What A Typical Holiday Looks Like When Your Parents Are Divorced
Start writing a post
Relationships

What A Typical Holiday Looks Like When Your Parents Are Divorced

For me, it’s always been this way.

32
What A Typical Holiday Looks Like When Your Parents Are Divorced
Viewers Commentary

The holiday season can be a bit challenging when your parents are divorced; I’ve understood this concept my entire life. My parents got divorced when I was a year old, so I’ve always had to deal with “switching-off” every holiday. No matter whether your parents live 5 minutes or 14 hours away from each other, it’s still a struggle.

I have roughly 4-6 Thanksgiving dinners a year. Not only are my parents divorced, but my grandparents are, too, and for the most part, all of my great-grandparents are still alive as well. When I was little, I’d only go to one side of the family’s holiday celebration, but since I’ve been able to drive, there is no excuse as to why I can’t make it to everyone’s Thanksgiving or Christmas feast because my Mom and Dad only live three hours away from each other.

I have a kind heart, and I can’t say no to my Dad’s children or my Mom’s children. It makes me feel like they think I favor a side, but I could never feel that way towards any of them, so I have to prove myself through actions.

Traveling is the most annoying thing about it. It’s not that I don’t want to see everyone; it’s that I am tired. I’m tired of being guilt-tripped into traveling 9 hours in a day round trip, I’m tired of driving, and I’m tired of people fighting over me.

To be honest, I wish I wasn’t an adult so I didn’t have to plan all of this myself. I wish I was still a child so someone would tell me that I could only go to one Thanksgiving or Christmas per year.

But mostly I am thankful.

I am thankful because I have so many family members who care enough to fight for a chance to see me. I am thankful for all of the support and food I get over the holidays, and I am thankful that I am fortunate enough to drive nine hours round-trip because I know that there are people out there who wish they had a car to be able to go see their family. There are people out there who wish that they were annoyed by the amount of texts they get asking if they can work their family members into their holiday plans. There are people who wish that they had so much food in a day that they could feel like their stomach was about to burst; l am beyond thankful I am not one of them.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

93572
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments