My husband is not from the US, but we travel to Europe every summer and Christmas to see his family. This year, we had some unplanned expenses and airfare was unusually expensive, so I cannot afford to go with him this Christmas. He is okay with it, but his parents will not be as they have a deep family tradition and expect all family members to be present.
They are not aware we have had some financial difficulties and it is best to keep it that way for a number of reasons. They still think we are both coming and have all types of things planned for us, but will be upset that it looks like I am not making the effort. Saying I have something at work is not acceptable to them, and I don't want to say somebody in my side of the family had any kind of medical emergency. Any ideas on what would be a legitimate sounding reason for me "unexpectedly" not to be able to travel with my husband?