My husband and I (we have an almost two year old) have hosted every xmas eve dinner at our house for the past 8 years that we have been married. Same menu, same time, same schedule of events. Lots of cleaning, getting out special dishes, fancy linen, cooking an elaborate meal, and homemade desserts ect. I love to do it, it's sort of my thing.
This year I talked to MIL a few weeks before and firmed up time and gift giving rules because of the new baby. We wanted presents to magically appear Christmas morning. So I asked that any presents be dropped off before hand and hidden in "Santa's workshop." This was done by MIL the week before with no hassle at all.
On Christmas Eve, I received a phone call at 3 saying they were still out running around and would not be there right at 4, a little late 4:15 4:30, so sorry. Ok no biggie (but boy do I hate people who are late for no reason other than poor planning).
Then I get a phone call at 4:20ish, "we just got home and FIL has not wrapped his gifts yet. It's going to take him over an hour, so I don't think we will be coming." I see red and hang up because I am going to lose my marbles. I excuse myself and have a good cry, then pull myself together, and we have a very nice but quite dinner with one other guest.
The next day, we or the child, receive no visit or call from them. NOTHING AT ALL! DH is not happy and he doesn't get his panties in a bunch very easily. After putting the baby to bed, I call them and say WTF. "I have no idea what you're talking about! This isn't my fault. You're the one that hung up on me." She said. Who doesn't see or call their grandchild on Christmas? She can't understand why on earth we are furious with her. He was asking for them all day.
p.s. we are not upset with the FIL because he was not told about the no bringing gifts with ideal.
What do u think?