Sorry to hear about your troubles. Family is very interesting. In my case, if I don't call my mom or go to her house, I won't hear from her for months...and she lives 20 min from me. My brother and I thought it would get better once we had kids...we now have 2 kids each and it is still the same. She says, "We are the grandparents who don't see the kids much but give them nice gifts, he he he." It's pretty sad.
I saw some other posts suggesting you don't go at all and wondering what other alternates might be. My brother-in-law doesn't get along with his mom and on Christmas he takes the kids over to her house for a hour or two then comes home. I guess it depends on if she is going to bash you for the entire time you are there...maybe a short stay won't give her the opportunity. Be sure other family members are there too...if there is a lot of people, you can talk to them and indirectly avoid her. Then wish her a merry one, and be on your way.
These situations are very difficult, I have been there too. At one point in my life I was going to Florida every Christmas so I didn't have to have the event with either side of the family.
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Re: I need some advice...would you go to Christmas? Sorry -quite long!
