[Erin]

Our problem at first was we tried to make EVERY party and didn't enjoy any of it because we were always supposed to be somewhere else. We gave that up and do one party a day or whatever we need to do to stay sane and no more. We will see the other side next time or on a different day and if someone has to see us the Saturday before or after the holiday and not ON the holiday then they will just have to get over it. We make an effort to see everyone, just not at the specific time that they demand we be there. After a few years of us not giving in they have stopped "demanding" and started requesting our presence, and if we decline, then oh well. We can only do so much and it won't get better with kids!

I think one day with one family is fine, one day with the other. If seeing your cousins is important why don't you switch days? I admit we try to pick the parties (on both sides) with the people we want to see because we have more fun!