Why Bring Your Own Food? For five years straight, my husband’s sister, his brother, and their fami…

Why should you bring your own food?

For five straight years, my husband’s sister, his brother, and their families have all spent Christmas Day at our house. I cooked absolutely everything myself, laid the table, looked after everyone, and then tidied up completely afterwards. They simply enjoyed the celebration while I ran around sorting everything. Last year, though, I finally reached my breaking point. I found it exhaustingphysically, mentally, and on the wallet.

So, last Christmas, I decided it was time to split the responsibilities.

Just recently, though, my mother-in-law tried to persuade me to host everyone again at ours, saying theyre all getting on in years and miss these family gatherings. She made it sound like my house is practically tradition now.

So, I called my husbands brother and sister and explained that Mum was eager for another get-together. At first, they were enthusiastic, saying family should come together, and quickly agreed.

Then, I told them we’d need to divide up the food: whod cook what, and which dishes each family would bring.

I said Id sort out the main courses and bake a cake. I would also make two hot dishes. All I asked was for them to bring two salads, some fish, meat, cheese, fruit, and drinks. Everyone to bring something to eat or drink.

As I started listing things out, their cheerful tones vanished instantly. They began to complain theyd no time to cook, with work and shopping to dotoo much hassle, really. They couldnt be bothered with preparing food and insisted theyd rather celebrate at home instead.

So, I asked them, What about Mum? And, you can imagine my disappointment when they replied, Well simply give her a ring and wish her a happy Christmas.

So, they dont want to share the work or the cost. I havent even told my mother-in-law yet. Truth be told, Ive no idea how to break it to her, as shell be absolutely heartbroken.

What should I do here? Should I just go ahead and host Christmas aloneagain? Maybe thats what family really means sometimes: shouldering it all, and hoping next year it will be different.

Lesson: Sometimes, the joy of giving is a reward in itself, but its important to set boundaries before you find yourself empty, especially around those who never notice the effort behind the celebrations.