I Invited Mum and Sister Over for New Year’s, – My Husband Announced on the Evening of December 30th. – Will You Be Able to Get Everything Ready?

I called my mother and my sister to our house for NewYears, my husband announced on the evening of the thirtyfirst of December. Will you have time to get everything ready?

Finally, the longawaited weekend! Evelyn sighed with relief as she slipped off her boots and perched on the pouffe in the hallway. Ten whole days of rest lie ahead. She stretched, easing the tension in her muscles, and a private smile played on her lips as she imagined the coming ten days of leisure.

Yes, brilliant! James nodded, propping the doorframe with his hand. I was just on the phone with Sophie. She told me they still havent decided where to celebrate, so theyll be coming to us, he added.

Right, Evelyn said, raising an eyebrow at her husband.

And Mum will be here too. She never misses a family gathering, James concluded, watching Evelyns mood shift.

Do you realise NewYear is tomorrow? Margaret snapped. Ive been pulling overtime all week to hit my targets, and now you tell me my fate tomorrow is to spend the whole day fiddling with pans? Evelyns voice rose.

Whats there to cook? James replied casually. A couple of salads, a main, some cold cuts, maybe a few snacks

James, youd better step back for a moment, or youll get whacked by a frying pan, Evelyn said, dead serious. If your relatives are coming, they should bring something to share. Give them a ring and let them know. I remember a NewYear when we all ran around with plates while the ladies lounged on the sofa, sipping wine by the crackling fire.

Why are you doing that? James asked, taken aback by her sudden outburst.

How should I? Evelyn retorted, storming off to change into her nightclothes.

She fumed at James, who had only just begun his weekend a day before. The only comfort was that she had earned oneandahalf times her usual pay this month. She paused before a mirror, slowly wiping away her makeup while mulling over tomorrows plans.

Ideally she wanted to sleep until noon, then have a leisurely breakfast, tidy the flat, order groceries, and whip up something light for the celebration. She craved a quiet, cosy evening after a taxing spell of endless work, hoping for a calm holiday.

How can I make sure everything goes according to plan? she thought, running through every possible scenario.

She slipped past James, who was bustling about, and made her way to the kitchen. She poured herself a mug of hot tea with lemon and sat down to eat. Snowflakes drifted down, catching the glow of the street lamps and giving the night a magical feel.

For a moment she stared out the window, forgetting her dilemma, then shook her head and returned to reality. A sudden, daring idea flickered in her mind.

The next morning unfolded just as she had hoped, at twelve oclock. Stretching lazily, she discovered James already up, rummaging in the kitchen a rare sight on the eve of a holiday. She threw on a soft dressing gown and padded over.

What are you up to? she asked, squinting at the bright light.

I thought Id treat my beloved with a festive breakfast, James grinned, stirring something in a bowl.

Looks like youve set the kitchen on fire, Evelyn laughed as a wisp of smoke rose from the pan.

When they finally sat down, Evelyn asked James how he intended to host the guests, given there were no supplies bought and the house was still a mess.

I couldnt say no to Sophie, he admitted, not looking up from his plate.

Of course, Evelyn raised an annoyed brow. Your sister is hard to refuse.

Did you have a suggestion? I saw you looking thoughtful yesterday. Honestly, I was surprised youd keep your cool; I thought youd fling the whole flat about.

First call your sister and ask if theyll bring snacks and salads. Its four of them two adults and two kids, James said.

He dialed Sophie, his voice a little shaky. Hi Sophie, Evelyns sorting the table and I wanted to check what youll bring so we dont end up with duplicates.

A burst of laughter came from the other end. James, youre joking? When am I supposed to cook? Ive got two kids! We were hoping Evelyn would sort something out, as always, Sophie retorted.

Theyre not babies, both schoolaged, James replied.

A crash sounded on the line. Oops, sorry, Ive broken something again. Thatll be it for tonight! Sophie hung up.

James returned to Evelyn, looking perplexed. They wont bring anything, right?

Right and Mum too. Both said they just want to relax and have a good time, not cook, James summed up.

Got it. I thought as much, Evelyn muttered, biting her lip. I want to spend NewYear at my parents place. They invited us on Thursday, but Id rather stay home and I hadnt told you. Will you come with me? We dont have much time left to decide.

Then well quarrel with the relatives, James said, puzzled.

Or youll argue with me, Evelyn smirked.

Of course I pick you, James said, raising his hands in surrender.

Evelyn set about tidying the flat so she could return to a spotless home after the holidays. James headed out with the shopping list Evelyn had prepared. The shopping centre was awash with festive sparkle bright lights on the windows, decorated firs and Santa figures everywhere.

Right, a Christmas tree! James declared, eyes widening as he passed a stand. How could I have forgotten?

He abandoned his other errands and rushed to the yuletide market, where he selected a modest but charming spruce. Its fragrant branches brushed his cheek as he shouldered it home.

