I was suspicious when my controlling MIL demanded we use her special Christmas tree for our first time hosting the family gathering. However, her lack of decorating demands threw me off guard — until we plugged it in and discovered the true reason she was so insistent about that tree.
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I should’ve known something was off when that massive box arrived in October.
A delivery driver with a van filled with packages | Source: Pexels
My mother-in-law, Veronica, had always been the controlling type, especially when it came to family gatherings and the traditions surrounding them, but this was weird, even for her.
“What do you make of this?” I asked my husband Brent that evening, holding up the note that came with the artificial Christmas tree. The paper trembled slightly in my hand.
This is the tree you will use for Christmas. Place it in the corner of your living room near the door. You can decorate it however you like, it read in Veronica’s precise handwriting.
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A woman holding a note | Source: Midjourney
Brent ran his fingers through his salt-and-pepper hair, squinting at the note. “Mom’s always been particular, but sending us a whole tree?”
“Without even including specifications about decorations! No color-coordinated ornament scheme? No lecture about the proper angle for the star?” I tried to keep my tone light, but the unease had already settled in my stomach like a stone.
“Maybe she’s finally learning to let go a little,” Brent said, but his voice held more hope than conviction.
A couple having a conversation | Source: Midjourney
