Well, Bill, with my mom, it would only cause them. And as Barden said, life's too short to really worry about these things. Since Mom and I live in the same town, I don't really have a reason for not going, and it would hurt her feelings. So getting to eat a nice meal really is worth putting up with a couple of screaming kids.

The Prozac helps too. :-)

I don't remember any "magic" from my childhood holidays. Any holiday magic I have ever had, I conjured up myself... decorating my little tree, watching Christmas movies while I wrap presents and drink eggnog... Mister and I have this little ritual where we examine our gifts to each other and try to guess what they are. I'm sure everyone does something like that, and it's trivial, but it is kinda fun. And I just continue to make my own magic.

My dad used to make peanut butter fudge for us at Christmas. I miss that.

Peg, I'm sure you know your sister can't fix something she may not realize is broken. So what if such a gesture would be looked upon with horror. Live dangerously. :-) Maybe she just doesn't know how to find the love in her heart, and someone needs to show her.