Ahhhh!! Christmas!

[Lionqueen2]

Just got a call from DS to firm up tomorrow's plans. DH and I are going to his house tomorrow along with DD and DSIL. DDIL is making fish for dinner.
She asked DD to help and bring a couple of appetizers. Not a problem, but DDIL insisted that DD use her recipies for the appetizers (one is stuffed mushrooms, don't know the other)not DDs. DD is a great cook and always gets compliments on her food. I'm not sure I could call someone and ask for help, but tell them that they had to use my recipes.
It should be an interesting day. DDIL's father will not be there since he will be off with his girlfriend and her family. DDIL's mother will be there with her sister. DDIL has real issues with her parents being divorced and is always looking for ways to reunite them. When her dad is off with his girlfriend on a special day, DDIL is usually not in a good mood.
Oh well! I am grateful to be spending the day with my kids and their spouses. DH and I will go and have a good time. We will smile, be complimentary, pleasant and happy! Did I also mention that for the first time since I've been married, I don't have to cook for either tonight or tomorrow!!!

 

[koolaidmoms]

Ahhh yes. The loving family get togethers are to begin soon!

This is why our friends have had an "issue free" dinner on the Saturday after the holidays to enjoy a great meal with no control freaks, over planners and family drama. We say, "Leave your issues at the door you may claim them on your way out!"

At least you do not have to cook!

 

[C.Ann]

No "Christmas Dinners" here - leftovers from Christmas Eve gathering.. Eliminates a lot of hassles and a lot of unnecessary running around.. We try to keep things as simple as possible because by Christmas Eve everyone is exhausted..

I hope you have a great day - and your DD can figure out how to follow DIL's recipes.. Odd request - huh?

 

[Lionqueen2]

Just got another call to insure that we knew the 'dress code' for tomorrow. I need to wear something dressy with heels and DH needs a jacket and tie. I was planning on wearing slacks with a nice sweater and DH was wearing a sport shirt and slacks. I think I'll opt for a black skirt and holiday sweater. Hopefully, that will work. Tonight we are going to a small open house at our friends' house. It will be much more relaxed.
Tomorrow, I'm still going to have a good time and enjoy the day and no matter what happens, I don't have to cook!!

 

[minniecarousel]

oh my, a dress code for a Family Christmas?!

You're a trooper, going with the flow.

Enjoy this evening's soiree!

 

[EthansMom]

Just got another call to insure that we knew the 'dress code' for tomorrow. I need to wear something dressy with heels and DH needs a jacket and tie. I was planning on wearing slacks with a nice sweater and DH was wearing a sport shirt and slacks. I think I'll opt for a black skirt and holiday sweater. Hopefully, that will work. Tonight we are going to a small open house at our friends' house. It will be much more relaxed.

I can't imagine asking a guest to bring food and cook it using my recipes!

Of course, it could be worse. My SIL and BIL are upset at me from something at Thanksgiving time (all drama on their part and they are holding a grudge because I refuse to be a patsy for SIL's hissy fit). At any rate, they are still not talking to either myself or DH and refuse to attend any family holiday gatherings that include us. We live 5 houses away from each other.

 

[Stacerita]

I would not be happy with a dress code or being told exactly what recipe to use. We let everyone bring what they want and where whatever they choose. Its about being together.

 

[C.Ann]

Just got another call to insure that we knew the 'dress code' for tomorrow. I need to wear something dressy with heels and DH needs a jacket and tie. I was planning on wearing slacks with a nice sweater and DH was wearing a sport shirt and slacks. I think I'll opt for a black skirt and holiday sweater. Hopefully, that will work. Tonight we are going to a small open house at our friends' house. It will be much more relaxed.
Tomorrow, I'm still going to have a good time and enjoy the day and no matter what happens, I don't have to cook!!

------------------
"Dress code"?? Okay - this DIL is going a little over the top.. You're a much better sport than me.. I would be wearing what I felt comfortable in.. Nice, but comfortable - and so would my late DH - if he were still alive.. DH had to wear a white shirt and tie to work every single day for 38 years and aside from weddings and funerals, there is no way that anyone would be "telling him" he had to wear a jacket and tie to dinner in someones home..

Any particular reason for all of these demands?

 

[GJM]

A dress code! I think that is crazy -

 

[SharpMomOfTwo]

First of all - dress code.... I'd wear my best sweats if someone tried to pull that one!! I feel that I and my family dresses nicely all the time, and if someone said that to me, it wouldn't sit well!
Second, did I read it correctly, that someone wanted someone else to bring an appatizer, but they couldn't choose what they wanted to bring, and even had to use their recipies?? Dude, I'd be stopping at the local McDonalds and pick up some fries if someone requested that one from me!! Good luck!!!

 

[Luv Bunnies]

A dress code for a family gathering? That reminds me. I need to toss a load of jeans into the washer so I'll have a clean pair for tomorrow! We'll dress a little nicer for dinner at my sister's tonight since we're all going to church first. But tomorrow? It's come and go as you are!

 

[tngramma]

Lionqueen2 you are going to earn Mother-In-Law of the year for putting up with this.

 

[koolaidmoms]

First of all - dress code.... I'd wear my best sweats if someone tried to pull that one!! I feel that I and my family dresses nicely all the time, and if someone said that to me, it wouldn't sit well!
Second, did I read it correctly, that someone wanted someone else to bring an appatizer, but they couldn't choose what they wanted to bring, and even had to use their recipies?? Dude, I'd be stopping at the local McDonalds and pick up some fries if someone requested that one from me!! Good luck!!!

