22 December 2023 , 19:00
533
0
An unusual family row has broken out, just days before Christmas.
Inviting the in-laws over for Christmas can be stressful, even if everybody gets along and plays nicely. Will they like the food? Are they happy with their presents? Are they judging how much booze we've gotten through? It's easy for the pressure to build and dampen the festive spirits.
But this year, one mother in law has sparked friction with her son and his wife over her beloved pooch. She won't let her furry friend stay home alone and insists on hosting a Christmas roast for the family - even though one member is allergic.
Taking to Mumsnet, an anonymous woman explains how she last visited her mother-in-law on Christmas day in 2013, as that is the year she brought home a pet dog. Since then, her sister-in-law and brother-in-law also have pups in their home, and her mother-in-law has bought a second dog.
"I am allergic and terrified as well," the post reads. "I can't stand the smell of dogs either. We've offered for them to see us at our house (minus the dogs) on Boxing Day- [but] that's not good enough."
Furious chimp launches bottle at girl filming him leaving her bleeding at zoo
The woman says she also offered to host on Christmas Day last year, but was told that's not 'the tradition'. Now, her husband is being 'hassled with messages' from his side of the family asking him to attend. The in-laws say the woman's 'allergies and phobias shouldn't be a barrier this family Christmas'.
Want the avoid the doom and gloom? Get the latest positive news delivered straight to your inbox with our Bright Stuff newsletter
Hundreds of social media users have replied to the post, sharing their thoughts on the matter. Many argue that woman is being unreasonable - with one user commenting: "I think maybe you can take some anti-allergy tablets and go? 10 years is a long time to not see his family on Christmas, I'm sure they will keep the dogs at bay if you ask."
Another wrote: "10 years is a long time... I can't see why he has to stay away every year, it is your choice not to go." However, many defended the decision to not go - pointing out the seriousness allergies can have.
"If they can't cope without their dogs they are not very nice anyway," one person urged. "I would never eat somewhere with a dog never mind three. It's appalling of them to ask you to."