It's the same round and round I've had with my family for years. My spirituality and what I believe seems to be 'nonsense' yet I am expected to partake in the traditions my family has on their holidays.

I have been Pagan for over 15 years now and openly practicing for about 10. My family knows I am Pagan, they know I was in a Coven. The only event any family member ever attended was Olivia's Wiccaning - only my mom came. Yet, every year when Ostara comes around or when Yule comes around, it's the same thing - those special days get overlooked by my family and by CJ's family. Okay, fine, they are not Pagan so why should I expect anything from them?

Maybe because I am expected to be at my mom's house on Holy Saturday (she's Catholic) to eat blessed food and I am expected to be at my dad's every Easter for ham. My kids gets tons of candy in their Easter baskets. What do they get on Ostara from family? Nothing. Why are they getting EASTER baskets anyway???!

Every Christmas Eve I run myself ragged to my dad's in the afternoon and then to my mom's in the evening. An overabundant amount of presents for the kids is an every year occurrence. What do they get for Yule from family? Nothing.

Even my mother in law - whom I adore, when she called to chat with me today, felt the need to say to me, "I know you don't celebrate it, but tell the kids I said Happy Easter." Why? You just admitted you know we don't celebrate it. I just don't get it?

Why do I still get looked at like I am speaking another language when I mention Ostara or Yule? Why am I 'expected' to continue their traditions but no one can see my side? Why, when I speak my mind, am I the asshole?