Ask Georgia: 12/3/2025

Georgia, I have a question,

My family and I celebrate Thanksgiving every year with my siblings, parents, and their kids, usually around the first week of December because of scheduling. Roughly 20-25 people (including kids). My family consists of my wife, me, and a 6-month-old baby. In the group chat, it was decided that my nephew would cook meat since he bought a grill. He also told us we could bring the sides. He chose to spend $300 on meat.

I messaged in the group chat that we would bring mashed potatoes. My sister responded that every “family” has to bring at least $100 worth of food, or help my nephew pay for the meat.

I’m not totally opposed to bringing that much food, but the way it was presented and the fact that it wasn’t agreed to beforehand make me upset. The following day in the group chat, my sister said, “Option 1: bring food enough for everyone, not just yourself. Option 2: help Thomas pay for meat $100/family. Option 3: help dad pay the water bill $200/family. Choose wisely…”

Upset, I responded with Option 4: don’t show up. This has cast a dark cloud over the upcoming event, which should be a happy family moment. Now I’m considering not showing up at all in protest of this $100 minimum rule. What do you think?

MINIMUM REQUIRED

Dear REQUIRED,

$100 worth of sides per family is obscene and far too much food for 20 to 25 adults, not including kids. If every adult brings a dish to share, there should be plenty of food to go around.

“Choose wisely” would have me staying home, enjoying the peace and quiet of my living room for free.

Also, $200 for a water bill for ONE NIGHT?! Are they planning on renting a waterfall??? This is ridiculous. I wouldn’t go either. Or, if you must, Option 5: buy $100 worth of mashed potato ingredients and show up with 50 lbs of mashed potatoes. Don't forget to smile.

With love, GEORGIA

Have a question for Georgia? Email her at whledger@gmail.com. Please note that this column is intended for entertainment purposes only. No person, animal, or property has ever been harmed or in danger. Satire is “the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.”