We’re newly married for the second time and have two grown children each. His family has included my two children as their own; they’re invited to all family events and it’s wonderful.    
      But my own family has repeatedly made it clear that my new husband's children are not to be invited to our family occasions. And despite my protests, they proceeded with this exclusion.     
      I'm trying to understand their position that appears to be concerns with preserving family traditions and not having "outsiders." Apparently, this isn't about whether they like them or not, it's about keeping Christmas intimate.     
      I may bring my new husband, my children can bring boyfriends or girlfriends, as this is "natural" family growth, but my husband is not to bring his kids. Stepchildren could attend if they were young and lived with us.     
      My husband’s extremely hurt. His previously positive relationship with my family is significantly damaged and I'm not sure how to proceed. This just seems wrong. They did "win" because my husband now won’t bring his kids to any of my family events.
      - Badly Torn

This is hideously wrong – rude, mean-spirited and contrary to the meaning and spirit of Christmas goodwill.
      Your family actually loses having shown their disinterest in helping you bring your second union into an extended family scene; they’ve insulted both you and your new husband.     
      Create your own new tradition: Have holidays including next Christmas at your house and invite only those relatives and friends who are genuinely welcoming and openhearted. Your other family has disqualified themselves.

I’m 38, female and my four siblings and I grew up in an abusive home. I was also married to an abusive husband for 16 years. He forbade me any contact with my family.  While married, I had no money and nowhere to go.      
      I’ve been divorced for two years after he left me homeless and bankrupt. I survived with the help of a friend, and am putting my life back together and attending college for the first time. I have no children and have never had problems with drugs or alcohol.      
      Both of my sisters have been with abusive men and my brother’s been in prison. My counsellor has urged me to seek out my family and assured me that they’d understand why I pushed them away.    
      I’ve tried, and have been rejected by them. I’d like a second chance. I’m devastated by their response and don't know what else I can do. I need family in my life.
      - All Alone

You’re a survivor; they’re not. You have the sustenance of a close, helpful friend, plus the empowering knowledge of your own inner strength to surmount the past.     
      Don’t let your siblings’ ongoing struggles detract from what you’ve accomplished on your own. Be proud, not devastated.    
      Of course, you want more from them and one day, one or two siblings may come around. So, periodically, reach out gently with birthday cards, holiday greetings, etc.    
      But recognize that each of them has their own story. It’s different from yours, depending on their sibling position, how each was treated as kids, plus their unique personalities. They’re reacting to the past in their own way, and their own time.    
      You have the opportunity now to build a network of friends who can be your support system. Family isn’t always the only, or best, answer. However, when you feel secure enough, you can occasionally try to re-connect – so long as you don’t build unrealistic expectations.

I'm a male, 16, whose mom recently walked in on me while I was masturbating. I don't know what to do about this. Should I just ignore it, pretend it didn’t happen? Or should I go and talk to her about it?
      - Feeling Awkward

If she’s a modern mom, she won’t have been shocked  (she may even feel as awkward as you do) but she likely knows that exploring one’s own body and masturbating is fairly common as teenagers’ hormones surge.     
      Hopefully, she and you both now realize that it’s time for everyone in the house to knock before entering another’s bedroom.     
      However, if your mom has a problem with the behaviour, she’ll show it in some way, perhaps by mentioning it herself. Otherwise, you needn’t do so.    
      Meanwhile, examine your own feelings on the topic – if you’re uncomfortable or question yourself, consider talking to your father, or your family doctor.