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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Staying at MIL for Christmas

169 replies

QueenInTheNorth26 · 23/10/2017 17:49

I know this might seem quite silly and a little early but it's been niggling me since I found out.

My PIL divorced a couple of months ago and my MIL called my OH to ask if we could stay with her from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day so that she wasn't alone. Which we agreed to do as we felt bad for her. We then found out that both SIL and their families will also be going which is fine too. However, MIL called the other day to say that there was no room for me, OH and DC and would we mind getting a hotel. OH told her he'd think about it.

My problem is we were planning on bringing our 2 dogs and cat with us as we don't have money for kennels and all our family is away for the holiday so hotels probably wouldn't be available to us. We also don't have money for a hotel. SIL1 is bringing her bf and SIL2 will be with her dh and dd. AIBU to think it would be more fair for one of them to stop in a hotel as we have more children so would end up more expensive for us (and we'd end up being in 2 different rooms for Christmas). I called MIL and asked this and she said wouldn't be fair on SIL as she wants her bedroom and we would be taking up more room whilst the other families can sleep in one room. I also asked if we could have the living room and bring some ready beds for the kids but she said that she doesn't think it's fair because everyone would feel pressured to move out of the living room so we could sleep. I can't think of any other way out of this so AIBU for arguing back and WWYD?.

OP posts:
Ttbb · 24/10/2017 11:53

Just don't go.

QueenInTheNorth26 · 24/10/2017 11:58

Just go answer some questions.

OH was always very close to his dad and SIL have always been very close to their mum. Which is why they are the way they are. I don't think they were deliberately being mean by wanting their own room but have been raised to only think about themselves.

OP posts:
MissEliza · 24/10/2017 12:00

Your MIL was massively out of order to ask you to stay in a hotel. I suspect there's a bit of favouritism towards her dd's. However by now asking your fil to stay with him you have created a shit storm. It was a bit naive of you to think that it was all sorted.

MissEliza · 24/10/2017 12:02

Personally I would have stayed down South. Youre very brave doing that journey with such small dcs.

QueenInTheNorth26 · 24/10/2017 12:02

We have already arranged it now. We've done the drive before and it does take a while. The cat as I have said is perfectly fine with travelling, we also do have a lead for herGrin which we can put on when we get out at services so she doesn't wander off (although she wouldn't anyway). The dogs are also fine with driving and we have a lot of room for them to go. We've traveled further with the kids before although not with all four. I know we sound mad and we are mad, especially with wanting more. But to me it's memories.

OP posts:
TalkinBoutWhat · 24/10/2017 12:15

I SO want to see a photo of your cat on the lead!!!

Well done OP. Sounds like the best solution all round, and your MIL will just have to suck it up. She sounds a bit controlling.

QueenInTheNorth26 · 24/10/2017 12:56

Will update you all after Christmas, with a picture of the cat on the lead😂

OP posts:
LoniceraJaponica · 24/10/2017 13:16

We used to take our cat on holiday with us when I was a child. He was a Siamese and would happily go on a little lead.

Sounds bonkers, but I remember a holiday to Ireland where we took a train and a ferry plus cat, dog and camping equipment, then spent two weeks under canvas. We also took the cat and dog camping in Yorkshire. My mum was a little eccentric at times.

QueenInTheNorth26 · 24/10/2017 13:37

My mum was like yours Lonicera we took at train up to Wales, all camping equipment and tent and a puppy. It was just me and her.

OP posts:
shouldwestayorshouldwego · 24/10/2017 14:18

One of our cats regularly walks us. She has a harness and tells us which way she expects us to go 😁.

Delatron · 24/10/2017 15:23

I just can't get past the mini bus journey up with 4 kids (2 of which are babies), 2 dogs and a cat! For at least a 7 hour journey.

You have lots of very good reasons to stay put and let people visit you. Christmas is mainly for the kids anyway and 15/16 hours of driving won't be fun for them (or you).

Mia184 · 24/10/2017 15:46

I take my cat out on a leash regularly. She doesn't mind the leash and harness and enjoys being outside. She was adopted last year and spent her first 5-8 years (age unknown) as an indoor cat and it shows when she is outside (She won't pee or poop outdoors).

Staying at MIL for Christmas
QueenInTheNorth26 · 24/10/2017 20:27

I do have lots of very good reasons to stay at home, but it's sorted now.

But like I've said we travel a lot and the kids are used to it. We make it fun. Yes it's not perfect but we've decided where we are going and the kids will be fine with it.

OP posts:
QueenInTheNorth26 · 29/10/2017 01:55

Just to update you all, recently had a chat to FIL and explained everything that happened. He was having none of it so has booked a train down to us and him and gf will be staying with us over Christmas!.

OP posts:
Only1scoop · 29/10/2017 01:01

'I'm familiar with the journey and driving involved and wouldn't do it even if it was just me - let alone with three animals and four kids aged 5 and under!!'

This times a thousand!! 4 car seats, luggage, presents and pets on that journey!! No chance!!

She's hardly 'on her own' she now has a house full.

I'd cancel

TheMaddHugger · 29/10/2017 01:35

Good Update OP

regisitme · 29/10/2017 03:54

Oh thank goodness. I was feeling really stressed on your behalf at the thought of that trip.

aaaaargghhhhelpme · 29/10/2017 06:30

Ah what a nice update.

Your fil sounds awesome!
Have a lovely Christmas Flowers

AppleKatie · 29/10/2017 06:42

Lovely update what a great FIL!

melonribenia · 29/10/2017 06:55

Great news! Been following! Sounds less stress all round

QueenInTheNorth26 · 29/10/2017 09:05

Thanks everyone. He's a great man!.

OP posts:
FiveGoMadInDorset · 29/10/2017 09:37

Ooh your MIL is going to spit feathers!

WhatwouldOliviaPopedo · 29/10/2017 09:45

Great outcome for you OP, but you HAVE to update us with MIL's reaction. Grin Don't leave the thread hanging!

BewareOfDragons · 29/10/2017 10:01

Great update, OP. Your FIL sounds very sensible.

Your MIL's head may explode, however. You'll have to let us know.

redshoeblueshoe · 29/10/2017 10:11

Great update