My MIL Demanded I Cook Turkey for Thanksgiving — I Refused and Here’s Why

Thanksgiving is supposed to be a time of gratitude and family togetherness, but for Leah, it has become a source of stress and conflict. Last year, Leah’s mother-in-law, Victoria, insisted that Leah cook the Thanksgiving turkey. Despite Leah’s reservations, she agreed, only for the entire meal to end in disaster. This year, Victoria is demanding the same, but Leah has decided to stand her ground.

Leah and her husband, Frank, have been married for five years. They usually spend Thanksgiving with Frank’s family, which includes his mother, Victoria, his father, Gary, and his younger brother, Joshua. Last year was the first time Leah was tasked with cooking the turkey. She had never cooked a turkey before and was understandably nervous.

“I told Victoria that I wasn’t confident in my turkey-cooking skills,” Leah recalls. “But she insisted that it was a family tradition for the daughter-in-law to cook the turkey.”

Despite her best efforts, the turkey turned out dry and overcooked. The side dishes were also less than perfect because Leah had spent so much time worrying about the turkey. The meal was a disappointment, and Victoria made no effort to hide her displeasure.

“She kept making passive-aggressive comments throughout dinner,” Leah says. “It was humiliating.”

This year, as Thanksgiving approached, Victoria once again insisted that Leah cook the turkey. Leah, however, had learned her lesson.

“I told her no,” Leah says firmly. “I explained that I didn’t want to go through that stress again and that it would be better for everyone if someone else took on the responsibility.”

Victoria did not take the refusal well. She threatened not to let Leah into her house for Thanksgiving unless she agreed to cook the turkey.

“I was shocked,” Leah admits. “I couldn’t believe she would go that far.”

Frank tried to mediate the situation, but Victoria was adamant. She believed that Leah was being disrespectful and breaking family tradition.

“Frank supported me,” Leah says. “He told his mom that it wasn’t fair to put all that pressure on me and that we should focus on enjoying the holiday together.”

Despite Frank’s support, Victoria remained stubborn. She even called other family members to complain about Leah’s refusal.

“It was so frustrating,” Leah says. “I felt like I was being ganged up on.”

In the end, Leah and Frank decided to host their own Thanksgiving dinner at their home. They invited Frank’s father, Gary, and his brother, Joshua, who were more understanding of the situation.

“It turned out to be a wonderful day,” Leah says with a smile. “We cooked a smaller meal together, and it was so much more relaxed and enjoyable.”

Victoria did not attend their Thanksgiving dinner, but Leah hopes that with time, they can mend their relationship.

“I love Frank’s family,” Leah says. “I just wish Victoria could see that traditions can evolve and that it’s more important to be together than to follow rigid rules.”

Leah’s story is a reminder that sometimes standing up for yourself is necessary, even when it causes conflict. She hopes that by sharing her experience, others will feel empowered to set boundaries and prioritize their well-being during the holidays.