I think I'd rather be in The Gambia

So my last blog post outlined how much of an effort I would be making this Christmas seeing my family and how much effort I would be putting into the day for my family. I was really looking forward to that day and seeing my family.

Then the day arrived. Nobody had the decency to tell me that they were going to be late until I checked with sister 1. Everyone was due to arrive at 1300 but only when asking sister 1 at 1215 did I learn that sister 1 was ready but sister 2 hadn't even got into the shower yet. My mother hadn't arrived and my nieces weren't dressed. I played foolish and rang sister 2 at 1245 to ask if she was still coming and if she'd be on time as I wanted to get my timings right. She confirmed that she would be on time. I also rang my mother who confirmed that she would be on time too. Total tripe!

I told G that they were going to be late and that I was really annoyed at everyone but he didn't help matters by just adding that he wasn't really looking forward to the whole thing either. I burst into tears and spent at least 15 minutes crying into some root veg. G and I discussed things and he agreed to help me so at least I had someone on my side.

My family turned up eventually. They were an hour late. Sister 1 apologised profusely. Mother briefly apologised and then swiftly moved onto the Hula Hoops. Sister 2 didn't apologise at all and immediately took over the beanbag and started playing about on her phone. I guess I should have known by the way she ignored that we'd have a pretty tricky time. Our drinks discussion:

Me: So, can I get you a drink? We've got hot, cold or alcoholic.
Sister 2: Whatever.
Me: So does that mean you do want one or you don't?
Sister 2: I don't mind.
Me: OK. So do you want a hot drink or an alcoholic drink?
Sister 2: Not an alcoholic one, I've got to look after the kids.
Me: You sure?
Sister 2: No. I'll have whatever.
Me: OK, you'll drink whatever I bring you?
Sister 2: Yeah.
Me: Right, here you go, I've got a can of John Smith's.
Sister 2: I'm not drinking that. It's disgusting.
Me: Right. So you won't drink anything then?

And that's how it continued. She didn't get involved in any of the discussion and let her kids run wild without speaking to them. I said I didn't know our wireless password but she asked G when I was in the kitchen who gave it to her. She then just sat on FaceBook and started playing games. She didn't offer to help with any cooking or laying the table. She didn't say thanks for the food.

G and my nieces made that day for me. I don't need a pat on the back for every task that I do but a thank you and a bit of appreciation would have been nice. Sister 1 was fine and I thanked her for ferrying everyone over here. She told me that neither my mother or sister2 offered petrol money or said thanks for a lift. Sister 2 is the sister who's paying for her university course by herself so is skint as it is. I'm really glad that she took the time and effort to bring people here.

I just think that next year, although the festive spirit is kind of there and I don't feel the same animosity as I have done in previous years, I don't think I'll be making this faff again.

I'd like to be in a country that doesn't celebrate Christmas, ideally a Muslim country where it's hot and nobody worries about burning parsnips or running out of bog roll.

Next year, I think I'd rather be in the Gambia.