I rang my mother and my sister on the evening of December30th, telling my wife that wed invited them over for NewYears Eve.
Will you manage to get everything ready in time? I asked.
Emily let out an excited sigh as she plumped onto the footstool in the hallway and slipped off her boots. Finally, the longawaited weekend! she said. Ten whole days to relax. She stretched, feeling the tension melt from her muscles, and smiled at the thought of a tenday break.
Great! I nodded, propping the doorframe. I was just speaking to Sophie. She said they still havent decided where to celebrate, so theyll come to us.
My mum will be there too, Emily added, raising an eyebrow at me.
Of course mum will also turn up. She always celebrates with them, I replied, noticing how Emilys mood shifted.
You realize NewYears is tomorrow, dont you? Emily snapped. Ive been pulling overtime all week to hit my targets. And now you tell me my whole tomorrow is spent entertaining with pans?
Do we really have to cook much? I said casually. A couple of salads, a main, some cold cuts, maybe a few snacks
Mark, youd better keep your distance for a moment, or youll get hit by a frying pan, Emily said, unusually serious. If your relatives want to come, they should bring something themselves. Give them a call and let them know. I remember one NewYears when I was running around with plates while the ladies lounged on the sofa sipping wine under the soft glow of a candle.
Emily, why are you getting so worked up? I asked, surprised by her fury.
What else can I do? she shot back, then hurried to the bedroom to change into something more comfortable.
Emily was still fuming as the weekend began. The only thing lifting her spirits was that shed earned one and a half times her usual pay this month. She sighed, stood before the mirror and slowly removed her makeup, mulling over tomorrows plans.
Ideally she wanted to sleep until at least noon, then have a leisurely breakfast, tidy up, order groceries, and whip up something light for the party. She didnt want any hustle or noise; she was exhausted from work and craved a quiet, cosy celebration.
How can I make sure everything goes according to plan? she thought, running through every possible scenario.
Trying not to notice my frantic pacing around the flat, Emily padded into the kitchen, poured herself a hot tea with lemon, and sat down to eat. Outside, light snowflakes drifted down, sparkling beneath the streetlamps and giving the night a magical feel.
She stared out the window for a moment, forgetting her dilemma, then shook her head and snapped back to reality. An audacious, risky idea suddenly popped into her mind.
The next morning unfolded exactly as Emily had planned: at twelve oclock she stretched, discovered I was already up and bustling in the kitchena rarity at this time of year. She slipped on a soft robe and headed my way.
What are you doing? she asked, squinting at the bright light.
I thought Id surprise my beloved with a festive breakfast, I said, smiling as I stirred something in a bowl.
It looks like somethings on fire, Emily laughed, noticing smoke curling from the pan.
When we finally sat down, Emily asked how I intended to host our guests, given that nothing had been bought and the house was still a mess.
I couldnt say no to Sophie, I admitted without looking up from my plate.
Right, Emily raised an eyebrow. Its hard to turn your sister down.
Did you have a suggestion? I asked. I saw you looking thoughtful yesterday. Honestly, I was surprised you kept your cool; I thought youd tear the place apart.
First, call Sophie and ask if theyll bring any snacks or salads. There are four of them: two adults and two kids.
Alright, I said, picking up the phone and dialing.
Sophie, hi. Emilys sorting the table, so I wanted to check what youll be bringing so we dont end up with duplicates.
A burst of laughter crackled on the other end. Mark, are you serious? Whos going to cook? Ive got two kids! We were hoping Emily would figure something out, as always.
Theyre not babies, both schoolaged, I replied.
A clatter sounded from the line. Sorry, I just knocked something over. Talk later! Sophie hung up.
I returned to Emily, looking puzzled.
They wont bring anything, right? she asked, hopeful.
Nothing and mum too. Both said they just want to relax and have a good time, not cook. I summed up briefly.
Got it. I was thinking the same, Emily said, biting her lip. I want to spend NewYears at my parents place. They invited us last Thursday, but Id rather stay home and I never mentioned it. Will you come with me? We dont have much time to decide.
Thatll put us at odds with the family, I said, perplexed.
Or youll argue with your wife, Emily teased.
Of course I choose you, I replied, raising my hands in peace.
Emily decided to tidy the flat so we could return to a clean home after the holiday. I headed out with the shopping list shed prepared. The shopping centre was drenched in Christmas spirit: twinkling lights, decorated trees, and Father Christmas figures everywhere.
Right, a tree! I muttered, remembering the festive market. I abandoned my errands and made a beeline for the Christmas tree stall. I picked a modest, charming fir whose branches tickled my nose as I shouldered it home.
