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How can I ensure my sister-in-law doesn't outstay her welcome?

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Q Last year, my husband's sister spent four days at our house over Christmas, but this year, she's suggesting she stays almost double that time. She has already looked into treating us to panto tickets and a concert as a thank you, which is kind but makes me feel obliged to say yes. She lives 200 miles away and we are hosting, so it makes sense, but she doesn't help out much, so I feel like a skivvy. Plus she talks non-stop and my husband tends to disappear on errands, so I'm stuck with her. How can I diplomatically limit her to four days again? Our son is going to his in-laws this Christmas, so I can't use him as an excuse.

Ah, the dreaded sister-in-law. The relationship that rarely gets the airtime it deserves, yet one that can stir up all sorts of complicated feelings. Unlike a friend, you didn't choose her. Unlike a sister, you don't have the history (or love) that allows for blunt honesty. And yet she arrives, bags in hand, ready to dominate your festive bubble and recreate old family dynamics that you never asked for in the first place. It can be wonderful, for sure - or as you've discovered, utterly exhausting.