I am so cross , I have just found out that after over 30 years of hosting a family Christmas, feeding their family and creating a magical Winter Wonderland for thier granchildren and great grandchildren, my DH's Nan and Grandad who's are in thier 80's now face the prospect of a Christmas on thier own.
My MIL (she's their DIL) has decided she and FIL want the day at my SIL with her two children. And SIL in turn wants the day at her house not GP's as she wants both hers and BIL parents round. BIL rarely gets Christmas off so I do understand this. And they have invited GP's as well. However they have a tiny house that with 8 adults and 2 children in will be very uncomfortable.
Nan needs a footrest and Grandad needs a raised chair, for which, due to the size of the house there will be no room, and therefore no provision, so they have had no other choice but to decline.
Normally we would travel the 2 hour journey to spend the day with them, but this year we will have a 2 week old baby so dont feel that journey is appropriate. We invited GP's to us, but they can't really manage the train, but despite this, when they mentioned our offer to MIL she rudely reminded them that they would be coming to us Boxuing Day anyway - like they are'nt allowed to come to us unaccompanied or stay over, be it in our house or a local hotel.
I privatley feel MIL cannot stand the thought of anyone spending time with her GC unless she is there (including SIL's parents)- as she has been very sly in the past about things like this and uses emotional blackmail when you try to work outside of her motives.
I dont know what else we can do to get GP's included in a Christmas Day celebration. They are putting a brave face on, but I think the whole situation sucks.