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.

A letter writer is being forced to pick between spending the holidays with their son or a grieving friend. Dear Eric: My husband and I are seniors. We no longer host Thanksgiving and other holidays, as our youngest son has taken that on willingly.

I am getting snarky comments from my son and daughter-in-law about how quiet my friend was and how she didn’t fit in.

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.