Oh Shreck:
Three day yomim tovim are more than “a bit challenging”. They create a significant amount of work– shopping, prep, cooking, cleanup, reheating, etc etc, and the kids are whining and need attention– and they (the chagim) can also pose a significant financial strain. This is not to say that we don’t do all of this work both gladly and willingly. We do it b’simcha. But to make light of the work we do is heartbreaking. It does indeed make our lives harder, and there would be no simchas yom tov without the work we do. Whenever I am a guest in someone’s home for shabbos or yom tov I make sure to express my appreciation to my hosts just as I express my appreciation to Hashem.
My husband and I are blessed to be in E”Y for chagim this year and are keeping only one day. I am saddened that I don’t get to experience a second set of hakafos, but I’ll confess that I don’t miss the work.