hosting holidays in a big family?
825201
Your sis-in-law has to realize that the holidays is not about control. But the holidays is not just about who has the get-together at their house. If your family isn't spread all over the country you or she could have a holiday get-together close to the holiday while the other has it on the holiday; and then the next year you could trade. \nYour sis-in-law was probably miffed because you planned your thing before she could open her mouth to invite everyone. \nTalk to her about setting up something where this year you will have so-in-so holiday and she can have the other  but the year after you change it around.\nI have a sis-in-law like your sis-in-law and I do know what you are going thru. Remember - the holidays are about love.
890243
I know how you feel- no relaxed visiting- just a mad dash to make it to the next get together.  Its nice to be invited to more than one place, but it is a strain and really no fun to have to rush through a visit or dinner.  \n     You have a good idea, I think if I were you, I would go ahead and separate for the day to each family.  Especailly since you have family that you only see this time of year.  That time is precious- and you won't get the time back.
958083
There is a website for that.It is www.funnygreetings.com Click on holidays an there will be a lot of greetings.HAPPY HOLIDAYS.
875723
Yes.  We have both.  We are a 'blended' family.  My husband and I were both married before, and each have four children from those marriages (for a total of eight).  We actually just celebrated Thanksgiving with my husband's family in another state on Saturday.  On Thanksgiving day we will be at home with six of our kids (ages 6-14).  On Thanksgiving evening, we will be joined at our home by my parents, two of my sisters, two nephews, another of my sons (age 19), an uncle, and his fiance.  Our Christmas schedule is yet to be determined, but will be very similar.  Also, my four kids (ages 12, 14, 19 and 19) will have both holiday celebrations with their father's family as well.  It is a joyous but hectic time of year.  GOD IS GOOD!!  Oh, and the commercialization...if I don't want to hear it, I just turn it off.  We actually have a wonderful Christian radio station here, but I stop listening to it for almost the entire month of December, because I am so tired of hearing the same Christmas songs over and over.  I know that's terrible, but I need some variety.  Anyway, Happy Holidays, not matter how you celebrate!!
861865
Our son worked as a waiter for private parties held at the Country Club in his college town. Maybe also check with a catering company to see if they need extra help for holiday parties. There may also be someone in your area that would like to have a sitter for their child during the holidays. We had a young man that sat with our 6-8 year old sons during holidays. At that age they are really too old to want to go to daycare..but too young to be home. It was great for us..they played basketball and video games al day.
966575
how about gift certificates or gift cards as individuals and perhaps a family portrait for the parents and grandparents
862376
I agree that because you already made plans, and have preparred for the festivities at your home, he, or his parents, should not expect you to change this (with no thought of the quantity of people at each location).  As couples, these things must be discussed and planned in advance to avoid problems.  You be sincere, without argument, and explain that you can prepare a schedule of when you will spend Thanksgiving at who's house.  It sucks when there is conflice (as I am experiencing the same this year), but all you can do is try and be the adult. Good luck.
692801
It would certainly be memorable, but if you want many of your friends and family to attend the ceremony you will have to consider their financial situations OR pay all their tickets yourself.  If you want to get married on a "holiday island", which is certainly a better option if you want the event to remain about you and your fiance and less about what your families think you should do, you could always go for a small ceremony and then you could have the big reception party for everyone when you got home.
1178076
discuss with your family members
644428
Talk to each of them and see if they feel the same way. It's hard getting some people together if they don't want to be there. Then plan a family dinner or outing.
1173954
Only invite you closest friends and family. I doubt that you will have so many people after that. and if you dont have so mayn tell them to bring an extra guest or somehting.
821272
spend time with my family.
904623
Why should her parents have to foot the bill since your family will be the ones creating most of the bill?  I suggest you pare your guest list down to the same size as her's, or YOU pay to have your guests there.
642642
I just went to a "surprise" housewarming party.  The couple with the new house were taken out for a few hours by other friends and we all met there in time for there return.  We all brought a gift-food dish and beverage all to share.  The couple was ecstatic--everything was great and with all of us chipping in there were plenty of food gifts and drinks.  The couples family set up a treasure hunt for them too--it was fun to watch.  Also if you can get into the house without your sister you can plan a trivia for the guest. Ask quesions like "how many  electrical outlets are in the house?" or " What brand refrigerator do they have?".  Maybe supply little gifts like candles and suchfo the winners.  Don't stress too much chances are pelple will enjoy being in eachothers company and making new memories in the new home.  (Note: Disposable cameras!!)
778047
1st thing:  Breathe!  You'll get through this & have some great memories in a few years.\n\nNext, don't be embarressed for your in-laws.  It's not YOUR fault they are the way they are.  Your parents/family KNOW this. \n\nRegarding the kids, plan on doing a children's table.  2 reasons:  keep them seperate from the adults so you can have "grown up conversations" and you can use that same table for activities such as puzzles, games, crafts, etc. \n\nFor the menu:  Tell them that you had planned on traditional Thanksgiving dinner.  If they would like to make & bring barbeque, that would be great!  Then both families can share what they consider traditional.\n\nHave fun!  Remember this won't be the only time the families get together.  Make the best of it!
969599
I would buy some very nice paper and write something straight from the heart for each relative in your best hand writing.  Roll it up and tie it with nice cord or ribbon.  (You both could include a message or if you have children maybe each one of you could write a little message.) \n\nThen maybe have a family bake night at your house where you all make cookies for gifts.  Create or purchase nice boxes to put the cookies into and then fix the corded or ribboned scroll to the top of the box with a matching name tag.  Do that for every person.\n\nI think that would be a very nice gift, one that treats each member equally, but yet has a personal message for each one.\n\nMay God bless you and your family.  He will show you the way.
617732
Just invite your closest friends and relatives.It gets overwhelming if you have to many people there.Remember you have to feed all the people that you invite.I just got married two weeks ago and we spent alot on food and the cake and we ended up with food left over.