christmas with the in-laws?
930707
Maybe you can suggest a grab bag for people.  \nI think its crazy for everyone toeach give everyone the same value of unpersonal gifts.  Just makes the stores rich.  \nMaybe have each extended adult couple do the grab bag and just buy for the children?
865717
Remember that mother in laws had mother in laws too.  If you get along with your mother in law, then just act normal, have fun and allow her to make the main decisions; it is of course her kitchen.  Accept her suggestions with grace and all should be fine.  If she loves to cook, she already knows what has to be done, so ask her when you get there, what she would like you to cook - whether its the potatoes, cranberries, etc.  And if you are not sure how to cook them, ask her, make her the center of the cooking and don't try to make it a competition.  Good luck
930615
Take all the family's pictures and put them on a tape along with some of her favorite songs.  Put in movie clips of family events if you have some.  Like weddings, birthday parties, and Christmas morning.  That why all she has to do is push in the tape, and she's got all the people she loves most in the world right there with her.  \n\nIf you can't do a tape, then make her a photograph album.  You could go out and take pictures of her favorite places, her friends, and new members of the family.  I know I would treasure something like this, and it would mean so much because you took a lot of time and effort to make it special.\n\nMy mother made me one of photos of our family while I was growing up.  And I have it on the coffee table.  I will always treasure it, so I think your Mother in law would like this.  I did a large sofa size picture for mine with all her grandkids, and she had it hung in her house till she died.  I now have it hung in mine.\nI hope you find just the right gift for your Mother-in-law, and she's all ready very lucky, to have such a sweet daughter in law like you!\n\nGod bless us all..................
704429
It's funny you asked that.  My girlfriend and I were discussing last night what we and our friends will be doing for Yule this year.\nWe always get together at one or the other's house and do a ritual that is kid as well as non pagan friendly because we usually have family and/or friends in attendance who are not pagans.  And of course we eat... a lot.\nI was just about to do a little research and start working on our ritual.  Thanks for reminding me...
871211
My parents are divorced, so we have separate celebrations with their extended families. Usually on Christmas Eve we go to my Grandma's (Mum's side) and have a casual help-yourself christmas dinner and drinks with cold chicken, ham, turkey,salads and Nan usually makes trifle. After dinner we have present opening, then we sit and talk and watch the kids play with their new toys and be all excited and cute. Then everybody gradually heads home. Then on Christmas morning we (my sisters and I) open presents from Mum because we live with her. We laze around in our pyjamas for a while relaxing, then we head off to Dad's place. We usually have a lunch very similar to the dinner at Grandma's, cold meats and salads, then we open presents and then we relax for the rest of the day and have leftovers for dinner. And then it's all over and we enjoy the holidays : ) I hope that was enlightening, and hope you have a safe and happy Christmas : )
813227
Having my sister and her husband over for out Christmas celebration since they will be out of state on Christmas.\n\nWe have so much fun that it should be against the law!!\n\nAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagh family is great!\n\n: )
915924
You can ask your fiance what she might like, or find a unique gift from your country that you would like to share with her. A nicely framed photo of yourself and her son, or a nicely framed photo of the three of you together, could be an excellent gift. Or if she's coming to see you, get a spa day out or something similar, that way the two of you will have a chance to go and do womanly things together and get to know each other better. Best of luck! It's very considerate to be thinking of things to do to make this a nice relationship, because so many people have problems getting along with their in-laws.
929616
Try to avoid leading questions...that make the family think you want them to answer a certain way. You want to make sure all families feel included in this activity. Maybe some fill in the blanks, that way it keeps it simple. \n\nIn December, our family celebrates ____________________. We like to eat _____________________ and play _________________ as part of the celebration. We share our celebration with these people: ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________. We help others celebrate  when we _____________________________. \nWe celebrate by giving each other _______________________ to show our love and joy. \n\nThere's a start for you. Have fun!
235937
I say porn is always a nice gift, but since this is your sis in law I wouldn't try it. I think one of the most thoughtful gifts is to get her a gift certificate to her favorite restaurant, just call them up and have them send it to her address.
170904
No.  Just sorry they didn't make it all year.  It is so much - family, presents, drinks, presents, songs, presents, parties, presents.  I am sorry they invented Jesus to go along with Christmas, though.
940066
Personally, I don't buy for all of my family/friends.Most of the family still give gifts to me as they please, for which I am very, very thankful for and I let them know this. But, I've made it clear a long time ago that I am NOT going to feel obligated to purchase/give gifts - it defeats the purpose of gift giving!!!  \nJust mention politely before the holiday that you won't be giving this year, and "please do not feel obligated to give to me", something like that.\nIf they get snippy that is their issue! You can't be blamed that people have come to be selfish. Some people would rather get something from you knowing you didn't care, than to wait for a heart-felt present. That's their problem!
891715
Every year on christmas eve "the birds" (santas) leave new pyjamas on our beds to let us know Santa has left the north pole. Since I moved out 2 years ago mum arranged for my fiancee to leave new pjs on my bed for me, I think its a really lovely tradition that i'll carry on when I have children of my own.\nMy dad used to wrap up useless presents to give to all the adults, like used spark plugs etc, all the kids thought it was hilarious, even more so because it infuruated mum.\n\nI really like suprise presents, santa would hide a few "extra" presents around the house with our names on them... usually something we really wanted, and a few unexpected things.
26410
you mention satan, for christmas, get them some christian focused presents, besides that, what can you do? you are you and shouldnt change because someone else doesnt like you, i dont like the whole confrontation thing either, i wouldnt speak ill of them, ever, that way, if they do speak ill of you in front of your husband, he will start to think they are aholes
706097
I don't know your spending limits, but how about a teapot/cup deal in greens & purples?  Maybe with a couple of bags of funky tea.  Be nice, it is your husbands family and it is Christmas...feel the love!
776475
Since you've only been dating your boyfriend for 3 months I wouldn't get his parents anything big for Christmas, but a gift for them would be a really nice gesture.  Perhaps something like an arrangement of flowers (centerpieces with a tapered candle or two are very popular around Christmas time or some poinsettias).  Maybe even a nice assortment of chocolates would be appropriate, but don't worry about going all out.
432372
Patience is a virtue, I always say. If you live with them I feel for you. Just a few things to remember, 1)if you love him then you will learn to appreciate and deal with the family that you married into. 2)Although, everyone disagrees sometimes try to bond with your inlaws and things will go better than being upset. 3)Get to know your mother-in-law as mother than just a mom but a friend or gal-pal. 4)Do something as a family together. Go out and do something that you all will enjoy.
750511
Of course you would like to spend Christmas at home with your immediate family, but Christmas is a time of year when ALL the family get together, remember your mom will not be here one day and to her Christmas is seeing her grandchildren. Being a mother myself with 3 children I will be alone as my 2 sons have to work, my daughter has decided to cut me out of her life so I will not see my grandchild for the first christmas . I miss and love them lots, and would give anything to see or hear from my daughter,(her partner started an argument last Christmas)and she has not spoken since. so Please consider your options  very carefully.