Every Easter, Emma’s in-laws treated her less like family and more like hired help. She was expected to cook the meal, clean the house, decorate every surface, and organize the egg hunt — all while they lounged around, sipping wine and criticizing everything from her deviled eggs to her choice of napkin rings. It happened every year. Smiles to her face, complaints behind her back. But this time? Emma had a plan. When they once again dumped the full holiday burden on her — including a gourmet dinner for 25 and an egg hunt spread across the entire backyard — she smiled sweetly and said, “Of course,

I’d be happy to.” Then she got to work… not on the food, but on the twist. Dinner went off without a hitch. The table was beautiful, the food was flawless, and the egg hunt had the kids running wild with excitement. Just as everyone was getting ready to relax again — meaning, leave her to clean up solo — Emma clinked her glass. “Before we wrap things up,” she said cheerfully, “we’ve added a new tradition this year: The Golden Egg Challenge.” Gasps and cheers from the kids. Curiosity from the adults. Emma explained that one,

special golden egg was hidden among the rest — and whoever found it would win a very important prize. The hunt resumed with renewed energy. Minutes later, Sophia’s daughter squealed with joy, holding the shiny egg high above her head. Emma took the egg gently, opened the prize note inside,and read it aloud, smiling: “Congratulations! Your family gets to handle the entire Easter clean-up!” The kids erupted in laughter. Some adults stared in stunned silence. A few chuckled nervously,

waiting for the punchline that never came. Emma poured herself a mimosa, kicked off her shoes, and finally — finally — put her feet up on her own couch.She watched, relaxed and content, as the same people who always left her with the mess scrubbed pots, stacked chairs, and learned that even long-standing traditions can evolve. Moral: If they treat you like the help, it’s time they learned what helping really looks like — especially on your holiday.