My MIL Said I Wasn’t ‘Family Enough’ to Be In the Family Photos Last Christmas — This Year, She Got What She Deserved

When my mother-in-law, Ellen, excluded me from last year’s Christmas photos, I bit my tongue. This year, I had a plan—and it left her storming into my house just days before Christmas.

Ellen has always treated me like an outsider. Even after Peter and I got married, she dismissed me. Last Christmas, she declared I wasn’t “family enough” to join the family photo. The room went silent, but Peter and his dad, Frank, stood up for me. Still, the damage was done.

This year, I sent out holiday cards featuring Peter, the family—and no Ellen. Her reaction was swift and explosive. She barged into my house, furious. I stayed calm. “You didn’t think I was family enough last year,” I reminded her. “Now you know how it feels.”

Frank backed me up, calling out her behavior, and Peter stood firm: “If you can’t respect Elizabeth, we’ll reconsider how much time we spend with you.”

Ellen seemed shaken. She stormed out, but in the weeks that followed, her attitude shifted. By Christmas Eve, she made an effort, even including me in the family photo.

It wasn’t perfect, but it was progress—and a step toward finally being treated like family.