What would you do in this situation?

That is very thoughtful and considering of you to think about father a family bless your heart. However, at the same token I don't you and your mother should place your happening on hold for some one else who by choice want to be a long at christmas and you have to respect his wise. I go through that same incident every holiday and my children go visit family member out of town and they be wanting to stay with me. But I make them go and enjoy them self and not worry about me being lonely. I think he should feel the same lonely is a stage of mine and so is happening. That doesn't mean you should denied your on happening for some one. Go and enjoy your christmas with the other family and invite dad to come as a family and that you and mother would happy if you would come. Please ! Dad we all Love you. Your father has a entry void in his life at the moment because a lack of unconditional LOVE and AFFECTION from his family. They don't want split the problem is Dad lacking of Love and affection the family. start something new everyday start greeting him in the Morning with good minoring dad with a big hub and kiss and say I Love You Dad. when you come home in the even big hug and a kiss and say love you dad. get Mother to do the same if no more than hug from her and the sister to. Watch the change it going to make in his life and your Mother life they don;t want to split because they love each other but don't how to get back together because of fool est period somebody get to broke the ice while not start with you.