Did you make the right choice? Don't know. My inclination in a situation like you describe is to put off the decision until I've had a chance to clear my head of emotions and consider the situation. I might have asked, "Well, when do you need to know to make a reservation? I'll have to think about it." It gives both parties time to come to their senses.

For whatever reason, for many people holidays are stressful times, laden with expectations, and somehow rigged for disappointment. I've experienced too many family gatherings that have ended in tears and recriminations. So, for many years now I've taken the position that when holidays cease to be pleasant, it's probably time to find or create new traditions. I love my parents, but I choose to see them at times when there are fewer emotional demands on each of us - it just seems to work out better that way.

That said, I don't know that I'd imbue that much power in a garment unless I never wore anything else. But I would probably make an attempt to explain my feelings on the matter. I think the puppet statement is a pretty succinct way of putting it, and wish I might have thought of it once.

Regards,
Rex.