Kate cannot wait to spend the holidays with her son and his wife — it’s her first Christmas with the family. But when Liz criticizes her cooking, and John chooses silence over defending his mother, will the holidays be ruined?
I was always the feeder — especially after I got married, it was always me cooking for every family dinner and during the major holidays, like Christmas. But after Oliver, my husband, passed, I lost hold of that part of me.
Now, I barely cook, just enough to keep myself going, and barely that.
Except during the holidays because this is when my son, John, comes for his annual roast dinner. And then, it’s time for me to shine. But this year, things got very heated in the kitchen.
This was the first year with Liz, John’s wife, joining us. When they were dating, she always went home to her parents instead of visiting us. Which, I’ll admit, is fair because being with your family is everything during the holidays. Anyway, I was intrigued to see how Liz would mix with the rest of our family for the day.
Person chopping vegetables | Source: Unsplash
I got up early and began the Christmas meal, knowing that it would be an early dinner with many side dishes and different desserts to follow. I made the usual Christmas dinner that we’ve done for years — chicken, with roasted potatoes and gravy being the main attraction, but with lots of little dishes. Things that John loved.
But Liz? Oh, she definitely wasn’t a fan.
I was putting the final touches on the chicken when Liz strolled into the kitchen, cell phone in hand, eyeing my cooking. She looked around the kitchen with an expression that looked like she had smelt something terrible. I tried to ignore her because I was already sweating away.
Roast chicken on plates | Source: Pexels
Then, she hit me with a line that slammed through me. “Hey, Kate,” she said, “maybe we should order food. Not everyone wants what you’ve cooked. I don’t know if everyone enjoys your cooking, either. Every aspect of Christmas is supposed to be enjoyed by everyone. They should enjoy the food, too!”
I was completely blindsided by her words.
I saw John leaning against the archway, nibbling on a carrot. He altogether avoided my gaze, looking over me and out the window across the room. I held back my tears and bit my lip.
Family get together | Source: Pexels
The guests were almost all present, sitting all over the house, and I didn’t want to put a damper on the dinner, even if Liz had hurt me. Dinner rolled around, and the table groaned beneath the weight of the food. My guests, John included, were digging in and singing praises for the food I had been cooking for most of the day.
“The food’s great, right? Everyone’s enjoying it?” John asked the table.
His uncle laughed and helped himself to another serving of roasted potatoes. “Why wouldn’t we enjoy my sister’s food?” my brother said.
“Because Liz said that the dinner might be ruined by Mom’s dishes. She wanted us to order in.”
“Nonsense!” my brother exclaimed, drowning his potatoes in gravy.
Roasted potatoes | Source: Pexels
John looked at me and smiled. Which was when I realized that my sweet boy’s silence wasn’t meant to hurt me. No. He was trying to bide his time until he could teach Liz a lesson and embarrass her in front of our family.
Liz turned red from his comment as everyone stared at her. I’ll admit that I felt bad for her. It was her first Christmas with us, and already, it wasn’t looking promising.
Later on, when I was in the kitchen again, packing the dishwasher and emptying dishes of food, Liz came in.
“Kate, I’m sorry,” my daughter-in-law said. “I was so wrong to do what I did. I am sorry, please understand.”
“Understand what?” I asked her.
I did feel bad, yes. But I was still hurt.
Loaded dishwasher | Source: Pexels
“I only said that because John loves your food. He always talks about how you make all these special things for him. I can’t make a basic mac and cheese without him saying yours is better. I looked at the food, smelt all the delicious smells from this kitchen, and panicked.”
“Liz, you should know that a boy and his mother’s food is a relationship in and of itself,” I laughed, trying to diffuse the tension. “I can teach you how to cook just like me. My mother taught me everything I know.”
“Really?” she asked. “Even after I’ve been so horrible?”
“Yes,” I said with a softening smile.
Then, I led her to the Christmas tree, ready to give Liz her present.
I still think the whole thing hurts me, but I’m grateful she didn’t say what she said for a nasty reason. Liz felt threatened by John’s relationship with my food instead of fostering a relationship with Liz’s cooking.
But I can teach her.
Christmas present wrapped with red thread | Source: Pexels
If the same thing had happened to you, what would you have done? Would you have been silent until the truth came out, like me? Or would you have retaliated immediately?
Optical Illusion Unveils Your Romantic Personality Type
Optical illusions have a fascinating way of tricking our minds—making us see things that aren’t really there or causing us to miss the obvious. Beyond their entertaining nature, these illusions often spark curiosity and deeper conversations. They can also serve as a window into your personality, including insights into your approach to love.
The following optical illusion is designed to reveal what kind of lover you are based on the first image you notice. Understanding your romantic tendencies can be essential for building a strong relationship grounded in communication, understanding, and mutual respect.
Relationships thrive on emotional connection and shared values, and this test offers a glimpse into how you express love and what you value most in a partnership. By learning more about yourself, you can foster deeper connections with your significant other.
Take a moment to examine the image below and note what you see first.
Here’s what it says about you:
If You First Noticed the Face
You are determined and goal-oriented, always planning your next move with confidence. As a natural leader, you’re known for your reliability and decisiveness.
As a lover: You value quality time and believe that prioritizing your partner is key to a successful relationship. You appreciate when your partner makes time for you despite their busy schedule and reciprocate by making them a priority in your life.
If You First Noticed the Trees
Your sensitivity is your hallmark. Past heartbreaks may have left emotional scars, but you carry hope and resilience into new relationships.
As a lover: You believe in the power of vulnerability. Sharing your fears, pain, and emotions with your partner helps you build meaningful connections. For you, even small acts of emotional openness can deepen intimacy.
If You First Noticed the Wolf
Passion and confidence define you. You’re a magnetic personality, the life of the party, and someone who knows how to make others feel comfortable and entertained.
As a lover: Physical touch is your love language. From sweet gestures to moments of intimacy, you express your affection through action rather than words. While you enjoy playful interactions, tender moments of cuddling and gentle affection reveal your softer side.
If You First Noticed the Moon
You’re a dreamer with a love for art, music, and other creative expressions. Inspiration fuels your soul, and you often see beauty in the world’s spiritual and artistic side.
As a lover: Your love is expressed through creativity. Whether it’s a poem, a painting, or a song, your partner inspires your artistic pursuits. For you, every act of creativity is a heartfelt dedication to the one you love.
If You First Noticed the House
Home and security are your sanctuary. You find joy in cozy, intimate settings and cherish the simple pleasures of life with your partner.
As a lover: You show your affection by caring for your partner’s needs, often through acts of service. Preparing a comforting meal or creating a warm, inviting space is your way of expressing how much they mean to you.
By understanding your romantic personality, you can deepen your bond with your partner and grow closer in your relationship.
Share this article with your friends and loved ones on Facebook and discover their romantic sides too!
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