So, my MIL normally has a conniving and devious side, but we generally take it with a grain of salt. Mostly she likes to look out for herself...for example, she wont watch DS unless there is pizza or some service involved for her...that's right, her grandchild.
Rewind to when we bought our home...we made mention to family that we had a spare room and to let us know if they needed it, because they were welcome. (Generally, one would think that would entail ASKING...) My MIL informs me a few days before Christmas when she'll be coming over and to have the room ready...I think, "OH, she's talked to DH...ok, no biggie..." Then on Christmas Eve, I say to DH " Ok, so your mom is coming over tonight, right?" and he looks at me like I dropped a bomb on him...Not only did my MIL invite herself to stay at our house, but when she got there, she informs us that she's staying all weekend...awesome. BUT, it was Christmas, so the only ones who get to hear this vent are you ladies...Thanks!
Re: My MIL's Unbelievable Christmas Stunt...
Honestly it sound like you told family that they were welcome to come stay in that room any time.
Yeah, but you don't just come over and say I'm staying here for a few days...that's rude.
My FIL used to do that. He lives 12 hours away and would call us from the driveway to say that he was there. Then he would b!tch because we didn't have things in the house for him like Coke.
I was thinking the same thing. I know that more notice would have been appreciated, but I don't think I would call it an "unbelievable stunt". She did mention it a few days before Christmas, so it wasn't like she was just showing up. If you wanted more than that, maybe you shouldn't have made the offer and waited to invite people when you wanted them.