Family staying at Xmas!

[MmeBoulaye]

I'm getting more and more anxious about having my husband's family staying for 2 weeks over Xmas. I know what to expect, as they've stayed with us a couple of times from overseas but not for this long ... they will come and go as they please as they have other family connections in the area, fine but we won't have a clue when they might return i.e. for scheduling dinner, they buy drinks just for themselves, he grunts and talks in abbreviated speak and hardly moves his mouth when he does talk, sister-in-law will promise to take her mum out somewhere (who is also staying with us) then break a promise because she decides she's off shopping, we end up paying for everything, etc. How can I bite my lip and relax, without feeling like I'm on the hamster wheel for cooking meals and catering for everyone? Their kids are also fussy eaters and usually have separate meals cooked for them (not here, they won't!). AIBU and should I just get on with it? My DH is happy to have them here and overlooks all the annoying things that they do. Thanks if you can make me feel happier!

I'd get a shitload of frozen meals in and nip out for salad as required.

2 weeks though... you're a saint.

Gosh Mme, I feel for you.
I would suggest having ordinary family meals, maybe making a couple to freeze in advance such as lasagne or shepherds pie so it's not too inconvenient to you to accommodate comings and goings. I would put bread, butter, cheese, perhaps ham and fruit on the table also and any child who is fussy can just eat from that. Buy some nice drinks for yourselves and don't feel obliged to offer them round as your visitors have obviously bought the ones they prefer. Coming and going as they please? Fine, they can help themselves to leftovers in the fridge when they come back if hungry. Insist on a bolt hole for yourself, get some time away from them in whatever form pleases you. And finally, get your husband on board to do his share and to have your back. His first duty and loyalty is to you, and he should be making sure you are well and happy. Good luck.

Thank you, Duchess. I don't want to seem selfish, but I do wish I could have a Xmas on our own, just the 3 of us. Instead of an extra 6!

Thanks, QAV! I will certainly try some short cuts!

You are not selfish, Mme. perhaps go with it this year and hold out for the Christmas you want next year. I have said no this year to a few things and it's intensely liberating.x