Why Should You Bring Your Own Food?
My husband’s sister and brother, along with their families, have spent every Christmas with us for five years straight. Ive shouldered all the work on my owncooking every dish, setting the table, taking care of everything throughout the day, and tidying up after theyd gone. They simply came, celebrated, and left. But last year, I reached my limit and simply couldnt carry on like that. It felt overwhelming, physically, mentally, and on my wallet.
So, over the past year, I tried to share out the responsibilities among everyone.
Recently though, my mother-in-law tried to persuade me that she and her husband are getting on a bit, that time is catching up with them, and that shed really like us all to have another Christmas together at my place.
So I called my husbands brother and sister to let them know their mum wanted us all to spend Christmas as a family. At first, they sounded delighted, insisting we should listen to Mum, and seemed all for it.
Then I mentioned that wed need to split who made whateveryone would pitch in, and wed each bring something.
I said Id provide the main dishes, cook two hot meals, and bake a cake.
Theyd need to organise two salads, some fish, a meat dish, cheese, fruit, and drinks. I asked everyone to bring their own drinks, too.
As soon as I ran through the list, all enthusiasm disappeared from their voices. Suddenly, they said they were too busy to cook, with work and all, and didnt want to have to buy and prepare food as well. On top of that, they couldnt see the point in everyone bringing their own food. They announced they’d just host Christmas at their own homes instead.
So I asked: what about Mum? And guess what they replied… Well just ring her on Christmas Day and wish her well. Thats enough.
So they dont want to share the work or the cost. I havent mentioned any of this yet to my mother-in-law. Honestly, Ive no idea how to break the news to her. Shell be extremely disappointed.
What am I meant to do now? Am I expected to spend another Christmas doing absolutely everything by myself again, just to keep the peace?
