Why Should You Bring Your Own Food?
My husbands sister and brother, along with their families, have celebrated Christmas with us at our house every year for five years now. Ive been the one to cook every dish, lay the table, fuss over every detail, and then clean up after everyone while they simply relaxed and enjoyed themselves. But last year, I hit my breaking point. I felt drainedphysically, mentally, and even financially. It all just became too much.
So, this time round, I tried to spread the load between all of us.
But just a few days ago, my mother-in-law hinted that she and my father-in-law arent as young as they used to be, that the years are catching up with them. She suggested shed love one more big family celebration at ours.
Thats when I rang up my husbands brother, Edward, and his sister, Judith, to say their mum was hoping for us all to spend Christmas together. At first, they were keen, insisting we should do what Mum wants, and agreed straight away.
Then I explained how I thought we could share things out. I would host, make two hot dishes, and bake a cake. The resttwo salads, fish, cold cuts, cheese, fruit, and drinkswould be split between them. I suggested everyone could bring a bottle, too.
The moment I spelled it all out, the excitement in their voices vanished. Judith complained she didnt have timeher job kept her busy and shed need to buy all the food before cooking it. Edward muttered that he didnt really see the point in bringing food to my place and said theyd rather just do something at their own homes this year.
So I asked, But what about Mum? They both said, Well just ring and wish her well on the daythatll have to do.
It seems they dont want to share the work or split the cost. I havent told my mother-in-law yetand honestly, I dont know how to break the news. Shell be terribly disappointed.
What should I do? Perhaps, after all, Ill end up hosting Christmas on my own yet again.
