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“Cheers To Dysfunctional Families”: 30 People Share What Ruined Christmas For Them This Year
The end of the year can be challenging. In fact, the majority of Americans feel that, compared to their childhood, people today generally start celebrating the holidays much or somewhat earlier (60%), and nearly half (47%) say that expectations around the season have increased either a lot or at least a little since then. And expectations aren't always met.
Reddit user Zarxpy recently made a post on the platform, asking those feeling disappointed to share what ruined their 2024 Christmas. Here are some of the most memorable replies from the thousands they received.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
My dad passed on Dec 14 after a long battle with Parkinson's. I am pretty much flat broke, my car is in pieces in my garage, I haven't seen my children in nearly a year, and I am trying to pull up my bootstraps and care for two people on take home wages that are below the poverty level for one person.
But, I currently have a roof over my head. So I've got that going for me, which is nice.
Mel Colley 11 months ago
That is definately a lot for one person. Hang in there, tough times don't last forever.
Campy 11 months ago
Sorry for being a bummer but that's just not true. Tough times, for lots of people, absolutely do last forever. Some people grow up in a lousy home, are poor their whole lives and never know anything but pain and struggle. It sucks but it's true. That's not even getting into the millions of people who are born into slavery or desperate third world poverty etc. Sorry, but I really can't stand mindless platitudes like that.
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Charles McChristy 1 week ago
Soon you'll be looking on this troubling time as just a memory. Something to reflect on when you are feeling weak. You will get through this. There is no other option.
Jean Thompson 11 months ago
Don't give up, you're as good as the next person and deserve some luck coming your way soon.
RELATED:
#2
Me, I’m getting sober from several substances, I’m a mess right now, Shakey and sweaty and s****y. I was able to rise to the occasion but I was sick thro it all. It was good tho, I haven’t been sober on Christmas in at least five years may be six. Even if I was was a mess and looked and felt like a dump truck of burning diapers.
Charles McChristy 1 week ago
LOL, that's not the worst part. The hardest part is finding reasons every single day to not drink or pick up a dr*g. Detoxing is far more simple and painless than the battles he is going to face. He has a tough road ahead, but if he is diligent then he will prosper.
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Jean Thompson 11 months ago
You're not a mess, you're a brave, determined person. The future is yours if you take it
Sven Horlemann 11 months ago
Now, to make the suffering staying sober not in vain... stay sober. And reward yourself. You earned it.
#3
Step brother.
- showed up late
- complained about the food, gifts, decorations, etc
- was loud and obnoxious the whole time
- hit my elderly cat and left after I socked him in the face with my fist
Cat tax.
LakotaWolf (she/her) 11 months ago
Yep. Hurt - or even threaten to hurt - any of my fur family, and hands are going to be thrown. MY hands. XD
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Jean Thompson 11 months ago
I agree with everyone about him hitting your cat 😡. But he doesn't appear to be a contented soul. Keep him and his problems at a distance if you can, but don't hate him, he's not a happy man.
Dee Rutherford 11 months ago
He’s a beautiful boy. I’d have done the same and maybe more. I would not allow this creep in my house ever again.
#4
Finding out you aren’t important to people that you went above and beyond in friendships for.
Having only 20 quid to get through to new year.
Desperately trying to hold it together around a mother with a fondness for alcohol.
Having a massive infection in my jaw while the d***s make me sick.
But none of that really matters much today, my dog died last night so I just feel broken.
But I’ll put on the brave face, eat the Christmas dinner and appreciate what I do have.
Sven Horlemann 11 months ago
OP seems to have the insight, the will and therefore the power to do better in the future. I hope he/she succeeds.
Shannon Donnelly 11 months ago
I’m so very sorry for the loss of your fur baby. Love and hugs from an Internet stranger
#5
Our dog got sick out of the blue last Friday and we took her to vet first thing Saturday morning. All the blood work pointed to cancer and so because her outlook looked so horrible we decided to let her have her forever nap. I will never forget it was a lovely solstice morning. It was peaceful and she wasn't too aware but the weight of it really hit home this week. It's like I'm stuck in a bad dream. I'm trying not to bawl today and my husband is the sweetest at trying to boost my mood. Christmas was Olive dog's favorite - she loved opening presents and getting new toys and treats. I know there are so many people out there who have lost a family member or a fur pal this year and I can only send you internet hugs and sympathy. Raise a glass to those who have passed! May 2025 be gentler to us all!
