Thanksgiving Chaos: Four Stories of Family Turmoil

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Then, he and his parents, Maureen and Richard, began treating me like their unpaid chef and housekeeper. So, of course, they all expected me to host Thanksgiving. We’d only invited Mike’s parents and his two brothers, but even a small Thanksgiving meant a mountain of expectations for me.

Two weeks before the holiday, Mike took his laziness to a new level. We were going over our budget. Money had been tight lately.

Tight enough that I’d been setting aside small amounts, knowing Mike’s spending habits weren’t exactly responsible. He flung our last $20 bill at me. “Here, make Thanksgiving dinner with this.”

I laughed.

“$20? That won’t even cover a turkey.”

“Mom always made amazing dinners with no money. Figure it out.”

I couldn’t believe it.

For two years, I had poured my heart into this marriage, only to have him throw this in my face. Something in me snapped. I decided right then to show Mike just how clever I could be.

That $20 Mike so generously offered stayed exactly where he left it. Instead, I dipped into my secret savings. I wasn’t just planning a dinner.

I was planning a statement. I ordered a catered Thanksgiving feast from the best place in town. I also picked up beautiful table settings and decorations because if I was going out, I was going out with style.

On Thanksgiving morning, the house looked like something out of a holiday catalog. Our guests arrived, and the compliments started pouring in as everyone loaded their plates. Then, Mike raised his glass.

“To Alyssa, the best cook in the family!” he said. I took a deep breath and stood, holding my glass. “Thank you, Mike.

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