Overwhelmed Woman Has Had It With Christmas Celebrations She Hosts On Her Own, Gets Bombarded With MIL's Overcritical Complaints

Her husband was the one who invited the MIL, and yet he doesn't help around during the celebrations.

May

• Published in Interesting
• December 28, 2023

Everyone wants a peaceful Christmas. And while it's very simple to achieve, some family members are just so good at stirring up drama on a day that's supposed to be happy for everyone.

Take this mother-in-law as an example. The original poster (OP), who wanted advice from r/JUSTNOMIL members, is a woman who can't stand her MIL.

She tells the community that her husband feels the same. At first, her in-laws would attend her sister-in-law's Christmas celebration.

Apparently, she excelled at creating a picture-perfect holiday atmosphere. When the OP's in-laws come over, her MIL drops critical comments about everything from decorations to cooking skills.

However, things took a turn for the worse after the in-laws started spending more time with the OP's sister-in-law, who apparently excelled at creating a picture-perfect holiday atmosphere.

She recounts her frustration, feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of hosting not only her family but also dealing with her critical mother-in-law. To make matters worse, the OP is the primary caretaker in a household bustling with grown children, their significant others, and a menagerie of pets.

Attempts to express her concerns are met with her husband's anger, and even her daughters perceive her as the 'bad guy.' The situation becomes more challenging as the OP faces not only the emotional toll of dealing with a difficult mother-in-law but also the fallout within her own family.

OP has had enough of the Christmas celebrations that she hosts by herself.

OP's husband suddenly wanted to invite the MIL even though he couldn't stand her.

The MIL berates the OP every chance she gets.

It gets overwhelming for the OP. But when she speaks her mind, even her family gets beyond upset.

Her husband's reaction hurts her. And problems just keep on piling up for her.

Redditors believe the OP should just quit making an effort since nobody appreciates it.

And perhaps she should consider taking a vacation instead of dealing with all the challenges at home.

A wreath and manger are regular Christmas decorations. So it confuses a Redditor why the MIL doesn't like them.

What the OP needs to do on Christmas day.

If her husband and daughter are complaining about how the OP runs things, they should be the host and hostess next time.

With a family like this, the OP doesn't need to spend the holidays with them

What's the point of effort when no one appreciates it? Nobody helps out the OP during the family's Christmas celebration.

Moreover, she has to deal with an over-criticizing MIL. It might be time for the OP to reconsider the level of effort she puts into Christmas festivities and perhaps give herself the gift of enjoying the holidays in a way that brings her peace and joy.

Taking a step back from the demanding expectations and taking time for self-care could be a valuable choice. After all, the holidays are meant to be a time of joy and togetherness, not a source of stress and disappointment.

May