Our family is doing a big Christmas get together this year. We're talking 20-25 people when you count all my siblings, their kids, and the grandkids.

My nephew said he'd handle the meat since he just bought himself a fancy smoker. 

Great. One less thing to worry about.

In the family group chat, everybody starts claiming what they'll bring. My wife and I said we'd bring baked macaroni. Easy. Done. Moving on.

Then my sister chimes in.

She says every "family" needs to bring $100 worth of food minimum OR chip in $100 to help my nephew pay for the meat he's buying.

I read that message three times.

Nobody said anything about a $100 minimum when we were planning this thing. Plus there is no way in hell he needs THAT much money for the meat. 

Look, I'm not broke. I can afford $100 worth of food. But that's not the point.

The point is you don't spring financial demands on people AFTER they've already committed.

I was annoyed but decided to sleep on it before responding.

Then She Sent This Message:

"Option 1: bring food enough for everyone, not just yourself.

Option 2: help Thomas pay for meat $100/family

Option 3: help Greg (the host of the party) pay the water bill $200/family. Choose wisely…"

Wait. Now we're also possibly funding Greg’s water bill? What the hell is this, a holiday shake-down?

I responded: "Option 4: don't show up."

My wife looked at me like I'd lost my mind. She told me I was being too sensitive and that we should just bring extra food to keep the peace.

I told her it's not about the money. It's about respect. You don't blindside people with demands and then act like they're the problem for pushing back.

My sister is all mad at me now. Truthfully, I don't care. 

I want to attend a Christmas get together. Not a fundraiser. 

As usual my wife thinks I am being too harsh. 

What do you think??

Enjoy your Sunday!

3 Interesting Articles

Tree Got its Revenge

He might have to cut his wood afterwards

Passion Doesn’t Have an Expiration date

Bookmark this…you'll thank me later

Never Trust a Vacuum-Sealed Mattress

A good night's sleep from the moment you open it

We Need Your Support Please

This newsletter runs on coffee, sarcasm, and your generosity. If these weekly stories make you smile, please pledge a small monthly amount. You'll help keep the lights on. Most importantly, you will convince my wife that I’m not just hiding in my office, avoiding chores.

Click Here To Pledge 

Bucks's Roasted Turkey

Get The Recipe Here

Increase Your Friends’ Quality of Life (Marginally)

If you like these emails, please tell a friend to sign up for the newsletter using this link. The more people that sign up, the less I have to pay to send you these emails. I appreciate you.