OK sorry people. My problems with xmas are these.
I need to go and stay with my parents in NSW. That house and my proximity to them are triggering in a PTSD-type way. Combined with my DID that means that things - triggers and responses - will happen that neither me, nor anyone else in my system that I trust, will know about them, let alone be able to control or deal with. In the past, that's led to serious SH. We're worried about safety for that reason.
We have to go for our kids' sake. They know about the DID in a kind of non-medical way. They grew up knowing that more than one person lives in our body. That's how they understand us. But they don't know why we're like this or that there's a connection with our parents and extended family. We don't want them to know.
In previous years - well, last year we were in hospital - but for the 5 or so years before that, we lived in WA and had the excuse that it was too far and too expensive to travel across for one day. Now we're in Vic and can't use that excuse so we need to go there. We're trying to prepare. It's not just the fact of being with them, but the actual date/anniversary/event is triggering itself. That's why it's so huge for us, because each aspect involves different parts of our system (sorry, I know this probably doesn't make much sense to people) - basically, it just makes it harder for us to use the normal techniques that keep us safe in triggering situations.
What y'all will understand is that it basically sucks in a really big way 
We wish the whole holiday could just be removed from the calendar.
Good on you for asking your aunty if you could have Christmas somewhere else @greenspace
That's great that you have a supportive sister.
I look forward to hearing how it all goes for you. xoxo
I choose to pretend that it's not happening, until the time comes, then I'll try to plan something different. 
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.