I have made a parental decision. The holidays are canceled.

[halobeam]

I know I am mad. I know it seems, and well actually is, rather extreme, but in my 15 years as a parent, it is well deserved, by every member of my immediate family, including myself.

My 10 year old stole and then lied about it. My fifteen year old is a nightmare on a good day, ending this day with a nice "f - you" which has been following suit as of late. The expenses are strangling us as it is, and why should my husband and I suffer financially ONE BIT more, when these children are behaving like this?

We personally deserve to put that money in the bank, for a car that actually runs 7 days a week.

I don't have the spirit of Christmas, since I believe it is all about family, and right now, my family sucks. Why should I go through more than I already do, taking take of their every need, they don't deserve the extra effort from me. Their presents are NOT a need. They have a lot already, quite frankly. They couldn't possibly be spoiled since we don't have the means, but there is a fundamental sense of entitlement, and I apparently was lousy at teaching them better.

I guess I'm just really sharing here, instead of looking for answers... I feel I have them and I'm really not changing my mind. The last time I felt such a solid, strong sense of relief, was when I left my first husband, six months pregnant. I knew then that I couldn't take it any more, and I knew that no matter WHAT, I wouldn't feel worse than I had felt for way too long. As it turned out, I was damn right. That was fourteen years ago, and I've been happily married for 11 years this past August. I was living in an out of control environment and I guess that is where the tie in to these two situations comes in. I'm taking back control and I'm not going to stop. Either they will understand what is not tolerated and change their behavior or they won't, but they will not have a "regular gay 'ol day" until and if that happens.

I am still going to have a great Christmas. We are seeing our other relatives, who are coming from very far away. I'm already playing Christmas carols on the piano. I'm actually looking forward to Christmas now. It is now what Christmas is supposed to be. It's about people. If my children get this message along with the other one, then they will be better off for it. I truly believe that.