Cross-Border Family Events...Optional or Obligatory?
You know, living close to the U.S. border often has its perks and with the recent strengthening of the Canadian dollar, the shopping is SWEET. Well, if you're a big cross-border shopper that is, which I'm not. I do go across the border several times per year, I enjoy being close to another country (I'm all cultured and stuff!!) and sometimes flying out of Seattle can be very cost-effective.
But for me, living close to that border is sometimes a curse. Okay, I'm exaggerating...but it is a source of stress.
I live in Canada. My in-laws live in Canada (15 min away), but have property just across the border. My parents live in Canada (5 min away) and they also have property across the border. Now, I think it's great all the parents have a place to vacation where they really enjoy. I usually go across the border once or maybe twice per year to my parents' property...and usually a bit more to see my in-laws as they spend more time on their property.
But my in-laws have a habit that I'm not fond of and that's scheduling family dinners, parties etc. at their property. For example, this week we were told that on Saturday she was planning a surprise birthday party for her mother (my kids' great-grandmother) and it would be in one of the halls at the property. Plus, she wants us to come for Easter dinner there in a few weeks. There will be more things planned for the rest of the year.
I have no problem attending family functions. Host it in the Lower Mainland of Vancouver and I'll be there...plain and simple, but this is different. It's a whole day of planning and you have to go early because you don't know what the border line up will be like. Of course, my MIL's argument is that we can sign up or the Nexus program to ease the line-up...and she's right. That usually does shave off some time, but not lately with the crazy line ups trying to take advantage of the low U.S. dollar.
Regardless, it's still crossing the border and even though the distance isn't very big, there's just more stuff that goes into lugging a family to another country.
What do you think? When everyone lives in the same country and close together, should cross-border family events be optional or obligatory?
But for me, living close to that border is sometimes a curse. Okay, I'm exaggerating...but it is a source of stress.
I live in Canada. My in-laws live in Canada (15 min away), but have property just across the border. My parents live in Canada (5 min away) and they also have property across the border. Now, I think it's great all the parents have a place to vacation where they really enjoy. I usually go across the border once or maybe twice per year to my parents' property...and usually a bit more to see my in-laws as they spend more time on their property.
But my in-laws have a habit that I'm not fond of and that's scheduling family dinners, parties etc. at their property. For example, this week we were told that on Saturday she was planning a surprise birthday party for her mother (my kids' great-grandmother) and it would be in one of the halls at the property. Plus, she wants us to come for Easter dinner there in a few weeks. There will be more things planned for the rest of the year.
I have no problem attending family functions. Host it in the Lower Mainland of Vancouver and I'll be there...plain and simple, but this is different. It's a whole day of planning and you have to go early because you don't know what the border line up will be like. Of course, my MIL's argument is that we can sign up or the Nexus program to ease the line-up...and she's right. That usually does shave off some time, but not lately with the crazy line ups trying to take advantage of the low U.S. dollar.
Regardless, it's still crossing the border and even though the distance isn't very big, there's just more stuff that goes into lugging a family to another country.
What do you think? When everyone lives in the same country and close together, should cross-border family events be optional or obligatory?
posted by Alice at 12:53 PM
NEW! 
3 Comments:
I just posted about my cross border woes the other day as I came back from Canada. I agree, if it's close it seems as though it isn't a big deal, but it really is, especially now. The kids needs passports now, which is expensive, and for me to get into Canada with my kids, when my husband stays home, they want a notarized letter saying I have permission to leave the USA with the kids. It's a huge pain, not to mention a minimum 30 minute lineup on a good day, and if I attempt a smaller border crossing they interrogate you as to why you are coming through there, when it's off your path!
I'd say if you have the choice, don't go, but it's tough dealing with family. It's a lot harder when your travelling with kids, but the grandparents seem to have forgotten that. I'll be cutting the trips down I think, but my family lives there so I don't have a choice, I will have to go once inawhile.
I absolutely think you should have the option. If it were a one time a year thing, then I'd say of course go, but since it's not you should have the right to pick and choose which events to attend.
Under the circumstances you described it should be Optional, and it's absolutely explanable as to WHY it should be Optional! In my opinion, Obligatory isn't even on the radar in this case.
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home