you, I guarantee that it still made an impact. You'll notice things that they say or do down the road but it may take a while. It was very healing for you and it'll also have an impact on you, too. I do hope you give up the self hate and start liking/loving yourself as much as others do, including me.

[catnapper]

Jen, that was beautiful. I know about your family so I hope they reciprocate in a loving way. (((HUGS)))

[moosmom]

Jen,

What a wonderful thing to do! My family is gone now and I only have my brother, an uncle no one (but me since I got back to CT) talks to in Colorado, and 3 cousins and their families. The cousins all live within a mile of each other and my brother is in NC. I talk to my brother frequently and we also keep in touch via emails.

The holidays are very hard on me as well, as I also suffer from ADD, PTSD, depression and low self-esteem. My medicine has helped tremendously.

No one should be alone on the holidays. I have to say that dinner at my cousin's house was WONDERFUL!! I only see them once a year so we always have alot of catching up to do with the kids and spouses. I always laugh alot when I'm there. I laughed so much at dinner, my stomach and ribs are killing me!

I hope you get the responses you had hoped for. If not, just chalk it up to the lack of communication. Some families just don't have the "emotion". At least you got it off your chest, and you can beath a "sigh" of relief.

Merry Christmas honey.

[Laura's Babies]

Gee, I never realize you were suffering within yourself like that. Your posts never reflected any of that. ((((HUGS))))) to you!

I think what you did was great! Maybe you have started a new tradition in your family without knowing it, speaking about your emotions/feelings. Maybe nobody did it because nobody ever did before....