LtKernelPanic 11 months ago
Our 12 year old pup crossed the rainbow bridge in August due to cancer. The vets at the clinic did everything they could but it was too aggressive and he was too old for chemo.
detective miller's hat 11 months ago
Lost my kitty Ivy in October only 3 weeks after the initial diagnosis and I still burst into tears if something reminds me of her. Which is like 10 times a day.
#6
My dad bought my mum a pencil sharpener.
She has a lot of hobbies.
None involve pencils.
Cosmos in your eyes 11 months ago
Oof. I still remember the Christmas my dad bought my mom a toaster. That was a bad year for all of us. Since then she buys her own gifts and tells my dad what he got for her.
BookFanatic 11 months ago
My dad "gave" my mom a bunch of really lovely new clothes and jewelry one year. Mom looked at him and said "(Dad's name) who did you hire?" Turns out he gave his sister a blank check and a vague idea. I don't remember if Mom was upset or amused.
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Jacquie Carr 11 months ago
When a man buys his wife a toaster as a gift, you can be sure there are plenty more lazy, uncaring behaviours going on
Load More Replies... Jean Thompson 11 months ago
I remember my dad buying mum a chip pan ... and, yes, she was thrilled 😂!!
#7
Having cancer kinda put a damper on it. But on the flip side it's probably why my mom hasn't yelled at me this year lol.
Panda Bear 11 months ago
I had cancer on Christmas. Luckily I was too young to remember it and I never had to spend Christmas in the hospital
WindySwede 11 months ago (edited)
And the pic scream "and not to forget you have a debt for $250 000... " 🙀😵💫
#8
My grandmother died this morning. She had a stroke last night.
LtKernelPanic 11 months ago
Having a grandpa who had dozens of strokes ranging from major to barely detectable I feel your pain. Having seen what he went thru it may have been a blessing in disguise for OP's grandma that she passed so quickly afterwards.
#9
My little brother died a few days ago. He committed s*icide.
My other little brother also died the same way a few years ago.
#10
Caught my wife cheating. Lied throughout our entire marriage. Lied to our marriage counselor about this and convinced me that it was just my insecurities making me suspicious about her “friend”. Saw the texts last night when I went to give her her phone cause she missed a call from a different friend while in the bathroom. Opened her phone only to see the texts right there. I’m crying at work at the moment.
Mel Colley 11 months ago
The truth always reveals itself one way or another. Someone better will come along.
Peter Griffin 11 months ago
Leave her for the streets, find a way to keep all your stuff and leave her broke
#11
Needing to put my cat down yesterday, he had a seizure at 12:30am Christmas Eve that put him in a bad way, he was already an old cat but we were hoping he was on the road to recovery. Come sunrise, he was walking around but seemed lost, like his eyesight had gone. Then by the afternoon he was struggling to hold himself up on his legs and was in a lot of pain, it was hurting us all seeing how miserable he was.
By the end we had to come to terms that we had to let him go and we took him to a vet and said our goodbyes. Such a painful moment, though we tried to enjoy Christmas regardless. just feels emptier not having him here, I still keep expecting to see him chilling in the back garden.
LakotaWolf (she/her) 11 months ago
That's exactly the way my old gray girl Wintressia went - thunderclap stroke. She was alive, but you could see that her eyes were empty: my Win-win was already gone. The emergency vet tried to stabilize her overnight, but her temperature kept fluctuating. She was almost 20 years old. I held her in my arms the next day as the vet euthanized her. That was in 2018 and I still miss her terribly. I was more fortunate than OP in that this happened in February and not around the holidays, but it is still so devastating. Even when you know your kitty or doggo is old and nearing the end, having to actually make that final decision to let them go free from pain is still agonizing.
