You remind me of... ME. I love my children when they come to visit and we cherish the memories and the day they leave. The house is back to our routine, quiet, just the cats and my husband and its peaceful. What a gift that is. I hope dinner was tolerable. Its only a few hours out of your life and maybe that makes it easier to take. And lucky you! Christmas comes only once a year!!!! p.s. going to the dinner is better than making the dinner. You can leave when you want to!