Anyone else notified family about cancelling holiday plans?

[MerryBlooms]

Just contacted my sister's family and let them know we are isolating for the holidays. They were very understanding and supported our decision, which was a huge relief. Assured them we would get together at a later date after we were vaccinated, as I'm sure our doctor will have us come in during the first round. My sister is 77 with high co morbidity issues and I'm categorized as frontline essential. This part of her family are anti vaxxers, so won't be getting the vaccine... trump supporters, so you would think they would make an exception in this case. I have found though, most trump supporters I know are going to refuse the vaccine because vaccines are 'poison'. If we have millions of trump supporters refusing to be vaccinated, this virus will continue killing us in large numbers.

[LizBeth]

1. Most of mine will get vaccine, we are looking summer, and we all stated we would put off gatherings

last week. It is a relief. everyone has pretty well just accepted so we are all good to go. still getting a turkey and then dividing up and freezing so I can have my turkey, cranberry, mayo sandwiches.

[MerryBlooms]

6. Beaut.

[orwell]

2. We cancelled ours a week ago...

...when the country was obviously spiking.

Everyone agreed so there was no drama.

But then, we are all good Democrats who actually believe in science!

What a concept...

[MerryBlooms]

9. I am not that lucky, lots of trump and Q in my extended family.

The last 4 years has been a very sad eye opener.

[orwell]

68. Sorry to hear that...

...we have some Trumpers (and Q) in the extended family but they aren't usually at holiday gatherings. We don't really engage them. (What's the point...)

[MerryBlooms]

69. I just change the subject when they try to talk politics.

Last year, I did break up one conversation a couple of guys were having on our porch because it was making the other guests out there uncomfortable. They were making homophobic unjokes, and I told them that sort of crap wasn't allowed in our home and they would have to leave if they wanted to continue. They apologized and stopped, I was very relieved it went that easily. The other guests thanked me in private and that was the end of it and it never happened again. Those two guys no longer visit, because they were related to my other sister who moved out. Way less stressful around here!

[drray23]

3. same here. was not an issue. we are all democrats and believe in science.nt.

[MerryBlooms]

10. .

[redstatebluegirl]

4. We cancelled ours a few weeks ago.

This morning I met my hairdresser at 7 am before the shop opened so she could cut my hair. She announced that they were having over 25 people over for Thanksgiving. I was mortified. She is seriously blue collar but I didn't think she was nuts until today. I had on an N95 mask and gloves this morning and they spray everything after each person comes in, they also have the windows and doors open but this will be the last time I see her until the vaccine is here and everyone has it.

She said she didn't believe it is as big a deal as democrats do. I just kept my mouth shut, i have had way to many arguments with stupid Oklahoma people in the past few months, it isn't worth it, they believe whatever the orange anus tells them.

She has done my hair for over 10 years but I may have to go hunting for a new one, most of them are like her however.

[MerryBlooms]

12. A lot of people I know are having big get togethers. Won't be seeing any of them for a long time.

[durablend]

30. If at all....

[MerryBlooms]

42. Yeah, I hadn't actually let that cross my mind, but you're right.

[Klaralven]

5. At home, no guests for Thanskgiving, may have pie and coffee outdoors at my son's if weather is good

Christmas is undecided yet.

[Ms. Toad]

60. I'm hoping for decent weather -

We're not going anywhere - but my daughter who is living at home exposed herself to COVID-19 by not wearing a mask a week ago today. So we won't be unmasked (i.e. eating) together inside until she's past the 2-week mark. (And, actually, I won't be around her unmasked indoors until there's a vaccine unless this exposure changed her attitude about wearing masks around her "small social circle" who exposed her . . . )

But if it is nice outside, we could safely eat outside together.

[frazzled]

7. A week ago or more

My in-town kid and his wife (and now growing family) have spent Thanksgiving at our house for the past decade or more. I already informed them that we wouldn't gather this year (they were relieved). I'm going to drop off turkey, sides, a vegan dish (son doesn't do meat or dairy), and pie for curbside pickup at their place.

