So my Mom just called me to tell me that because of plumbing issues, Christmas won't be at my Sister's like it normally is, but instead will be at my Dad's. (My Mom and Dad are divorced, which speaks to the convoluted way that news gets distributed in my family).

I mean, I've already decided I'm not going to my Dad's on Christmas, but now I have to deal with the guilt, and how to tell my family, and how to deal with the guilt, not to mention the loneliness of being alone on Christmas.

Oh Tom! I wish there was a way to teleport you to Florida to be with us at Christmas.

Tom, know that Florida is always an option. Also DH and I were considering taking off on Christmas day ourselves because there are super cheap flights to New Orleans that day.

I wish I were going to be in New Orleans for Christmas, because I'd invite any of you who end up there. But even if you stay in NY, Tom, there are plenty of us who will be thinking of you, for what that's worth.

Ugh Tom, taking care of yourself is what's most important. I wish family didn't have the power to make us feel so guilty.

I'm so sorry, Tom, that sounds hard. Good for you for choosing the less bad option despite the downsides. I hope you can find more fun for yourself than you expect!

Tom, I'm so sorry.

I have cold number 1,000,002 since September. There is too much to do before Christmas, and I barely have any energy to get stuff done when I'm not sick. Send energy~ma.

All the energy~ma, my dear, and I should have a lot to spare as I have spent the day hiding from the world and reading. So pleasant.

Ohio dwellers: I will be making a donation to an activist organization in Ohio on behalf of my parents as a Christmas gift. What would be best? Local chapters of NARAL? PP? ACLU? Supporting a Dem candidate running in 2018? I want to put my money where it needs to be the most.

Tom, I'm sorry, that sounds really hard. I hope Christmas finds you in pleasant company, however that manages to happen.

-t, I'm glad the self-care is working!