This year, for the first time in my life, I won’t be spending Thanksgiving with my parents. TJ’s mom usually comes down to Raleigh for the holiday, but this year, TJ and I thought it’d be fun to go back up to New York to spend Thanksgiving there with his mom, grandparents, aunt, and uncle. It’ll be his first time back up there for Thanksgiving since he moved to North Carolina, so it’s definitely long overdue. Thanksgiving Day just so happens to be TJ’s birthday this year too, so it will be extra special for us to spend the day with his family.

To be perfectly honest, my feelings about it are split down the middle. Obviously, I’m thrilled that we’re able to spend time with TJ’s family, especially since we don’t get to see them nearly enough throughout the year. And just as obviously on the other hand, I’m sad that I’ll be missing out on a holiday with my parents.

I’ll say this (and I mean it wholeheartedly): TJ’s family is awesome. They’re kind, fun, and have always made me feel welcome and like part of the family. I really am so excited to see how they do Thanksgiving, and to be able to spend time with them. When it comes to in-law families, I made out like a bandit. I want it to be clear that my bit of sadness has nothing to do with being in New York with them.

On the flip side, my parents and I have always taken holidays seriously, and we have tons of traditions, so that’s where the sadness does come from – a feeling of missing out on that with them.

In a perfect world, both of our families would live in the same place, and we could see everyone on every holiday. Since that’s not our reality though, we’ll split our time and enjoy every second we get with our loved ones. And until we all live in the same place, we’ll just be glad that Skype exists.

Have you ever spent a holiday away from your family? Do you and your spouse take turns visiting family for different holidays or do you have a different solution?