In Laws at Christmas

[Sproutssproutssprouts]

What is everyone’s tolerance with in-laws at Christmas? ILs announced to us they would be staying this year a few months ago. I expected they might be here a couple of nights but they arrived on the 23rd and they’re not leaving until 29th! In regular doses they are nice people but already they’re driving me crazy.

MIL drives me nuts, she’s obsessed with my DCs and I don’t get to spend much time with them after serving everyone, cooking, cleaning etc. At the same time she’s constantly trying to orchestrate things so that we do it ‘the way she’s always done it’. The worst thing is she and FIL don’t go out anywhere so they’re monopolising my tv etc 24/7. I know IABU really but how do people cope?!

I was very fond of my MIL but she lived abroad and came to us for Christmas for 3 weeks! It was challenging but I made the best of it for DHs sake as obviously he didn't see a lot of her as she lived so far away. And my DC were happy to have her here. So I think bite your tongue, make an effort with them, make DH do his fair share of the work so that you can spend some time with DC. Maybe arrange a few outings to pop round and see friends or take kids for a walk to give you a bit of space? Have you got a tv in your room? Can you take yourself off for a soak in the bath and an early night at least a couple of times?