Family Gatherings

Coming from a small family, family get togethers are usually a must do thing. Whether it is a major holiday like Christmas, or Easter, or even to something small like one of my uncle's parties we are expected to be there. If we are not there or show up late, my grandma starts yelling at us or starts asking us where we were.

Last year for Christmas my cousin came late. As soon as he walked in the door my grandma started yelling at him saying "You tell ur friends that Christmas Eve I spend with my grandma." I can see where she is coming from on that Christmas should be a family time.

But my uncle also has parties that are at his house. These parties are not just for the family. Sometimes if we come to them we are expected to do everything that he has there, and not just supposed to come and sit. I don't think that these types of things should be mandatory. If you don't show up to one of the parties my uncle starts complaining.

I think that making a big deal about these little things is starting to pull the family farther apart. I think that they should just be happy if we come and not worry if we don't. I think that the family would get along better and there wouldn't be as much tension.