Over the past 4 or 5 years I've also packed up the leftovers (I cook and bake for 4 or 5 days usually for Thanksgiving) and driven 3 1/2 hours to my parents, in their old age. My dad passed away several years ago (age 100), but my mom (age 95) is still with us, and I always go to see her for the Thanksgiving weekend. I told my brother we weren't coming, since both our states are experiencing big spikes. I asked him if he could facilitate a FaceTime with her instead. Very sad, since I worry this will be the last Thanksgiving ... but I'd feel worse if I caused it to be the last Thanksgiving.

[MerryBlooms]

15. rec.

"Very sad, since I worry this will be the last Thanksgiving ... but I'd feel worse if I caused it to be the last Thanksgiving."

[Mike 03]

8. About a month ago we all independently arrived at the same conclusion that

we wouldn't gather this year, so nobody was disappointed and it was very smooth.

[MerryBlooms]

18. I've been nervous ever since they invited themselves last Christmas.

I'm relieved they accepted our wishes graciously and no conflict.

[Maru Kitteh]

11. The vaccine is 95% effective so it'll be mostly Trump supporters dying.

Yup.





Ain't that a shame.










I have NO patience or sympathy for willfully ignorant anti-science, anti-vax, woo-woo luddite ass-hats.

[Heartstrings]

13. We will be having a Zoom Thanksgiving....

It’s also my son and grandson’s birthdays next week so not being able to celebrate my grandson turning 11 is a huge disappointment (my son turns 41 so really doesn’t want any “celebration”). Grandson understands, his mother is an RN in the NICU of one of Madison’s hospitals so both the boys have known from day 1 how dangerous this virus is and respect the decisions we’ve made to protect our family.

I will drop his presents off porch side and we’ll watch him open them via Zoom. I found a birthday candle that shoots out edible confetti so I can only imagine his reaction!

[MerryBlooms]

21. Edible confetti sounds like so much fun! I love how creative you and so many others are

with your celebrations.

[Heartstrings]

54. It was on sale, too!

There’s a certain sale aisle I always have to check out at my local (fully masked!) Woodman’s store. I found it there! You just never know what you’re going to find!

[MerryBlooms]

55. I shopped the clearance aisle for edible cake decorations and got a heckuva deal.

Put them in the freezer for next year. I will check for the edible confetti next time, thanks for the tip!

[RockRaven]

14. Cancelled? We never MADE holiday plans.

The last holiday we had to cancel even tentative plans for was Easter, we haven't been making any plans since then.

[MerryBlooms]

22. Yeah, no birthday parties for us this summer or fall...

I knew folks wishing for holiday togethers was a pipe dream and ridiculous.

[mcar]

16. We canceled our plans to travel to our son and DIL's for Thanksgiving

Let them know a few weeks ago. A week later, DIL's family canceled too. We'll have a quiet Thanksgiving just the two of us at home. Being as we're in Florida, we've got outdoor activities planned.

[MerryBlooms]

23. .

[mcar]

24. Thanks Merry

I'd rather skip this one and celebrate next year, when we can all safely get together.

[MerryBlooms]

41. Yes, exactly. Everyone will be more relaxed and our country will be on a much better course

with President Biden.

[hauckeye]

17. Yes, my sister in Tennessee is hosting Christmas this year

and we've decided not to travel there from Wisconsin. I'm mailing all the gifts. Thanksgiving will be just the 4 of us .

[MerryBlooms]

28. .

[BannonsLiver]

19. Actually it's going to keep killing THEM in large numbers.

It won’t be killing people who have been vaccinated in large numbers. However, their stupidity WILL cause anything resembling a return to normalcy, whatever that is, to be delayed.

[MerryBlooms]

31. Yes, but I do worry about the percentage of people who are not going to be eligible to be vaccinated

due to guidelines, like with other vaccines.

[smirkymonkey]

20. Our family has called it off simultaneously.

Nobody's feeling are hurt and nobody is upset. We all understand that these are unusual times and that we all need to take precautions this year.

