A mum said she has 'refused' to cook Christmas dinner for her 'moody' in-laws after they invited extra people over.
The mum cooked Christmas dinner for her husband's family last year whilst pregnant, but doesn't want to do the same this year due to having a young child, extra guests to cook for and being short on money. Instead, the woman has asked if her guests can bring a dish each, or pitch in money for a takeaway - which they are not willing to do.
Taking to Mumsnet's popular Am I Being Unreasonable? (AIBU) thread, the mum asked for advice. In a post titled 'To not host Christmas', she wrote: "Husband and I take it in turns to spend Christmas Day with one side of the family and Boxing Day with the other, this year its his family's turn to be with us on Boxing Day.
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"Last year when I was pregnant I hosted and cooked for his whole family - days and days of prep and cost hundreds (as it does if you're needing to cook for 6+ who like a drink). They were very grateful as I think they could tell how much effort I'd put in.
"This year they have assumed I'm cooking Christmas dinner for them all over again on Boxing Day despite having what will be a six month old, barely any money due to maternity leave and with them bringing over three extra people.
"Husband and I set them straight but they said: 'well we have no choice because you can't come to us as you're allergic to dogs.' I said to in laws I really don't mind having them over but it's just too much money and time with a little one, so if everyone could bring a bottle and a dish, or we could all put in money for a takeaway and they bring a drink each.
"They want Christmas dinner because 'we are old and can't do it anymore'. Just for context they are in their 60s and in very good health and are being quite moody about my refusal to cook a Christmas dinner for eight people."
The woman's post with a flurry of comments from fellow Mumsnet users, who agreed with the mum's decision. One said: "You have set your boundaries so stick to them.
"They are very rude to try and insist you host when you're clearly busy with a young baby and less income. I take it they thought they could hang out with the baby while you're slogging in the kitchen?"
Another person added: "Please just say no to this. If they must come, tell them to bring all the food themselves, cook it and serve it as you will be attending. Your DH (dear husband) if need be can supervise."
Someone else wrote: "If money's tight then another reason to prioritise your own family, especially your little one! Don't have these freeloaders over unless they bring every scrap of food and drink with them!"
One Mumsnet user commented: "I'm in my sixties and I'm certainly not old. The 'we are old and can't cook a dinner' excuse is ridiculous. They just don't want to.
"When we are invited to our children's homes at Christmas we always take desserts, chocolates, crackers and savoury snacks plus alcohol, as we really appreciate not having to cook and having a dinner put in front of me is a real treat.
"We always help with clearing up and the cook never has to wash a dish. You just stay home with your husband and little one and have a nice relaxing time."
Another commenter said: "Tell them what you plan to serve for lunch on Boxing Day and say that they are welcome to join you and bring their own wine and desserts if they want them. Their choice whether they come or not."
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