First UK Christmas with the in-laws

OK, I'm terrified.  We're going to Oxfordshire to spend *two weeks* with my husband's parents and grandmother.  In their house.  I guess it would help to understand some things about me.  1. I'm with Ben Franklin: fish and visitors stink after 3 days, and I don't want to be, well, stinky.  2. His parents hated me when they first met me.  They did their best to ignore me the few days I was in their house until I begged James to hasten out trip to London.  Now, we're to spend that time there, during the holidays.  I'm afraid that they still won't like me, even though they've visited us, and at least seem to like the kids (I'm hoping they'll be a stress-reducer).  I'm afraid, being a silly Idahoan, all my hickishness will come to the fore, and his grandmother in particular will find me completely uncouth.  And, as with any stay with people, I fear that 2 weeks is overdoing it, but I don't really have a choice on that point.

Any advice on English family life during the holidays?  Any advice specific to my situation? :/  I'd be very grateful.

I'll pray for you

Well, lets see.  Compliment mum's cooking.  Help where you can.  And overall, take time AWAY from the Inlaws where possible"  Time for you and your family. 

Get out of the house for an activity everyday.  There's a lot to do in Oxfordshire:  the Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace and Oxford itself.  The kids would probably enjoy a lot of it.  Or, use the inlaws to babysit (if it's an option) to get out of the house with your hubby on your own.

That will give everybody a break each day.

The best advice I can give is to have plenty to drink...and be prepared to join in all the silly party games and other activities the family has.

ooh i loved Blenheim Palace!!!  great idea

the kids love the garden maze!-so did we!

The best advice I can give is to have plenty to drink...and be prepared to join in all the silly party games and other activities the family has.

Ditto!  Don't stand off being an outsider - get seriously involved, even if you feel like an idiot.  There's only slim chance they're going to do something on purpose to make you feel like an idiot.    But really - just accept each and every tradition they mention/indulge in.

And laugh when they laugh at the Only Fools and Horses repeats...

Booze always helps.

And in keeping with British tradition, may I suggest Port?  Try bringing a nice bottle and a good Stilton.  If that doesn't warm them up, I don't know what will...

 

Mmmmmm......Stilton......just bought some lovely Stilton today at M&S - white stilton w/peaches & amaretto!  Can't wait to tuck into that tonight!!

*envy*

Cheese is bliss, particularly over here.

and wear the paper hat from the crackers!

don't be ashamed to wear it at the table!    we do!

TWO WEEKS?!?   

To me, that is a ridiculous amount of time to be expected to stay with people who dont even like you!
Whose idea was that, and why can't you get out of it?   

Any advice on English family life during the holidays?  Any advice specific to my situation? :/  I'd be very grateful.

Well,If its anything like our family at Christmas,after a couple of bottles of Glenfiditch they probably wont even know you're there.LOL.

And if you drink everything that's offered to you, you won't notice them either!

Hmm..well the dad likes his wine, and the mom is a bah'ai (sp), so I'm curious how alcohol consumption gets played out over there.  Can't be worse in that respect than my old in-laws--they were mormons!