Ils are very awkward and difficult, mil in particular. Most Christmases there is a lot of tension. Last year she excelled herself - came here for tea and sulked/was cold to everyone. Refused all offers of food and later complained that she had been invited for a "sit down tea" which was cruelly witheld (wtf??)
Boxing Day dh and dd1 were confined to bed with flu type illness. We couldn't go for tea, mil slammed phone down when informed. Fil ranted and said they had been left alone on Christmas Day.
Dh broached Christmas with them today. Told them I am working (true) but will be in and out so we are staying at home Christmas Day. Again she is all cold and narky at this - you only live 10 minutes away etc. I said to dh that perhaps he should say to them if they hadn't have been so cold and unpleasant last year, doing their utmost to spoil things, it may have been different this year.
We have offered to take them out for lunch Boxing Day - she will not graciously accept. She wants to talk to her other son and dil, who will also no doubt try and avoid them on Christmas Day.