Dear Eric: I’m so enjoying reading your column! Thank you! The letter “Unhappy Holiday” was from the mother traveling to the UK to spend holidays with her husband’s family, who is distressed that her sister-in-law has planned an event with only her husband and child, not inviting the letter writer’s family, too.

In today's Asking Eric column, R. Eric Thomas responds to someone who feels like they are stuck choosing between family and friends when it comes to celebrating the holidays together.

Dear Eric: I’m so enjoying reading your column! Thank you! The letter “Unhappy Holiday” was from the mother traveling to the UK to spend holidays with her husband’s family, who is distressed that her sister-in-law has planned an event with only her husband and child, not inviting the letter writer’s family, too.

I would love to add that it’s reasonable and perhaps even wise on large, family get togethers for breakout events to occur. It may be important to the sister-in-law to have some time with her immediate family – for everything to not include the whole,