Why Should You Bring Your Own Food? For Five Years, My Husband’s Sister and Brother, Along with Th…

Why Bring Your Own Food?

My husbands sister and brother, along with their families, used to join us every Christmas for five years straight. I was the one who prepared all the meals, laid the table, took care of every detail, and cleaned up the mess after theyd left. All they did was simply enjoy themselves. But last year, my patience wore thin, and I found myself on the verge of a breakdown. It all became far too much for mephysically, emotionally, and even financially.

So last year, I decided it was only fair to share the responsibilities amongst everyone.

But more recently, my mother-in-law tried to persuade me otherwise, saying she and her husband were getting on in years, that times were hard, and so she wanted us all to be together again at my house.

So I rang up my husbands brother and sister and told them that Mother wanted everyone to gather for the occasion. At first, they sounded delighted and agreed it was only right to listen to her.

Then I explained that we should split up the disheseveryone would be responsible for something and bring it along.

I offered to make the main dishes, cook two hot meals, and bake the cake.

As for the others, I asked them to prepare two salads, some fish, meats, cheese, fruit, and drinks. Each person would need to bring along whatever they preferred in the way of beverages.

The moment I finished listing everything, the enthusiasm in their voices vanished. Suddenly, they explained they didnt have the time to cook as they both worked, and first theyd have to do the shopping, then find time for cooking as well. Whats the point of bringing food, they wondered? Why not simply celebrate at their own houses?

So I asked about Motherwhat about her wishes? Can you guess their answer? Well just ring and wish her well; thatll have to do.

Evidently, they had no real inclination to share in the effort or the shopping. I havent mentioned anything to my mother-in-law just yet, and truly, Im at a loss for how to break the news. I know shell be terribly disappointed.

What am I to do in such circumstances? Perhaps, in the end, Ill just have to manage Christmas alone once more.