Private school parent small talk in December: EVERYONE bragging about upcoming ritzy trips

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:LOL I was asked recently of our plans and was very honest when I shared that we plan to clean out the basement. Person couldn't wait to get away from me lol.

ILY

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:LOL I was asked recently of our plans and was very honest when I shared that we plan to clean out the basement. Person couldn't wait to get away from me lol.

Oooh I would be in for this conversation. Finished or unfinished? Will we be bleaching things? Are you clearing stuff out or just rearranging? Can I come to the container store with you to pick stuff out? Is there time to paint?

Mindy?!?????

[Anonymous]

I can't usually afford inflated holiday travel rates, but I love hearing about where others are going. It doesn't bother me one bit. I am DCUM style middle class in that I can afford private school, but not tuition+ vacation house + club memberships + pricey peak season travel. I find the people who tend to be most bothered and envious by those who have more probably should not be in the independent school community. You will never be content. Most of the people will always have more than you and if you can't take it now, things will just get worse.

[Anonymous]

We are staying home which is exactly the low key break our family needs. I love hearing about other people’s exotic plans, though. You don’t necessarily have to feel bad just because you’re not going on a trip.

[Anonymous]

It’s our family tradition to be home for Christmas… kids running downstairs to see Santa’s cookies gone, and opening presents from under the tree.

[Anonymous]

I have never seen it as "itching to brag". I think they are just really giddy about their trip and I find the excitement contagious. I love to hear about people's plans and tell them I'm jealous and discuss some details. People also like to compare notes about destinations. Staying home usually means making plans to get kids together at least once and discuss our traditions. It's all fun, don't take it so negatively.

[Anonymous]

We prefer to spend quality time at home.

[Anonymous]

I can’t imagine a greater hell than traveling with my three kids at Christmas, so I just wouldn’t feel bad at whatever passive aggressive BS I might get thrown at me

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Except us. We aren't poor but you can't help but feel a little on the prole side of upper middle class this time of year when you have to disclose, "No, no big trips. We're just staying home." It feels like every single private school parent you bump into is itching to sort of brag about and detail their vacation home or their upcoming ski trip or some ritzy beach destination. Anyone else feel this way this time of year?

So strange. We could afford to go to Europe or other trip but we have zero desire. We enjoy being home and travel to see family the week after.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can’t imagine a greater hell than traveling with my three kids at Christmas, so I just wouldn’t feel bad at whatever passive aggressive BS I might get thrown at me

This!! We love Christmas in our home and ha if our together.

[Anonymous]

You aren't upper middle class if you can afford private and a nicer home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:LOL I was asked recently of our plans and was very honest when I shared that we plan to clean out the basement. Person couldn't wait to get away from me lol.

how do you know that was the reason?

[Anonymous]

If you ask, and they answer, how is that bragging? Should they be coy?

[Anonymous]

I’m sorry OP. You are allowed to feel a bit down about it or feel for your kids. There is a big difference between not going away because you don’t want to and not going away because you can’t afford to. What works for me is focusing on the things that we do have and that I am thankful for.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No. But I’m not jealous or insecure. We have the money to do something, we just choose not to. Maybe that makes it easier? I really like hearing about trips because I find it interesting. I don’t assume people are bragging, but making conversation.

+1
I don’t like to travel over this break, we don’t ski, and my kid has training for a winter sport. Nobody is judging you or bragging, OP, they are just making conversation. Super easy chit chat. I enjoy hearing about where people are going!