Dreading Christmas already

[Anonymous]

This is the OP-thank you for all of the thoughtful responses-I really appreciate them! My sister only lives about 1.5 hours away-I decided that we will not stay overnight. We'll spend Christmas morning at home, get there sometimes in the early afternoon and leave by 8 or 9 PM.

My sister and I are very different people in terms of our personalities (she's always been extroverted and someone who lets things bounce off of her while I have struggled with anxiety/depression) but she's a good person and as an adult has never made mean comments to me. She can't help it that our parents always compared us and that she was the favorite. However, as a result, she is understandably closer to them than I am.

I know my parents love me but I'm second best. Growing up I heard a lot of "Why can't you be more like your sister?" etc. They are very impressed with my sister's lifestyle and while at this point thankfully I no longer get the "why can't you be more like your sister" comments my DH and I tend to get ignored at family gatherings (the discussion is usually focused on my sister and her family's trips, the well known people they have met, their careers, etc). I confronted my parents about the comparison issues years ago and while they have never really acknowledged it they have stopped directly doing it. And in all fairness they love my kids and outwardly treat them equally to my sister's children.

Thanks again for the feedback. I truly appreciate the kindness and lack of snark.