We have members of my family visiting from abroad AND various local family members of DH for Christmas this year. It will be manic but overall, I'm looking forward to it as I like a busy Christmas Day. BUT.... argh, it doesn't half throw into stark relief some of the most irritating aspects of extended family's behaviour.
As I'm finalising the insane Christmas supermarket shop, and DH and I are currently re-organsing all kinds of things to fit everyone in, planning the logistics of 14 people for Christmas lunch etc I have NOT been surprised to see that on his side of the family, ONLY SIL has asked if she can help or bring anything. And on the day, I can assure you that BIL will turn up with NOTHING. DH's nephew and his partner MIGHT turn up with a bottle of wine. Maybe.
Drives me mad.
Then there's my brother who I already know will have a lot to say about whatever we serve while his wonderful DW will be running around trying to shut him up! Luckily, she's lovely so the two of us will land up a few glasses of champagne down giggling in a corner!