Does anyone really like these? Like the ones where you see people once a year and just talk about how work is or if you took a trip? I’m not from a family that does this so I don’t exactly have my own opinion but it just seems pointless.
Eta: thank you for all the perspective, good to know there are some strong family ties out there! I have something similar with friends.
I fucking love having everyone here for Thanksgiving. My family, my husband’s family, the family of my ex, sometimes friends or my kids’ friends, thanksgiving orphans.
IMO, that is the way to fix it. Also booze. Get enough people there, so there is not so much pressure, it’s rowdy and fun.
I’m not a social butterfly either. Not comfortable at the family gatherings in general, no. But hosting gives me plenty to do, and again, inviting a variety of people helps a lot.