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Nosy Coworker Pushes Woman To Reveal Christmas Plans, Regrets It When She Hears The Truth
For some, the holidays are a magical season filled with joy, togetherness, and festive cheer. But for this Redditor, it’s been the complete opposite—a time of trauma and dread that has haunted her for decades. For the past 30 years, she’s had just one wish for Christmas: to be left alone. And now, at long last, that wish is finally coming true.
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For this woman, the holidays have always been filled with dread
Image credits: astrakanimages / envatoelements (not the actual photo)
So when a nosy coworker kept pestering her about Christmas plans, she decided to tell the truth
Image credits: souvenirpixels / freepik (not the actual photo)
Image credits: stockking / freepik (not the actual photo)
Image credits: BestMistakesWithYou
Most adults feel stressed during the holiday season
Image credits: lysenko_andrii / freepik (not the actual photo)
The “most wonderful” time of the year isn’t always as wonderful as it’s made out to be. In fact, according to research by the American Psychological Association (APA), nearly 9 in 10 adults (89%) report experiencing some form of stress during the holiday season. The source of these feelings often comes from not having enough money, missing loved ones, the pressure to make celebrations special, and the anticipation of family fights.
Still, that doesn’t stop most people (80%) from describing the holidays as fun, joyous, and exciting. “The holiday season can be both a happy and stressful time of year in part due to expectations to spend time with family and friends, navigate family conflicts and uphold important traditions,” explained Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, APA’s chief executive officer.
“At this hectic time of year, it is important that people take care of their mental health, especially in communities whose members feel disproportionately burdened or excluded from what is traditionally considered the holiday season,” he added.
88% of respondents say they have coping mechanisms that help them manage the stress of the holidays. These include talking to others, reminding themselves that the season will pass, or volunteering to help those in need. However, not everyone’s coping methods are healthy. Some people isolate themselves (21%), change their eating habits by overeating or restricting their diets (16%), or rely on alcohol or nicotine (13%) to get by.
In the context of this story, though, alone time isn’t a harmful escape—it’s a well-deserved break. It just means that the right way to handle negative experiences during the festivities depends on the person and what works best for them.
As Evans noted, “Though the holidays may increase stress levels, they can also be an opportunity. Psychological science tells us that setting aside time to strengthen our relationships and engage in traditions can benefit our physical, mental and emotional well-being, which can prepare us to better manage stress year-round.”
Readers were glad to see the woman was finally getting exactly what she wanted for Christmas
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What do you think ?
FreeTheUnicorn 14 hours ago
Why wouldn't you just say I don't celebrate Christmas? Plenty of folk focus on Solstice or New Year, nothing OP mentioned implies Christmas is a spiritual time for her family. Nosy person deserves awkwardness, but why out yourself through the stress of talking about Christmas when you could just talk about New Year's plans? Also, you can just make stuff up, it's an office party, say you're sitting family or hosting or volunteering or snowshoeing. It was rude to ask repeatedly, but you knew this question was going to come up, just have a ready answer.
Traveling Lady Railfan 13 hours ago
Although you shouldn't have to (people should just be respectful and not pushy) it's always wise to have one or two prepared answers at the ready, and rehearsed. May be as simple answer for your coworkers or friends who you know won't push more, and then one with a bit more bite for those who won't leave you alone. This doesn't just go for Christmas plans when you're doing something unconventional... This goes for any get-together, any holiday any celebration, and you should have something prepared to say about funerals/celebration of life as well. (Not your own obviously) Some people are so opinionated that their way is the only way and they'll start nagging you when you are in no mood.
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KatSaidWhat 14 hours ago
This is me. I don't do Xmas. I tried last year for the first time since 1990 except dad decided bowling was more important and the most important person in my life went into hospital and didn't come out. Tomorrow I get up, put on onesie, open a bottle, netflix, pigs in blankets, nap. My people understand, some are jealous.
arthbach 13 hours ago
It can be helpful to have a few stock phrases to hand to deal with questions like this. A simple "We don't celebrate Christmas." and the change then subject can be useful. Or 'It is important to remember not everyone has a loving, supportive family; some are abusive.' and then change the subject. - - - If the person keeps questioning, "Why do you keep asking intrusive questions? Do are being rude and disrespectful. Stop." and then change the subject. If the person keeps at it, look them in the eye, purse your lips ever so slightly, scowl a tiny bit, and maintain eye contact for at least 10 seconds. Then slowly turn away and talk with a person sitting beside you. - - - This sort of tactic can be used for many subjects. Prepare a few answers beforehand, starting with the boring, and bland, and work up to 'You are being rude. Stop.'
FreeTheUnicorn 14 hours ago
Why wouldn't you just say I don't celebrate Christmas? Plenty of folk focus on Solstice or New Year, nothing OP mentioned implies Christmas is a spiritual time for her family. Nosy person deserves awkwardness, but why out yourself through the stress of talking about Christmas when you could just talk about New Year's plans? Also, you can just make stuff up, it's an office party, say you're sitting family or hosting or volunteering or snowshoeing. It was rude to ask repeatedly, but you knew this question was going to come up, just have a ready answer.
Traveling Lady Railfan 13 hours ago
Although you shouldn't have to (people should just be respectful and not pushy) it's always wise to have one or two prepared answers at the ready, and rehearsed. May be as simple answer for your coworkers or friends who you know won't push more, and then one with a bit more bite for those who won't leave you alone. This doesn't just go for Christmas plans when you're doing something unconventional... This goes for any get-together, any holiday any celebration, and you should have something prepared to say about funerals/celebration of life as well. (Not your own obviously) Some people are so opinionated that their way is the only way and they'll start nagging you when you are in no mood.
Load More Replies... KatSaidWhat 14 hours ago
This is me. I don't do Xmas. I tried last year for the first time since 1990 except dad decided bowling was more important and the most important person in my life went into hospital and didn't come out. Tomorrow I get up, put on onesie, open a bottle, netflix, pigs in blankets, nap. My people understand, some are jealous.
arthbach 13 hours ago
It can be helpful to have a few stock phrases to hand to deal with questions like this. A simple "We don't celebrate Christmas." and the change then subject can be useful. Or 'It is important to remember not everyone has a loving, supportive family; some are abusive.' and then change the subject. - - - If the person keeps questioning, "Why do you keep asking intrusive questions? Do are being rude and disrespectful. Stop." and then change the subject. If the person keeps at it, look them in the eye, purse your lips ever so slightly, scowl a tiny bit, and maintain eye contact for at least 10 seconds. Then slowly turn away and talk with a person sitting beside you. - - - This sort of tactic can be used for many subjects. Prepare a few answers beforehand, starting with the boring, and bland, and work up to 'You are being rude. Stop.'
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