We usually all gather at my brother's home in Baltimore since he has the largest place and can put everyone up, but unfortunately it will be put off until next year and hopefully everyone will be healthy and alive at that point.

I am the only one who will be alone, but I actually don't mind. I will make a little dinner for myself and we will all have a little face-time chat (ugh, hate video calls). Still, kind of looking forward to the low-maintenance holiday and getting started on a holiday video binge.

[MerryBlooms]

33. Wonderful. We have been watching the comedy holiday movies here and there.

We've seen them many times, but we still laugh out loud every time.

[smirkymonkey]

50. Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving, MerryBlooms!

Whether together or apart. Any good film suggestions?

[MerryBlooms]

56. Same to you and yours!

A few of my favorites:

Scrooged
Christmas Vacation
Trapped In Paradise
A Christmas Story
Die Hard

[smirkymonkey]

66. Good Recs!

Thank you!

[MerryBlooms]

67. YW

[peggysue2]

25. Our family and friends have all agreed

Thanksgiving in the flesh will not happen this year. My husband and I normally are getting ready now to leave for our trek to Philly for festivities. But we all decided even before the CDC warnings it wasn't with the risk to ourselves and others.

It sucks. Haven't even been able to get a peek at my baby grand daughter.

Thanks Trump!

[MerryBlooms]

34. So very sorry. I have a friend who is in the same boat and hasn't seen her first grandbaby

who was born in August. Hang in there.

[peggysue2]

45. My grand baby was born at the end of May

She's still in the hospital (preemie complications) but my daughter-in-law managed to get her mother in for a short visit. After which Janice (other grandma) told me: she's so-o-o beautiful. Found out yesterday she has my weird toes where the little piggies are turned on their side. Makes pedicures hilarious.

Anyway, thanks for the good wishes.

I keep telling my husband that at this rate we'll meet Cassandra at her high school graduation. LOL.

[MerryBlooms]

48. Sigh, I love baby piggies. With any luck, you'll get to meet the baby in spring.

Keeping my fingers crossed for you and your granddaughter.

[peggysue2]

49. Thanks. I hope so, too.

[FakeNoose]

26. Yes I cancelled my trip a week ago

I believe my family will get vaccinated as soon as it's available. But we're almost all Dems in my family, so that's what I'd expect. For those who refuse the vaccine once it's available, not all will be politically motivated. I believe a few Dems and liberals of one kind or another will want to be convinced that the vaccine is safe before they actually receive it.

It's going to take time getting everyone vaccinated. If anyone refuses then they should be required to wear a mask all the time.

[MerryBlooms]

35. Yes, my sister and I are the rare Dems in our family...

Most of our family are wait n see, while others will out right refuse. We have one brother who's republican, but will for sure get the vaccine because he misses his grandchildren.

[Happy Hoosier]

27. Yes.

We just told them no travel this holiday season because 'Rona. No one has complained. Just some sadness because the in-laws are 90+ and ya never know....

[MerryBlooms]

37. Governor Kate Brown said, "Don't accidentally kill someone." She's been spot-on throughout.

[Squinch]

29. I was going to be having 7, and we started on Nov 16 to isolate so we would all be safe.

But a few days ago, we decided to split up because we were all getting squirrely about it. So now we'll be 4 and I feel a lot better about it.

(Every other year, it is weird for me to have fewer than 15 or 17 for Thanksgiving.)

[MerryBlooms]

38. Our house is the main hub for all big dinners, we usually host around 12.

We are used to people dropping by unannounced and staying for supper or ordering pizza... Our rule is, if you show up, you get fed.

[Cracklin Charlie]

32. I have a big family.

Sometimes we have 50 or more for Thanksgiving, with people from all over, including other countries. We basically never know who might show up.

The family manager (we actually have one) just texted a notice that all plans for large gathering were off, with an invitation to attend virtually on a site set up by the tech generation. I’m shocked, as there are some right wingers who will likely have a fit.

