Christmas bubble and saying no

[Horo]

I don't know whether I should be angry or upset. Or even if it's me in the wrong here. MIL lives in an area under level 4 restrictions (in Scotland). Got asked yesterday if we'd consider travelling there during the 5 days at Christmas that restrictions will be lifted for dinner. While she never said specifically to join a bubble I think this as implied. We live a couple of hours drive away. We thanked her but said that we didn't feel comfortable meeting indoors. I am asthmatic and our DD is in nursery. We said that we could come and we could all go for a walk together outside on either 26th or 27th. Initially she was fine with it. She then sent a message saying that she understands but she's already made plans for those days. I'm a bit confused as she previously wasn't. So either she made plans or she's somehow resentful because we said we don't want to meet inside. The other days we could go we are working and we don't want to travel on Christmas Day. Dunno maybe I'm just feeling a bit rubbish about it.

Making her DGD do a 4 hour drive round trip (or vice versa) for an unsatisfactory outdoor walk doesnt actually suit anyone

In some circumstances trying to fudge a compromise comes up with something I think that is worse than the other alternatives which is either you bubble or you dont.

All true. No need to get cross because MIL has made a sensible decision here.

I understand where you’re coming from OP, this is the kind of thing my MIL does, and it’s so pointless, especially when any compromise we attempt to make is thrown back. You offered an alternative that fits within the guidelines. I don’t know what else you could’ve done.

I read your comment about your DD being at nursery as being a potential risk for the others in the bubble, rather than your DD. The previous comment about you being exposed to every germ going is true for your household, but won’t be the case to anyone in your MIL’s bubbles who doesn’t have contact with small children.