Does the aunt in question come from a different background than the rest of you? One that maybe has different customs even if they’re only “regional” differences?
In my tiny, rural hometown housewarmings were always surprise parties - surprises for the new homeowner! Everybody knew everybody and someone would put the word out that a housewarming was planned for so-and-so at such-a-time. Whoever could make it would descend on the family with food and drink in hand for a casual, open-house type event. I remember attending many of these as a child.
Honestly now the idea of doing something similar makes my blood run cold and I’d faint dead away if a horde showed up at my door unannounced. That said, I know lots of people who would feel differently and would love the sentiment. Personally, I’d host my own housewarming if I wanted one.
I just cannot even imagine this. I keep a really really nice house, most of the time. At any given moment though between waking up late, dealing with a sick kid, the dog has kennel cough this week....my house can go from WOW magazine spread to WOW call CPS. With my luck that is the day the horde arrives and would find me hiding behind the curtains and not home.
OP I personally would tell SIL no thanks. The kids are going to have something once they’re settled in (which may or may not be a year from now).
