Toronto street is bringing holiday cheer with 14-foot tall inflatable Santas

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4:24 pm

Inglewood Drive might just be the most festive road in Toronto. Following annual tradition, the residential street has officially transformed again into what is aptly referred to as “Kringlewood,” lining the road with massive inflatable Santas to ring in the festive season with ultimate Yuletide kitsch.

What started out as a joke after one neighbour put up a giant Santa on their lawn and others followed suit has become an annual tradition eight years strong. In past years there were over 50 Santas greeting passersby with friendly, inflatable waves, and similar numbers are expected this year!

The tradition was started by local resident Amy Westin in 2013. She told The Star at the time that she was considering a 6-foot tall inflatable Santa. “Then I saw this 14-foot, totally Griswolds, obnoxious-looking Santa,” she explained. “We were totally loving how over the top it was.”

Looking to see Saint Nick as far as the eye can see? Head to Inglewood Drive and Mount Pleasant Road in Moore Park and strap in for an almost one-kilometre walk or drive, from St. Clair down to Rosedale Heights, all illuminated by giant, glowing Santas on the lawns of local homes.

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It’s the perfect evening activity for those looking to inject a little holiday spirit into their season.

Maybe you’re looking to start a front lawn Santa Claus tradition in your own neighbourhood. Your dreams are within reach (for a few hundred dollars) – just head to Canadian Tire to secure your very own 14-foot, inflatable Claus.

You wouldn’t be the first — cities including Halifax and Sudbury have also started their own versions of Kringlewood, and the trend even travelled south of the border to Illinois and Utah.

Let’s hope the Grinches of years past are gone – a few of Inglewood’s inflatable Santas were slashed in 2019, and CTV News reported a slashed inflatable Santa in another Toronto neighbourhood in 2021. This year, people were caught on camera destroying Christmas inflatables in Scarborough.

Kringlewood has taken off over the past few years, so expect it to be busy depending on what time of day you go. Residents also ask that visitors be mindful of where they’re parking and take care not to block driveways — there are real people living beneath those giant Santas, after all!

Amex membership has its privileges — lounge access at Pearson isn’t one of them

By

Julia Mastroianni

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4:09 pm

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pearson lounge — The lineup at the American Express airport lounge.

Just ahead of the holidays, on a not-particularly busy travel day, Pearson Airport was actually doing pretty well.

Security moved quickly. The terminal felt calm. No chaos, no holiday crush — at least not yet. For anyone flying out of Toronto today, especially to the United States, this was about as smooth as it gets.

And then you hit the American Express lounge.

Despite the quiet terminal, there was a lineup of at least 25 people waiting to get in. Possibly more. No clear timeline. No real sense of whether you’d be admitted in five minutes or 45 minutes. Just a barcode you could scan to put yourself on a waiting list that didn’t seem to meaningfully change anything.

It didn’t matter how many American Express cards you had.

In my case, that’s two Business Platinum cards — cards that are aggressively marketed on the promise of lounge access as a core benefit. There are posters everywhere suggesting that lounge access is part of the value proposition. Sign up. Travel better. Be rewarded.

pearson amex — Signage at Toronto Pearson Airport directing visitors to the lounge.

But at Pearson’s U.S. departures terminal — the most heavily used terminal in Toronto for business travel — that promise simply doesn’t hold.

This is Terminal 1’s U.S. transborder area, the place where Toronto’s business travelers pass through day after day. Bay Street to New York. Tech to Silicon Valley. Finance, media, consulting — this is the artery. And yet, the American Express lounge experience here feels like an afterthought.

A single overcrowded lounge. A digital waitlist that offers little clarity. No prioritization for cardholders paying thousands of dollars a year in fees. And no realistic alternative once you’re airside.

To be clear: American Express is a strong program in many respects. The points ecosystem is solid. Customer service is generally excellent. The cards offer real value — just not here, and not when it matters most.

If you’re considering an Amex Platinum primarily for lounge access at Pearson, especially for U.S. travel, don’t.

This is Canada’s largest city and its busiest travel hub. Thousands of business travelers move through this terminal every day. If Amex wants to keep positioning lounge access as a marquee benefit, it needs to materially improve the experience at Pearson — whether that means expanding capacity, adding another lounge, or rethinking access altogether.

Right now, “Membership has its privileges” rings hollow when the privilege is standing in a long line, scanning a QR code and hoping for the best.

At Pearson, at least, lounge access is not one of them.

Three Toronto spots to get beef Wellington, this holiday’s trending dish

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Jennifer Schembri

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2:40 pm

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Beef Wellington is the holiday showstopper that brings drama to any table. With its tender beef, earthy mushrooms, rich pâté and flaky puff pastry, it has become a festive favourite. Though its origins are debated, with some attributing it to the Duke of Wellington, others claiming a murkier history, this dish has been adored by chefs like Gordon Ramsay and even the former Queen. Here’s where to experience this indulgent classic in Toronto this season.

A classic serving old-school elegance

For over 65 years, Hy’s Steakhouse has been a Toronto institution, revered for its prime grade steaks and timeless martinis. Hy’s beef Wellington ($75.95) is a signature indulgence, featuring a perfectly cooked filet of beef paired with foie gras and mushroom duxelle. All of this is encased in buttery puff pastry and finished with a red wine reduction. This dish reimagines the traditional holiday favourite, offering a luxurious bite that matches the restaurant’s old school charm. 365 Bay St.

A modern take redefining tradition

Black+Blue redefines beef Wellington with a modern twist. The Wellington for two ($165) pairs a perfectly seared filet with foie gras and rich mushroom duxelles but with a unique step: the beef is first layered in a delicate crepe, adding extra texture before being enveloped in buttery puff pastry. Finished with a decadent truffle jus and served with baby heirloom carrots and creamy pommes purée, this Wellington pushes the boundaries of the classic dish while keeping the flavours indulgent and refined. 130 King St. W.

A French twist on a timeless favourite

At Lucie, the Le Pithivier for two offers a refined, French-inspired twist on beef Wellington. This version combines tender beef with foie gras and chanterelle mushrooms, all swaddled in a crisp, golden puff pastry. The dish is finished with a luxurious beef and truffle reduction, and the name “Pithivier” nods to classic French pastry, elevating the Wellington as part of Lucie’s Table d’Hôte menu ($140 per person), with an additional $15 supplement for this beautifully executed take on a well-loved dish, with French culinary artistry at its core. 100 Yonge St.

These Toronto spots have taken the classic dish to new heights. Just don’t blame us if your family expects it every year from now on!

Yorkville just got a chic new supper club where mini wagyu dogs meet 35k art

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Jennifer Schembri

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11:35 am

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Some spots are all about the food, while others are about the moment. In Yorkville, the city’s style district, Powder Room — a new supper club with a hint of New York attitude — looks like it could have it all.

Inside, the décor feels straight out of a magazine: Dolce & Gabbana wall coverings meet custom Kelly Wearstler upholstery, creating an exclusive glamour. Perhaps the most buzz-worthy detail is tucked inside one of the powder rooms, where an authentic Banksy Monkey Queen hangs in all her irreverent glory. This 2003 limited edition print — one of just 750 — still turns heads on the auction circuit, fetching CA$20,000 to $35,000. Safely displayed between two panels of quarter-inch shatterproof glass, it’s as much a statement piece as the restaurant itself.

Powder Room’s kitchen, now led by Liberty Group’s corporate executive chef Michael Ewing, leverages the Michelin-starred expertise of the Don Alfonso 1890 team to elevate late-night dining. The menu delivers a level of luxury and sophistication rarely seen after hours.
The Caviar Service is non-negotiable, offering everything from imperial Kaluga to the buttery complexity of beluga, served with handmade, gluten-free blinis and all the classic accompaniments.

Where Powder Room truly shines is in its inventive Little Luxuries section. Mini wagyu hot dogs, or Wagyu Pups, arrive in toasted milk buns with a flourish of caviar, while the tempura Nova Scotia lobster is crisp, delicate and brightened with a citrus emulsion. Even the potato gets a makeover: the Potato Poppers are stuffed with mozzarella di bufala, smoked guanciale, and topped with a glint of caviar.

For those willing to splurge, the tagliolini — a silky 100-egg-yolk pasta — and the Kobe tenderloin with mustard seed jus are must-tries. The atmosphere is electric, but don’t let the party distract you: the food is genuinely world-class.

Powder Room is located at 129 Yorkville Ave., 2nd Floor.

Toronto is obsessed with retro party snacks right now

By

Jennifer Schembri

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5:00 pm

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It’s almost Christmas, which means party food is back in rotation. Around the city, retro cocktail staples like shrimp cocktail, devilled eggs and escargots are being refreshed with a modern touch, just in time for December nights out.

Icy Legend

Move over cocktail wieners — the shrimp cocktail is official back on the party scene. At Prime Seafood Palace, Matty Matheson serves plump Argentine NK shrimp on a skewer with a cocktail sauce that bites back with real complexity. Pair it with Prime’s ultimate Dirty Martini for a truly extra-filthy finish. 944 Queen St. W.

Eggs with attitude

Devilled eggs were once the reliable, paprika-dusted star of the 1960s cocktail circuit — the quintessential appetizer for a Betty Draper soiree. At Queen West’s And/Ore, the classic is reimagined with soy, chili, cilantro, scallion and crispy wonton, turning each bite into a layered, unexpected treat. 1040 Queen St. W.

Shell shock

Escargots de Bourgogne, a dish Julia Child would have celebrated with a wink and a flourish
of her wooden spoon, gets a masterful update at Bar Prequel. Instead of the classic shells, these snails are decadently wrapped in flaky puff pastry alongside a smear of rouille for pure, buttery sophistication. 1036 Queen St. W.

Winter Melt

Cheese fondue is one of those winter dishes that had a big moment in the ’50s and ’60s, when it moved from Switzerland into ski lodges, dinner parties and Christmas tables. It was cozy, communal and a little indulgent — basically an excuse to gather around a pot of melted cheese. At Bar Piquette, a classic Swiss fondue does exactly that, blending Emmentaler, Gruyère and Vacherin with wine, and serving it with Luxardo sourdough, potatoes along with fruits and vegetables for dipping. 1084 Queen St. W.

The best places to see holiday lights in Toronto

By

Nisean Lorde

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5:47 am

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One of the most magical parts of the holiday season is experiencing the dazzling Christmas lights! Toronto is one of the best cities in the world to witness holiday light displays — it’s filled with iconic locations displaying everything from traditional lights to interactive art installations. To help guide you to the most charming displays, here are some of the most enchanting spots around Toronto to see Christmas lights.

Nathan Phillips Square — Cavalcade of Lights

The square is one of the most perfect spots to experience the magic of the holiday season! The beloved Cavalcade of Lights is a free event that transforms City Hall and its surroundings into a dazzling winter wonderland filled with a brilliant display of lights, a towering Christmas tree, a skating rink bathed in lights, winter solstice celebrations, and international lantern, fire and light festivals! From Nov. 29, 2025, to Jan. 7, 2026. 100 Queen St. W.

Holiday Nights of Lights

Located just 20 minutes outside Toronto in Vaughan, Holiday Nights of Lights is a fully outdoors festive adventure running until Dec. 24. Featuring a 5,000-square-foot sparkling lighted maze, a gourmet hot cocoa and snack bar and Après-Shop, a cozy winter escape filled with shopping and themed decor, there will be plenty of photo ops for the whole family. 1 Bass Pro Mills Dr.

stackt market’s Holiday Hills

holiday hills tunnel — Courtesy @stacktmarket/Instagram

North America’s largest shipping container market is back with the popular Holiday Hills festival, and a major feature is the tunnel of lights — a 100-foot-long light installation that perfectly frames a breathtaking backdrop of the CN Tower for the most stunning, Toronto-centric holiday photo op. Check out their full schedule for local vendor markets, live entertainment, workshops and delicious culinary adventures among the curling lanes, cozy fire pits, s’more huts, whiskey speakeasies and more.

Holiday Fair in the Square

This annual holiday tradition never disappoints — taking over Sankofa Square this year during Winter Glow, the space will be filled with lights as visitors stroll through the artisan marketplace, relax with a drink from the Polar Point Bar in hand by the fireside lounge, toast a s’more or two, snack on some treats from local food trucks and so much more. Runs from Dec. 11–21.

Distillery Winter Village

The historic Distillery District transforms into a magical holiday marketplace adorned with thousands of festive lights, decorations and a 55-foot, silver fir Christmas tree! In addition to the enchanting lights, visitors can meet with Santa at Santa’s Village, warm up with delicious hot chocolate, mail their letters to Santa at the North Pole Post and listen to live carollers. Runs until Jan. 4, 2026. Distillery Historic District, 55 Mill St.

Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest

The park features millions of lights and hundreds of beautiful Christmas trees throughout the park, including two 50-foot Christmas trees on International Street, placing you in a world of holiday magic! This immersive holiday experience is perfect for the whole family; holiday-themed entertainment includes ice skating on Snowflake Lake, more than a dozen live shows, exciting rides and more. Runs on select nights until Jan. 3, 2026.

Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic

holiday lights yorkville — Courtesy bloor-yorkville.com

Bloor-Yorkville will be illuminated with thousands of lights and a stunning Christmas tree until Dec. 31! At this one-of-a-kind display of festive lighting, visitors can also look forward to shopping, dining and taking in the neighbourhood’s art and cultural attractions surrounded by the magical lighting along tree-lined streets. After a day of shopping, check out the urban campfire benches along Bloor Street (between Church Street and Avenue Road) — they light up in holiday colours when in use! Village of Yorkville Park (Cumberland St. & Bellair St.).

Casa Loma’s Christmas at the Castle

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Who wouldn’t want to experience the magic of Christmas in a historic castle? Stroll through thousands of dazzling lights inside and outside the castle and create unforgettable memories with loved ones. Before you leave, check out the 40-foot-tall tree in the Great Hall! Kids are invited to visit Santa in his castle workshop and participate in festive arts and crafts. This will be a holiday-lighting event you won’t want to miss! Runs until Jan. 3, 2026. 1 Austin Terrace.

Löyly floating sauna Toronto: Canada’s first waterfront sauna and cold plunge experience

By

Ron Johnson

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4:54 pm

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Loyly Toronto floating spa — Instagram: @toronto.loyly

Feel the urge to get a little Nordic with it this winter, Toronto’s waterfront has a new wellness destination: the Löyly Floating Sauna. The city’s first floating sauna and cold plunge pool is inspired by Finnish traditions, and offers a simple self-led experience designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit.

The word löyly (pronounced low-lou) refers to the steam that rises when water hits sauna stones—a Finnish concept that embodies the essence of the sauna. Guests move between the handcrafted cedar sauna and the outdoor plunge pools, following their own rhythm of heat, cold, and rest. Most visitors spend five to 15 minutes in the sauna to relax and release tension, then step into the cold plunge for 30 seconds to two minutes, before resting for a minute or two to recover.

The cycle is typically repeated two or three times, allowing the body to adjust and reap the restorative benefits.

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The sauna, located at 275 Queens Quay West, features stunning views of the city skyline. Sessions are 75 minutes and cost $45 per person, including access to the sauna, cold showers, and an outdoor rest area. Extras such as towels and electrolytes are available, and while the plunge pool is not yet open, it will soon enhance the experience.

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Löyly is all about keeping things authentic: there are no performances, rituals, or rules—just a calm, welcoming space to slow down and enjoy the experience at your own pace.

Whether you’re new to sauna culture or a seasoned Nordic enthusiast, Löyly Toronto offers a new way to unwind, connect with your body, and embrace those chilly winter months.

The Hudson’s Bay holiday windows display is coming back this year — sort of

By

Julia Mastroianni

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3:53 pm

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hudsonbaywindow — The 2016 Hudson's Bay holiday window. Courtesy David Pike

When the Hudson’s Bay Company filed for creditor protection and closed all its stores earlier this year, Toronto knew one thing was for certain: we’d never be getting our iconic seasonal tradition of the holiday windows again. But it turns out this city landed on the nice list, and Santa Claus (or rather, Cadillac Fairview) has a Christmas surprise in store for us: the Hudson’s Bay holiday windows are coming back, sort of.

Signage appeared in the windows outside the now-vacant Hudson’s Bay and Saks Fifth Avenue storefront at Yonge and Queen a few weeks ago, covering the windows in wrapping paper with big bows and a tag addressed to the city of Toronto noting that “something sweet is coming.” Cadillac Fairview, the owner of Eaton Centre and various other Canadian malls, has now confirmed that they’ll be reviving the holiday window experience in the former Hudson’s Bay building, beginning this weekend on Dec. 14.

The company hopes to honour a cherished Toronto tradition and ensure the “historic intersection” of Yonge and Queen remains a vibrant holiday destination.

Anna Ng, the director of corporate communications at Cadillac Fairview, shared in a statement that the window displays will extend well beyond the holiday season, turning the space into a “year-round experiential marketing platform for external brands, cultural institutions, and charities.”

Ng wouldn’t confirm what will occupy the windows for the 2025 holiday season, but noted that the Yonge Street windows have already been secured by a “single major brand.” The Bay Street and Richmond Street windows are still available for new partners.

Of course, the windows on Queen Street will still be closed to the public as Ontario Line construction continues (which was the reason for the closure of the actual Hudson’s Bay window displays in 2023 and 2024). But visitors who walk by the former storefront along Yonge will be greeted by a surprise window display all holiday season and through the new year.

Toronto just got a tiny 14-seat Omakase with 20 incredible courses

By

Megan Gallant

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1:43 pm

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If the growing demand for omakase in Toronto tells us anything, it’s that Toronto diners are always seeking an experience. The latest to open, The Onda, is serving up no short of that by featuring a 20-course omakase dinner.

If you haven’t heard by now, omakase can be loosely translated to “I leave it up to you,” and is a Japanese dining style where you let the chef have full range deciding what you dine on. At The Onda, located at 750 St. Clair Avenue West, that happens in an intimate 14-seat dining room with a minimalist design accentuated by white-washed wood finishes.

“We hope gusts will feel the sincerity behind every detail,” says Kelly Kim, one of the owners. “Omakase is not only a technique. It is a dialogue between the chef, the ingredients, and the guest. Our wish is to offer a gentle hum that lingers in the heart and to create a warm and deeply satisfying culinary experience for every guest.”

The Onda is brought to life with nearly 50 years of combined experience from chef Yoon Taiki Choi and his brother-in-law Chef Sun Woo. Where Woo has expertise in both traditional Korean and Japanese cuisine, Choi has extensive experience in omakase, specifically at Yasu and the Michelin-recommended Okeya Kyujiro.

“Sun brings the overall balance and harmony of flavours while Yoon focuses more on seasonal Japanese ingredients, creative ideas, and the visual expression of each dish,” says Kim. “Together they bring both tradition and artistry to the table.”

With a name that means receiving and giving many blessings in Japanese, The Onda serves a $250 seasonal dinner featuring 20 elevated courses and a $135 14-course lunch on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Alongside the expected highlights of yellowtail sashimi and nigiri, a favourite you’ll find on the dinner menu is the akami yukhoe, which takes inspiration from a Korean dish though uses the lean part of the tuna rather than beef. Another showstopper you’ll be presented with is the signature A5-grade Miyazaki wagyu wrapped in a shiso leaf and lightly tempura fried.

“More than 90 percent of our fish and ingredients come directly from Japan. Depending on the menu, we age or prepare it differently, allowing us to transform the same ingredients into entirely new dishes,” says Kim. “This way, first-time guests experience familiar yet elevated flavours, while returning guests never feel it’s repetitive. We want each visit to be fresh, thoughtful, and memorable.”

These courses will be prepared with a selection of Japanese sake and premium Japanese beer. The Onda have just begun offering a sake pairing and a tea pairing featuring organic Japanese tea.

The Onda is open at 750 St. Clair Avenue West.

The biggest party in Toronto this weekend could be at a Filipino grocery store in Scarborough

By

Ron Johnson

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11:23 am

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Late Night Madness at Seafood City Scarborough

One of the hottest dance parties in the city doesn’t take place in a club, and it doesn’t even take place in a coffee shop. The grocery store dance party is here, it is real, and it is sensational.

Seafood City Canada and local creative group Kalamansi Collective are closing out their popular Late Night Madness series with two final blow-out nights at Seafood City Scarborough on Dec. 12 and 13.

If last weekend was any indication, Scarborough is in for a big night.

Thousands packed the store last weekend, as the supermarket turned into a celebration of Filipino culture. Aisles became dance floors. Shoppers took “sinigang powder boosts.” Vinegar shooters made the rounds. DJs kept the energy high.

Even Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow joined the party on Saturday, greeting guests and experiencing the cultural moment firsthand.

“This is the season to celebrate, because the Filipino community has done well,” Chow said. “The food, the friendships, the families are really coming together to celebrate culture, heritage and dancing.”

Late Night Madness has gotten social media attention across North America for turning the everyday act of grocery shopping into a social gathering, similar to what happened when DJs and dance parties descended on coffee shops in Toronto.

Organizers say the Scarborough finale—co-presented with Filipino-Canadian brand Kalamansi Collective—may be the most energetic edition yet.

Guests can expect local DJs, beloved Filipino street foods, classic drinks, and the kind of line dancing that anchors any Filipino celebration. A limited-edition Kalamansi Collective x Seafood City shirt will also be available exclusively for attendees.

“Toronto shows up for Filipino culture in a special way,” said Kris Pangilinan, founder of Kalamansi Collective. “We want these nights to be the biggest Late Night Madness parties in North America. When people walk in, they should feel the joy and community that define who we are.”

The event is free, though organizers encourage guests to download the SFC+ app to secure a ticket in advance.

This Italian bakery just an hour from Toronto is serving a spaghetti-stuffed panzerotti pizza

By

Nisean Lorde

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4:49 pm

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If you love Italian food but can never decide between pizza, pasta or a cheesy panzerotti, there’s a little eatery just a short drive from the city that combines all three into one delicious mashup!

Sapori Di Italia opened earlier this year in a Stouffville plaza, just under an hour from Toronto, and it’s rolled out a wild new secret menu item that mashes all three Italian faves into an over-the-top carb bomb: a huge pizza where one half is a classic pie and the other half is a panzerotti stuffed with spaghetti in bolognese sauce.

Apparently, the owner first tasted a similar dish while in Germany, then brought the idea home to Stouffville and tweaked it into his own tasty version.

One GTA influencer raved that it’s such a unique combo, but it works so well, making the molten cheesy concoction just perfect for sharing, or for keeping all to yourself (both are valid options).

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The most extra part is that the dish has built-in scarpetta. In Italian food culture, fare la scarpetta is the super-satisfying act of using a piece of bread to mop up the last streaks of sauce from your plate. But with the Sapori Di Italia creation, instead of bread, you’ve got an entire stretch of pizza crust attached to the spaghetti-filled panzerotti, so you can scoop up every last bit of bolognese without wasting a drop!

Because it’s more of a secret/off-menu special, you likely won’t see it listed on any boards yet, so just ask for the spaghetti-stuffed pizza-panzo combo when you order and check on availability that day.

Even before this latest carb experiment, Sapori Di Italia had built a devoted following for its old-school Italian comfort food.

The shop opened in February and is part pizzeria-part Italian café and grocery, serving fresh pizzas alongside espresso and house-made treats. The wood-fired pizza has a crispy yet soft crust, with tons of cheese and a generous amount of toppings. The massive veal sandwiches are stacked with three huge cutlets and unlimited toppings, then toasted in the pizza oven! Diners can also expect chicken and meatball sandwiches, lasagna, eggplant parm and ricotta-stuffed pizza.

And if that’s not enough, the shop doubles as a dessert stop! Try classic cannoli, fresh gelato, imported Dubai chocolates, and pastries like zeppole, all bursting with authentic flavour!

Sapori Di Italia is located at 6331 Main St #61, Whitchurch-Stouffville.

Dear Sangita: My boyfriend made me a huge promise — and then he broke it

By

Julia Mastroianni

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3:29 pm

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proposal engaged — Courtesy Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

Dear Sangita: Last New Year’s Eve, my boyfriend made a promise to me. It’s almost the end of the year and he hasn’t fulfilled it. He told me by the end of this year, we would be engaged. He said he just needed to get his finances together. I waited all year, and we even went on a nice trip together, and now, nothing. Should I confront him? Give up on him?— Countdown to the ring

Dear Countdown: I hate this idea of the obligation around engagement; that’s not what life is about! If he’s telling you, “I really want to make sure we’re stable financially and I can give you a good life before we make that choice,” you should understand and support that. This engagement deadline shouldn’t be what you’re focusing on. His finances are obviously a major worry for him, and as his partner you should support him.

If it’s something else — maybe you feel he’s on the fence, maybe he’s cheating — then that’s a different conversation you need to be having with him. But if you’re just there for the ring, then I would say: leave him.

Dear Sangita: My mother-in-law said I could host Christmas this year, but now she’s micro-managing everything. She’s been texting me all day, every day, showing up unannounced to assess whether our space is big enough to host the whole family and asking for me to tell her every little thing that I plan on cooking. I thought I was doing her a favour because she used to complain about hosting every year. How do I get her off my back? — Micro-managing MIL

Dear MM: I’m sorry to tell you this but: she was complaining because that’s what parents do, but inside, they love hosting! You can try offering it back to your mother-in-law. Then the ball is back in her court, and she has two options: she can say, “No, no, I think you can handle it. I gave it to you.” Or she’ll say, “Yes, I’d like to do it.” Hopefully by making this her decision she’ll back off a little bit — but probably not. We all know what’s going to happen at the end of the day if you host: if your mother-in-law is nitpicking now, even if you make everything perfect, she’s going to have things to complain about. That’s just what they do!

Have a question about love, relationships or life for Sangita? Send it to [email protected] or submit it here.

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