Pasajes4, I needed your post this morning. In the midst of all this medial stuff, MY SISTER TEXTED ME! She is the one who usually talks to me for a few months than opts out for mnths or years and thinks the stuff in her toilet doesn't stink. What a good question. If I didn't have DNA relations to her, would I want to know her? NONONONONO! That applies for most of my DNA family. Thank you for bringing up that sisterhood and any form of DNA is overrated and just drummed into our heads that we HAVE to love them, when often there is such negativity going on there.
I love my quiet holidays. There is absolutely not judging, comparing, underlying meanness or jokes at anyone's expense. I don't feel demeaned by anyone. I don't have to eat fast and hope the evening passes quickly, like I used to do. Or hide in the bathroom with a book for as long as I could get away with it.
There is something to be said for starting your own traditions and making your own happy choices so that you can enjoy the holidays. This is hard to do when family "expects" you to show up. It is all a matter of what you can handle, what you feel is the right thing to do, and how bad it really is to be in the middle of the family drama. Some families all get along very, very well and are loving and kind to one another. I do not know too many people who feel this way about their family. Most tell me, "Can't wait for the holidays to get over."
Nothing changes if you don't change it.
Just food for thought 
Thanks again, pasajes4. Your posts are short, but often so full of insight.
