Oh, no.. My mom actually had a nervous breakdown. She has ended up in a mental institution twice already and is on various medications. I'm rather angry with her right now, which is why I refer to her as crazy rather than mentally ill.

My family wouldn't SAY they want gifts, but they'll expect it. They'll say to themselves "Well, she had the money to move out quick and get a dog!" and last time I saw my 8 year old cousin she told me what she wanted for Christmas (but her parents told me on the side they got it for her already) and I just couldn't show up empty handed.

One of my friends said to try to keep things normal as possible like to still do the same food, etc. But I usually hate the food because I hate fish and that's what my mom cooks because it's tradition and I don't like cooking so I bought some frozen finger foods to make. I just have a feeling leaving work on Christmas Eve and listening to everyone talk about their plans I might go into that whole wallow mode and I don't want to. I have a bunch of dvds to watch, my pets.. and a roof over my head. I have no right to complain.