Sweatpants? I'd show up in my jammies with holes! You are a grown woman unless this is an exclusive event wear what you want to wear.

Also, telling someone what to bring is okay if they ask but down right rude to expect them to use your recipes. I like the McDonald's idea. Maybe a side of chicken nuggets with sweet and sour sauce to go with it!

 

[C&G'sMama]

LQ2 - You don't look so good, I think you shouldn't go out on Christmas when you're feeling so awful. I'm sure you don't want to make waves, but c'mon mandatory food and a dress code. My family is lucky if I come fully covered, extra bonus points if the clothes are clean.

 

[Kathi OD]

Just got another call to insure that we knew the 'dress code' for tomorrow. I need to wear something dressy with heels and DH needs a jacket and tie. I was planning on wearing slacks with a nice sweater and DH was wearing a sport shirt and slacks. I think I'll opt for a black skirt and holiday sweater. Hopefully, that will work. Tonight we are going to a small open house at our friends' house. It will be much more relaxed.
Tomorrow, I'm still going to have a good time and enjoy the day and no matter what happens, I don't have to cook!!

OMG! She's telling you what to wear? We'd be in real trouble. DH doesn't own a jacket, well not the kind you wear with a tie. I don't own a pair of heels. Who is DDIL trying to impress?

 

[CJN]

Just got another call to insure that we knew the 'dress code' for tomorrow. I need to wear something dressy with heels and DH needs a jacket and tie. I was planning on wearing slacks with a nice sweater and DH was wearing a sport shirt and slacks. I think I'll opt for a black skirt and holiday sweater. Hopefully, that will work. Tonight we are going to a small open house at our friends' house. It will be much more relaxed.
Tomorrow, I'm still going to have a good time and enjoy the day and no matter what happens, I don't have to cook!!

Lordy, this makes me love my family. Last year when I got the Thanksgiving invitation to my brother's house he jokingly said it was a Come As You Are party. When I told him I was wearing my jammies he dared me to show up for Thanksgiving dinner in them. I did, along with a bathrobe and slippers. He and SIL both loved it and we had the best time!

 

[Disney Hot Mama]

Unfortunately I could not be so nice.... I would come as I pleased - nice dressed up for the holidays but DH would NOT be wearing a tie and me = no high heels.

I love my family. I host all holidays and my sister always offers to bring a salad or dessert. Fine by me. Whatever she brings is welcomed. My uncle always brings wine and bread/rolls/ Both of them are not married so they are thankful for a place to come to and always bring something to contribute. I would never tell them what to bring or give them a recipe to use but all families are different.

Enjoy your Christmas .... I hope it goes well for your family.

 

[Carly_Roach]

The only time a "dress code" was requested for any Christmas event I attended was when the entire family was going to be there and the parents/grandparents wanted photos. Even then it was more like a warning; something along the lines of, "Wear something nice because they're taking pictures." They didn't actually tell us what to wear but we came in business casual to be on the safe side.

I actually prefer a request like that so I don't show up in my grubbies. Could that be what's happening with your family this year, OP?

 

[Lionqueen2]

First of all - dress code.... I'd wear my best sweats if someone tried to pull that one!! I feel that I and my family dresses nicely all the time, and if someone said that to me, it wouldn't sit well!
Second, did I read it correctly, that someone wanted someone else to bring an appatizer, but they couldn't choose what they wanted to bring, and even had to use their recipies?? Dude, I'd be stopping at the local McDonalds and pick up some fries if someone requested that one from me!! Good luck!!!

I originally planned to wear a nice red turtleneck sweater with a Christmas scarf and black slacks. DH would have worn a sports shirt with slacks. Instead, I opted for a dressier blouse and black skirt. DH wore his jacket and tie.
DD made appetizers using the recipe DIL sent her.
DIL had 10 people for a buffet dinner - DH and I, DD and DSIL, her DS and DH, her DM and aunt. She served fish fillets, green beans, two different onion recipes, and saffron rice. DIL did work hard on the dinner and I appreciated her efforts. No matter what, I didn't have to cook!
Her DM and aunt are not overly social so we did work to engage them in general conversation, but they just wanted to talk to each other about past gathering at each other homes and other relatives of theirs. So, we smiled and moved on and spent most of the day chatting and laughing with DD and SIL.
This was so different from our family gatherings where anyone and everyone is welcome. We always try to keep an eye out to see that conversation is flowing and everyone is included in conversation with some group.
A little after dinner (which was served at 6pm instead of 3pm when it was supposed to be), her mother announced she needed to leave, got her coat, and quickly went out the door without saying good-bye to anyone. I saw tears in her eyes, but no one said anything unpleasant. It seemed like it was an emotional reaction to something in her own thoughts. She was gone in less than a minute.
Believe it or not, we did have a good day. We got to spend time with our new granddaughter and enjoyed the time with our DD, DSIL and DS. Our DDIL spent a lot of time cooking and wanted no help, but we also enjoyed the time we had with her. So, all in all, it was an interesting, but good day!

 

[Disney Hot Mama]

No matter what we all think it is important that you enjoyed Christmas and it sounds like you did. I am happy your day was enjoyable and memorable...