I Have A Dilemma

[emmie]

been asked to Christmas dinner by a friend, which was a lovely surprise, so i said yes would love to, then last night my brother phoned, we had a nice long talk, and at the end of the conversation asked me if i want to come for Christmas. Where should i go, both are good but haven't see brother and rest of family for 6 months, so what would you do. any, all advice welcome.

[sapelesam]

Emmie, did you know that if you had three invitations, you would have a trilemma.

[emmie]

i do, lol

[Old_Geezer]

You're missing a trick. Go to the nearest one in the morning and have an early Christmas lunch there. Then after the pudding and port, excuse yourself to go to the other for a later Christmas lunch, and tea. Double bubble !

[sapelesam]

That didn't work out very well for The Vicar of Dibley.

[Old_Geezer]

She was a wimp.

[emmie]

OG
too far to go, brother lives 75 miles away....

[elliemay1]

Emmie, it was kind of your friend to invite you as she didn't want you to be on your own as your family live so far away. She sounds a really nice person so I'm sure she would understand and be glad for you. If you can afford it go to your brother's. My dad used to say, 'There'll be money when we're dead.'

[emmie]

ellie
that;s why i am a bit torn, admittedly i would like to
go to both but one lives in London the other in
West Sussex.

[elliemay1]

Emmie, When your friend comes to dinner on Fri discuss it with her face to face. You will know immediately by her reaction which choice to make.

[emmie]

Had a conversation with the friend, she is fine what ever i choose to do. So looks like will be spending time with family over Christmas.
one last thing, i would like to give them some money for wine, biscuits, chocolates, as i can't carry stuff down, how much should i give them....

[albaqwerty]

Emmie, I think they'll be offended if you offer anything up-front.
Put money in a card (say, maybe £50?)
You know the cost of things down there better than I.

Am glad your friend is OK with your plans, she's a true friend xx

[emmie]

she is a good friend, and i thought 50 quid might be the sum, not too mean i suppose...

[murraymints]

you could try that in a card Emmie... when we used to go to mum at Christmas, before dad was ill.. I used to leave money in a thank you card under her pillow as I knew she would never accept it otherwise.. always a struggle to get her to keep it ...got dad on side though and they used it to go for a nice meal together at New Year...

[emmie]

thought might buy some nice wine with it if i can't carry any down....