do i have to keep a family heirloom?

Question

my mil gave us an old holiday decoration that was made by deceased relative that I'd rather not keep or use. my husband doesn't even remember this thing, it has no meaningful value to him and we both think its tacky. My mil called it a family heirloom. Do we have to keep it? its not an antique or anything that holds financial value. i guess i'm afraid howd she react if they to visit during christmas and it wasn't on display. We have limited storage space and i hve limited space for holiday decorating. does anyone know what really defines a family heirloom?

Answer 1

OMG your crackin me up!!! I know what you mean. Is there anyone else you could pass the priceless heirloom to?? If not, I would hold on to it to avoid being embarrassed if she ever asked. Sometimes you have to do some pretty inconvenient things to please another, but it's worth it. I say just make the woman happy. If you must ditch it, and she ever does ask, just say it's in the attic or something, and you couldn't get to it.

Answer 2

I would just hold onto it to keep family peace. If you find you really can't do this, then give it back to her. Don't get rid of it as it seems to mean a lot to your MIL. Just don't display it. If she questions that, tell her that it does not go with your decor but maybe someday when you have a larger house you will be able to use it.

Answer 3

Just have it out on display whenever your relative is there.Other than that keep it hidden away in th attic.A family heirloom is something that is of sentimental value eg cloths that my great great grandmothers decorated.They are beatifully embroidered and priceless.They are the sort of things you keep and pass on to the next generation.

Answer 4

Is it breakable? If so, accidents do happen!