We've just got in from being away for half term, and DM has brought us a food parcel...

[IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads]

What would you put in a food parcel for 2 adults and 2 teens to tide them over til tomorrow? DM has always had a disordered relationship with food, but this is one of her "best" efforts! I appreciate the gesture - which she insisted upon - and I have enough experience of her "meals" * to have got milk, bread, ham and a few bits in on the way home. To which we can add her food parcel of:

1 bottle wine
6 pack individual Mr Kipling type apple pies
2 bags of marshmallows
1 box Christmas chocolate biscuits

Apparently we'll all be very tired (we are, very early get up for flight) and need the sugar. She genuinely thinks that this is the basis for a good, light evening meal. (And yes, she's type 2 diabetic!).

I cringe every time I think about a gift in laws bought my then young DC for X mas. I thanked them but explained we had a different philosophy regarding children and toys and that I’d donated the gift to a charity shop. I cannot believe how much of a twat I was because I was so wrapped up in myself and our DC needs. I chose to embarrass my in laws rather than graciously accept the gift and donate it without making a thing about it . My point is that It’s not always about us and our needs.

I think the words you're looking for are 'thank you'

She sounds very endearing. I get that it would be nice if it were of more practical use, but since you know she isn’t great with food, I would just stock up on UHT milk/frozen/cupboard foods or arrange an online groceries delivery for when you get home. Then you can just enjoy having a well meaning mum who wants to show love to your family - much better than any bag of bread and milk!

Some you are incredibly quick to attack OP for what is clearly a lighthearted, bemused post regarding a fairly inconsequential matter.

It's a wonder anybody bothers to post on here any more.

Makes a change that it's not the MIL as these threads often are

Sweet!

It would obviously be a bit frustrating if she said she was getting stuff in for you, but it sounds like she has form, so your expectations would be low.

I would always have the wherewithal in the kitchen and / or freezer and fridge to make a variety of meals anyway, plus would probably have thought in advance and eaten during the day - be that meals on the plane, stopping off on the journey home, or picnic type stuff. Plus, in most parts of the country, you could probably get a takeaway anyway.

So, no, obviously it isn't a meal, but equally, it doesn't sound like you were expecting her to produce one, so no harm done.

I’d love this, how sweet!

It's not lighthearted at all, it's got nasty undertones

She sounds really kind, you should be grateful to have her.

This is literally my perfect post holiday meal - she sounds amazing.

You know she has a disordered relationship with food so I think it's quite unkind to come on here and encourage people to criticise her.

I'm a bit worried about what this indicates about her own evening meal, especially given her diabetes. Is this what she eats normally as a full meal?

Not sure why you’re getting so much flak OP, that’s clearly bonkers as an evening meal (for one thing, dividing 6 apple pies between 4 is a recipe for fighting!) and is more mental labour for you as you have to both manage her feelings and think about what you actually need. Her heart is clearly in the right place though!

I don't get the sneery comments @IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads from your OP you say you appreciate her.
She sounds like my DM, slightly batshit crazy and helpful at the same time. Enjoy her!

It’s a very kind gesture and I’ve no idea why you feel the need to start a thread about it.

My mum bought us bread, milk, yummy biscuits and bananas on our return, but she's always been sensible and practical.

tbh I would be grateful if my mum got me anything as it hasn’t ever happened before. But can see it is a bad selection.

Ok, if someone told me they’d leave dinner then I’d be pretty pissed off to come home to a few sweets! I’d have left pizzas (multiple, not just the one as suggested by someone up thread!) or a big lasagne and garlic bread and a ready made salad.

The ability to feel gratitude for another person's kindness (even if unusually executed), and an awareness of good nutrition are not mutually exclusive.

OP sounds eating disordered TBH. Treats or even a treat meal are fine as long as it's not all the time.

In the first post OP says she's grateful, or rather than she appreciates the gesture which is pretty much the same thing

If she had offered to sort tea for you when you got back so you had decided not to book a supermarket delivery for that night then thats really annoying.

In the first post OP says she's grateful

Not really, she said 'I appreciate the gesture- which she insisted upon.' (!)

I think she sounds lovely!
I would be grateful instead of fault finding.