We have been coasting along for several years.  We set our current holiday routine several years ago.  We go to my parents’ on Xmas Eve, home for Xmas morning, then to BAGD’s parents’ for the rest of the day.  When Aunt Shel got married, I knew there was a chance that the routine might get shaken up.  Afterall, she would have inlaws to visit and that might affect when she could meet us at BAGD’s parents’.  There could be ripple effects causing changes in the party at my parents’ house, which could affect my brothers’ plans, etc.

As it turns out, Shel and Mark slipped right into the existing plan and we are making no changes for the holiday, on either side of my family.  Holiday routines and traditions can be a sticky subject and cause lots of stress.  This is a good article on how to deal with the subject.x