When Seth and I overheard Dad calling Mom “lazy” and mocking her cooking, we knew we had to do something. Mom was the one who kept everything together, working full-time, doing chores, and taking care of us. Dad, on the other hand, barely lifted a finger.

Two weeks before Christmas, Seth and I hatched a plan we called “Operation Outplay.” We sent an email to our extended family, telling them to avoid buying Mom the kitchen gadgets Dad requested. Instead, we suggested gifts she’d actually enjoy, like a designer purse, a spa day gift card, and a personalized necklace. We also asked everyone to buy Dad as many fishing rods as possible.

Christmas morning arrived, and the living room buzzed with excitement. One by one, Dad unwrapped fishing rods from every family member, his confusion growing. Meanwhile, Mom opened her gifts, including the purse, the spa gift card, and the necklace, which brought tears to her eyes.

When Dad finally exploded, demanding the gadgets Mom “deserved,” we revealed the truth. “You said Mom was lazy,” Seth reminded him. “We figured she deserved better.”

Mom stood, took a fishing rod, and placed it in Dad’s lap. “You’ll have plenty of time to joke while you fish,” she said.

That Christmas, Mom felt appreciated for all her hard work, and Dad learned a valuable lesson: never underestimate the power of a well-played plan.