When I opened the door, Emily turned and gasped. A tree? her face lit up.
Will you dress it up? I havent bought anything from the list yet, just wanted to surprise you.
Youve always been against a live tree, she recalled.
I dont know, I shrugged. I felt like a change this year.
The mood turned truly festive. Emily fetched a box of ornaments from the top shelf and began adorning the tree. She lovingly hung baubles and garlands, and with each new decoration the room grew more enchanting.
She was so absorbed that by the time I returned, she was ready to start packing.
Got everything? she asked, eyeing the bags brimming with groceries and trinkets.
Almost. The fish wasnt fresh, so Ill swing by another shop on the way.
Fine, Emily said, surprised by my eagerness to help. Shed thought Id refuse her plan and that wed spend the whole evening entertaining relatives.
We loaded the car with supplies. It was only sevenpm; my family was due at ten. The drive to Emilys parents countryside home took about an hour, so we set off early.
Standing by the open boot, overloaded with parcels, Emily brushed a strand of hair from her face and asked, Hope we didnt forget anything?
Everythings here except dessert. We can pick something up on the way.
She nodded and we headed off.
The house was a snug country cottage, built just ten years ago when my parents sold their city flat to move out of town. Theyd always been active, never losing their zest for life. The exterior was twinkling with fairy lights, giving the place a festive glow.
We never took the lights down last year, my father, Alan, laughed when Emily praised them.
Really? I didnt notice when we visited in summer, Emily replied with a smile.
We began unloading, and Emily handed my dad a bag. Weve brought a bit of everything. Not sure what youll be cooking, but it should come in handy.
Right, Ill whisk everything inside, Alan said, commanding. While youre cooking, Ill fire up the sauna I built in the garden.
Alans selfbuilt sauna was a splendid wooden structure with a spacious changing room, always scented with a blend of essential oils he loved to buy for guests.
Meanwhile, Emily and my mother, Valerie, turned on a classic Christmas film and lost themselves in the hustle of preparation. When the clock struck nine, my phone buzzed nonstop.
Mark, answer! Were at the door, Sasha shouted.
Were not home, I replied uneasily.
Where are you? When will you be back? she demanded.
We went to the cottage. Things got a bit chaotic, and we wont be back for two days. I tried to explain.
The cottage? What about NewYears? Sasha fumed.
Well be celebrating here, in the country.
Is that so? she muttered, displeased. Wait a minute what about us?
You still have time to get home and have a family celebration, I said calmly.
So you expect me to look after the kids all night? Alexandra, another sister, asked, incredulous.
I dont know. If I have to, Ill do it. I answered, feeling a pang of guilt.
I never expected such a low blow from you. Maybe the keys are hidden under the doormat? Alexandra suggested, still hopeful. I dont want to clean up a mess later.
Now I see why you always go to someone elses house for NewYears, I chuckled. Only my wife outsmarted you.
Happy NewYear, love! she added, hanging up.
I counted to ten in my head, then saw my mothers number flash on the screen.
Yes, weve left, I said before she could answer. Well be celebrating in the cottage. No keys left for you.
How dare you treat us like that? We were counting on you! my mother, Althea, erupted.
I get it, but its how it is, I replied. Honestly, Im fed up with every holiday being crammed into our tiny flat. Why dont you or Sasha invite us over? Coming to a fully prepared house is always welcome, even though you both have spacious threebedroom flats!
My son, did I raise you just to endure this? Althea snapped, bitterness in her voice.
I fell silent.
Alright, I understand, she said finally, her tone weary. We wont bother you again. She hung up, and I let out a long breath. The conversation had been tough; Im not the type to ruin family ties over small things, but the grievances had piled up.
Everything okay? Emily asked, resting her head on my shoulder.
Yeah, mum called, I answered shortly.
Got it, she sighed. Do you think we did the right thing?
Absolutely, I turned to her. Theyre waiting for us, getting ready for our arrival. And my? I trailed off, a hint of sadness in my voice. They just use my goodwill and nothing more. Ive tolerated it far too long.
Emily hugged me tighter.
Come on, I tried to lighten the mood. Lets get ready for the celebration.
That NewYears turned out to be unforgettable. Emily and I spent a couple of days at my parents cottage: we sat by the fire, sledded down the hill like children, and talked for hours. It was the most heartfelt NewYears Id had in years, far from the rush and stress of city life.
Soon enough well have to slip back into our usual routine, but the memory of that quiet, warm holiday with family will stay with us forever.
