Big Family

[Snowfall]

I just got married and bought a house, and my mom volunteered us to do Thanksgiving next year (2010). DH and I were really excited about this, until we started talking about his family and my family. Since my mom does Thanksgiving now, everyone on my side of the family will be eating at our house next year. Off the top of my head, I know it will be over 15 people from my side of the family.

His aunt does Thanksgiving on his side and will continue to do so without us, but his parents and brother showed interest in coming over to our house next year. Now, his parents and my parents get along very well, so I'm not concerned about fighting. But I am concerned about a large group and a small group getting together like this.

My family is very friendly group and won't make them feel out of place, but DH and I have a feeling that his parents and brother will still feel that way. My family is friendly, but they’re loud and boisterous and I can see DH’s small family feeling very out of place.

I want both of our families to feel welcome in our house, but is this possible at the same time? Does anyone else here have issues with that? There was talk of having a second dinner with just DH’s family on Black Friday, but that doesn’t seem fair to his family. Any thoughts?

 

[George Broderick, Jr.]

Do the families play games..? You could let his family pick their favorite game and break off into teams (purposely mixing the families)... or, if you're just a "eat, football, sleep" kinda group, just let happen whatever happens... if they're not going to fight (as you say they won't), there's probably no real issue... just as long as you serve at least one of EACH of their favorite dishes...