When James opened the front door, Evelyn turned and gasped. A tree? Her face lit up.

Will you dress it? I havent bought anything else yet. I just wanted to surprise you.

Youve always been against a live tree, Evelyn noted.

I dont know, James shrugged. I felt like a change this year.

The mood turned truly festive. Evelyn fetched a box of ornaments from the top shelf and began adorning the spruce. She hung baubles and draped tinsel with love, and each new decoration made the room feel more enchanted.

She was so absorbed that by the time she finished, James was returning from the shops. They hurried to unpack.

Did you get everything? Evelyn asked, eyeing the piles of groceries and trinkets.

Everything except the fish it wasnt fresh. Well stop at another shop on the way back, James replied, and Evelyn felt warmth spread through her chest.

Fine, she said, surprised by his sudden enthusiasm. She had feared hed reject her plan and that theyd spend the whole evening entertaining relatives.

Soon they were loading the car with bags of food and presents. It was only seven oclock, and Jamess relatives were due at ten. The drive to Evelyns parents countryside cottage took about an hour, so they set off early.

Standing by the open boot, laden with parcels, Evelyn brushed a strand of hair from her face and asked, Do you think weve forgotten anything?

All there, except dessert. We can pick something up on the road, James replied.

They set off.

The cottage was a snug country house, built only ten years earlier when Evelyns parents decided to sell their city flat and move out of town. Even in old age they remained active and full of life. The exterior was festooned with fairy lights, lending a cheerful holiday glow.

We never took the lights down after last year, chuckled Arthur Harper, Evelyns father, when she praised the décor.

Really? I must have missed them when we visited in summer, Evelyn answered with a smile.

They began unloading, and Evelyn handed a bag to her father. Weve brought a bit of everything. Not sure what youll be cooking, but it should come in handy.

Let me pop everything inside, Arthur said, gesturing toward the house. While youre in the kitchen, James and I will fire up the sauna we built ourselves.

Arthurs homemade sauna, complete with a spacious vestibule and wooden paneling, always smelled of a mixture of essential oils he bought for guests.

Meanwhile, Evelyn and her mother, Margaret, turned on a classic NewYears film. Immersed in the bustle of preparation, they lost track of time. When the clock struck nine, Jamess phone erupted with calls.

James, answer! Were at the door, shouted Sasha, his sister.

Were not home, James replied hesitantly.

Where are you then? When will you be back? his sister pressed.

Weve gone to the countryside. Its all a bit chaotic. Well be back in two days, James tried to explain, avoiding blame.

To the countryside? What about NewYears? his sister scoffed.

Well be celebrating here, in the village, James said.

Really? she sniffed. And what about us?

You still have time to come home and have a family celebration, James replied calmly.

So you expect me to entertain the kids all night? Alexandra, another sister, asked in disbelief.

I I dont know. If we have to, well manage, James muttered.

Youve really let us down. Do you even have a spare key under the mat? Alexandra pressed. I dont want to be left cleaning up after you.

Now I see why you always end up at someone elses house for NewYears, James chuckled. My wife outfoxed you, he added, then laughed again. Happy NewYear, love! He hung up.

James counted to ten in his head, and his mothers name, Margaret Harper, flashed on the screen.

Yes, weve gone away, he started before Margaret could answer. Well be celebrating in the village. No keys left for you.

How dare you treat us like this? We were counting on you! she erupted.

I understand, but its how it turned out. Honestly, Im tired of every holiday being cramped in our tiny flat. Why dont you and Sasha ever invite us? Coming over with everything already prepared is always a please! Yet you both have spacious threebedroom flats! he protested.

My son, did I raise you just to be treated this way? Margaret retorted bitterly.

Is that fair? James asked.

She fell silent.

Alright, I get it, Margaret said quietly. We wont bother you again.

She hung up, and James let out a long sigh. The conversation had been tough. He wasnt the sort to ruin family ties over trivial matters, but grievances had piled up.

Everything alright? Evelyn asked, resting her head on his shoulder.

Mom called, James replied shortly.

Got it, she sighed. Do you think we did the right thing?

Absolutely, ThomasJamess brothersaid, turning to his sister. Theyre waiting for us, getting ready for our arrival. And my part? Just being used for my kindness, nothing more. Ive endured this far too long.

Evelyn hugged him, trying to soothe his hurt.

Come on, James said, lightening the mood. Lets get ready for the celebration.

That NewYears turned out to be unforgettable. Evelyn and James spent a couple of days at her parents cottage, enjoying quiet evenings by the fireplace, sledding down a hill like children, and sharing long conversations. It was the most heartfelt NewYear theyd had in years, far from the bustle and worries of city life.

Soon enough they returned to their ordinary routine, but the memory of that simple, warm holiday in the company of loved ones would stay with them forever, a reminder of the simple joys that a home and a hearth can bring.