The virtual thanksgiving has a sign in sheet, with a photo gallery, recipe page, and space to leave messages. I cannot wait to see who all logs on and leaves funny comments!

[MerryBlooms]

39. Wow, that is so cool!

[Chalco]

36. Yes, first time we won't spend Christmas with our daughter.

So depressed about this. Her birthday's on the 20th, so we'll miss her birthday and
Christmas for the first time. She'll be 28. Beyond sad.

[MerryBlooms]

40. I'm sorry. I hope you can at least do a Zoom or something. Won't be the same, but at least

you can see each other and hear each others' voices.

[Chalco]

44. Yes, that's what we've been doing.

She's so sweet and thoughtful and kind. I told her I
just want to hug. Ugh.

[MerryBlooms]

46. We've been through so much and many of us are lonely and depressed.

You're doing the right thing and protecting your daughter, you're a wonderful mom.

[jeffreyi]

43. Yup. We can make our own holiday dates. Empower yourself.

[MerryBlooms]

47. .

[Iggo]

51. Don't hafta.

Nothing to cancel.

Getting together was never an option.

Because we’re all doing it right.

[MerryBlooms]

59. Good deal.

[Hekate]

52. I declined my daughter's invite to an outdoor bbq Thanksgiving with my ex there...

I politely declined on the basis of health precautions, but her text back was a bit snippy.

The truth is, I don’t trust any of them. She is restricting a lot of contact (some of it is being imposed on her because school’s not in session and she lives miles away from her kids’ playmates) and thinks she’s in a “pod,” but the edges of her pod are very frayed, if you will.

Plus there’s the way she says things like: “When the hysteria about COVID is over...” And she’s an anti-vaxxer.

Oh, seasonal joy in abundance. At least I won’t have to be in the same location as my ex.

[MerryBlooms]

57. Sounds like many in my family. Luckily I live across the state from them and so no pressure.

Take care.

[Phentex]

53. My mother in law prefers to die than distance herself...

I love her so much but she does NOT GET IT! She's 88.

She is having her usual Thanksgiving with everyone except one of her daughters and my husband. We did not do Thanksgiving with them anyway so this is not a change for us. But we cannot convince her that having 20 people including young children who attend in person school is not a good idea.

We have already told her we will NOT be attending Christmas Eve as we have in years past.

[MerryBlooms]

61. Oh man, I hope everyone ends up okay.

I have a friend who turned 70, and had a mild stroke 5 days ago. She is out of the hospital and hosting a big Thanksgiving dinner. She's already complaining about doctor's recommendations and going ahead full steam. Can't tell her a damn thing either.

I'm happy you're safe and taking care.

[csziggy]

58. As soon as my sister in law sent out her invite I told my husband I would not go

I didn't hear anything else for about a week. Yesterday I asked my husband if he was going to go over by himself. He said the whole thing was cancelled since no one wanted to get together in a group.

I'm not sad about that.

[MerryBlooms]

62. That is good news.

[csziggy]

63. I'm looking forward to T-Day the way I want it

And not just fixing one dish for the potluck. Plus I don't have to worry about accidentally getting oyster dressing - or no gluten dressing! I can make my pecan pie without worrying about the nephews who have tree nut allergies sneaking some.

I do like seeing most of my husband's family - mine is too wide spread and too disrupted to have holidays any more -but can live another year without, literally.

[MerryBlooms]

64. No stress and safe. The best way to celebrate.

[csziggy]

65. Yeah, plus it is three hours each way

Or as my husband puts it, two hours there, four hours back since we cross a time zone. Since we usually just go for the day, that makes for a very, very long day.

[ecstatic]

70. My dad is insisting on having a gathering

No long distance travel is involved, but it would involve 4 or 5 different households gathering in 1 place.

Full disclosure: I'm thinking I will go to enforce mask wearing, social distancing, and I'll spray some Lysol around periodically.

[MerryBlooms]

71. Oh man, you're in a tough spot. I think I'd have a bad case of the trots that day and cancel.