Are brothers-in-law of any use?, asked the great Rafael Azcona, an Iberian genius given to raising the doubts of the human being of the 20th century, as confirmed by another of his questions: can an honest daughter of a family fall in love with a traveling sharpener?
The brother-in-law or sister-in-law are essential in a worthy Christmas table and if you, a dear reader, are one of those who would cut your tongue, you don't know what you're missing.
The subject's gastronomic contribution to the Christmas table can usually be improved since, in general, it sticks to a very good cava that is made, clandestinely, by some friendly and altruistic winemakers at a ridiculous price. The other festive contribution is a bar of nougat that he likes or that he doesn't like but has been given as a gift.
Who recounts a trip through Europe on Interrail like him? Who would be able to better describe the new masculinity with its ordinances and its penitentiary regime than a feminist sister-in-law?
When the after-dinner meal appears, he either falls asleep in the best armchair or intensifies the dialogue.
–And you, niece, do you already have a boyfriend or are you still dating that morning singer from La Pampa?
–Look, you're fat, but what does it matter, anyway... eh?
–Who can make me a cup of coffee with a splash of whiskey?
–We don't even have football left for us men! By the way, someone has a spare Movistar code and that's how I see the League...
The brother-in-law has not even written a book about the Europe of the interrail or the memories of the covid, nor has he planted a pine tree nor does he have children, but he does not rule out anything and already shows up at Christmas meals in a tracksuit because that way he does not iron and if stain – it stains permanently – there is no problem either.
The sister-in-law, on the other hand, is aware of everything, she wears a Palestinian scarf all the time, has written a self-help book (Today I love myself more than yesterday) and is in favor of young people experimenting and not trying too hard. Apparently, she has found a partner but in Senegal.
What would Christmas be without those political brothers and sisters who, more than a mediator, demand attention and patience?
