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Original poster

So I’m in a country house with my extended family

55 replies

lissie123 · 14/12/2023 19:56

We’ve hired a house for a “fake” Christmas because we can’t be together over the real Christmas period. Mix of teens,
young adults, middle aged parents and grandparents. Board games are ruling the day and I’ve just had a meltdown over who’s cooking dinner. Dh and I have done a majority of the cooking over the last few days and he’s grabbed a beer and down tools. I’ve just flounced because no-one seems interested or concerned about who’s doing dinner; and I’m now two glasses of wine in hiding in the library ( yes there’s a library). I’m not sure what I’m asking for but my extended family are pushing my buttons. First world problems and all that. I’ll get my coat.

OP posts:
Curlewwoohoo · 14/12/2023 19:57

Sounds like they're paying for a takeaway op!

ELCismyspiritnana · 14/12/2023 19:59

This sounds like the plot of a Christmas movie, and entirely par for the course with family stays haha.

I would make sure I took all the nibble food I wanted and the bottle of wine and hide in the library pretending I'm the heroie in my own story and bugger everyone else!

snottymcsnotface · 14/12/2023 20:00

We did this last weekend. I made it through with the help of alcohol OP, and so can you.

Saz12 · 14/12/2023 20:00

So long as youve made it clear - "Ive cooked 3 nights out of 4, so now its someone elses turn" I'd put your feet up (visibly and obviously) and see who steps up.

AlisonDonut · 14/12/2023 20:01

Oh goodie, what books are in the library to delve into?

Fulshaw · 14/12/2023 20:01

Fair enough. You & DH go to the pub?

In these group situations, we always take turns at cooking. Monday night is Bob and Sarah, Tuesday night is Dave and Shirley, Wednesday night is restaurant, Thursday is Brenda and Samantha and so on. They pick what they’re cooking and bring the necessary ingredients. Probably too late for all that is it?

TheYearOfSmallThings · 14/12/2023 20:01

Just lock the lead pipe, the candlestick, the rope, the dagger and the revolver in a safe place and keep hitting the wine.

stepintochristmas1 · 14/12/2023 20:02

In the library with the candle stick .Your poor husband .

NoWeaponsOnTheTable · 14/12/2023 20:03

If it was an Agatha Christie novel you'd be the body in the library!

Seriously, they are a bunch of adults. Let them figure it out. As pp said, get all the snacks, make sure you have the bottle of wine and get yourself cosy. Make the most of it!

SecondUsername4me · 14/12/2023 20:04

Was there any pre agreement on who would cook on which nights?

It's shit when you end up lumbered with all the wife work when it's supposed to he a holiday for everyone.

CactusPat · 14/12/2023 20:07

If nobody’s interested that you’re upset, I’d stay in the library and let them organise themselves tbh.

Original poster
lissie123 · 14/12/2023 20:07

Huge range of books in the library. Harry Potter to P D James ( The murder Room- might be apt) plus a few Agatha Christie. Wine is helping. My Dad has just updated me. There is food in the oven- some sausages and a salad is now being prepared. Things are looking up.

OP posts:
SecondUsername4me · 14/12/2023 20:11

I'd love a library!

onthefarmwithwellies · 14/12/2023 20:12

I love that your Dad came to tell you, he was probably secretly checking you were ok ❤️

Swishyfishy · 14/12/2023 20:13

Go have a long leisurely bath with a glass of wine, then curl up with a good film or fine book and chill. Show no interest in cooking or what’s for tea, leave it up to others. Ignorance is bliss. Eat chocolates if you must

It might be better to arrange for a different branch of the family to cook each night. Suggest ‘I’ll cook on Wednesday, when would you like to cook’

KittytheHare · 14/12/2023 20:14

Follow Dh's lead. Do nothing and wait for someone else to sort out dinner.

AgnesX · 14/12/2023 20:15

snottymcsnotface · 14/12/2023 20:00

We did this last weekend. I made it through with the help of alcohol OP, and so can you.

Yep, take the booze and snacks and leave them a takeaway menu 😁

Original poster
lissie123 · 14/12/2023 20:17

Yes my dad is a darling. He was anxious that I was okay . I heard some whispered conversations between him and my mum in the hallway outside the library along the lines of “I think Lissie123 has abdicated from the cooking”. Dd has just come in to say they’ve burnt some onions. Still it’s good progress.

OP posts:
AdaColeman · 14/12/2023 20:17

The body is always discovered in the library, so stay alert @lissie123 ! 👀

Original poster
lissie123 · 14/12/2023 20:19

@adaColeman that’s what I’m afraid of 😂

OP posts:
furtivetussling · 14/12/2023 20:22

This country house... it's not in the Cotswolds on the outskirts of a village with Midsomer in its name, is it?

MeinKraft · 14/12/2023 20:24

Sausages and salad is an unusual choice for 8.30pm in December!

EnjoythemoneyJane · 14/12/2023 20:31

My guess is it’s going to be @lissie123 in the library with the candlestick 😊

PlaidCushionProductions · 14/12/2023 20:32

sounds like one of the episodes of Cold Feet

DifficultBloodyWoman · 14/12/2023 20:32

I read the title and wondered which family member would die.

Sounds like your Dad has got this covered now, OP. It is a shame you had to flounce but sometimes that is the only way to make people understand.