For years, I have been the designated host for my family’s Christmas celebrations. My house is always chosen because it is “the biggest” and can accommodate everyone comfortably. But behind the festive decorations and the warm atmosphere, there was a reality that no one else saw.
The Burden of the “Big House”
Hosting wasn’t just about opening my doors; it was a massive physical and financial undertaking.
- The Crowd: Every year, I cooked for between 12 to 18 people.
- The Cost: Last year alone, I spent $700 out of my own pocket to make the day special.
- The Effort: Despite the amount of work involved, I received zero help from those attending.
The Breaking Point
This year, feeling the weight of the previous years, I decided to speak up. I reached out to the group and asked everyone to “chip in”—whether that meant helping with the costs or bringing a dish to share.
I expected understanding, but instead, I was met with entitlement. One person responded by saying, “It’s at your place, so it’s fair you handle the cooking”.
Choosing Peace Over Exhaustion
That response was the final straw. It became clear that my family didn’t value my effort; they simply viewed my home and my labor as a free service. When I realized that no one was willing to contribute, I canceled the event.
Even after the cancellation, not a single person stepped up or volunteered to help make it happen.
The Hard Truth
Sometimes, being “generous” for too long allows people to take you for granted. I learned that my peace of mind is worth more than a $700 dinner where I am treated like a servant rather than a family member. This year, I’m putting myself first.
What do you think? Was I wrong to cancel, or was it time for them to learn a lesson? Let us know in the comments!