My mother-in-law pointed at the door during New Year’s dinner and snapped, **“If you don’t like my rules, get out!”** – Welcome

did assume my parents wanted me at Christmas.”

Dad’s jaw tightened.

“That has nothing to do with the house.”

There it was.

To him, my place at the family table could disappear without affecting the gift I brought to it.

“Why should they be separate?” I asked.

“Because gifts aren’t payment for invitations.”

“I agree.”

“Then what are we arguing about?”

“That continue reading …