Campy 11 months ago
When I lost my cat of 19 years the toughest part was coming home to an empty apt. I really can't stress enough how good it is to immediately get a new pet. It isn't disrespectful of the animal you lost, and you can still grieve while getting to know your new friend. They'll still be waiting for you at the Rainbow bridge.
Lowrider 56 11 months ago
I've had to put my dog to sleep too. It was one of the most painful things I had to do.
#12
Glioblastoma.
My spouse was diagnosed over the summer and we were completely blindsided given his age and we found this because of a persistent headache after a cold. Clean MRI after radiation/chemo. Thought we could breathe for the holidays. Double dose of chemo decided to cosplay as The Grinch. A week and a half out from the last dose and still feeling like c**p. We have been through hell and just wanted a decent Christmas. We just went through the holiday motions for our kid, I could’ve taken it or left it this year.
F**k cancer.
LakotaWolf (she/her) 11 months ago
Glioblastoma has a very low survival rate. Hoping OP's spouse stays on the positive side of the statistics for this one.
#13
My dad not realising that our silent Christmas dinner is all because of him. He is mean and negative to me and my sister all year round and just expects us to beg him to please oh please spend time with us, which he then spends watching tiktok on his phone.
My sister has a life so she is spending Christmas elsewhere. Im so jealous. Next year, life or not, i am not spending my next christmas in such uncomfortable silence. I'd rather be alone.
Jean Thompson 11 months ago
Such a strange reaction for him to show. Could you possibly talk to him to find out why he is so unhappy in your, and your sister's company ?
Dee Rutherford 11 months ago
Understood and with you on this. Do what YOU have to do to be happy.
#14
Cousin’s 14-month-old died in her sleep Friday night/Saturday morning.
#15
Two of my family members had to work today, my cat pooped under the tree, the refrigerator started making a loud strange noise at like 3 am, and the oven died.
Aussi Panda 11 months ago
A couple of years ago our air con died on Christmas day when we had the whole family over & it was the hottest day of the year 🥵 it wasn’t fun
#16
One of my best goats passed away suddenly, with no warning, pregnant with babies that should have arrived in just a week or two. Worse, she was the last living goat of a line that traced directly back to my first goat, almost twenty years ago. She was so young too. The weather has just been too crazy; pneumonia is probably what got her, it can k*ll in 12 hours or less, some types.
#17
Severe depression and not having much money. I miss being a kid… things were so much simpler! Still, wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and the best! Hang in there to all those struggling with personal/financial issues. Love yall!
Jean Thompson 11 months ago
Your comment about wanting to be a kid again must ring true with lots of us, but it ain't going to happen, sadly! All the best for 2025 - go chase your dreams, with our love!
#18
My wife wanted new wooden spoons. She told me and also wrote it on her list for me. She also told her mother. And she went on our family secret Santa and added wooden spoons to my wish list(???). So today, she opened wooden spoons from me, her mother, and my secret Santa also got me wooden spoons. 12 all together. I'm a little bit annoyed, lol.
Jean Thompson 11 months ago
Celebrate those spoons! Buy or make a rack for the wall, where she can display them as a sign of a loving family!!
Happy Onion 11 months ago (edited)
Make one list and share it with everyone. Our family used to make a Google doc. We had to after my cousin and I bought three people the same thing one Christmas. It was bloody funny! Now we use an app called Draw Names. Helps with the name draw, creates lists, links to online store, and you can check off items if you've bought them so no duplication. 👌
#19
An idiot in a Range Rover t-boned my car and then threatened my partner, child and I.
#20
My 14 year old step-daughter's father moved 3,000 miles away last year with his new wife.
Minus one trip last summer, she hasn't seen him much in the last year and a half.
He calls up my wife and says he wants to see her this Christmas and he will buy the plane ticket. Wife says she will help and pay for half. He declines stating it's his gift to his kid. She agrees.
The tickets he buys are the worst possible ever.
She departs San Diego at 6 am, as an un-acompanied minor. On christmas eve! Which means we have to get up at 3:30 am to get her to the airport, go through the paperwork, of which there is a lot and all by 4:30 am to get through security and on her plane at 5:45 am.
WELL.. the poor kid gets stuck in Dallas due to weather OVERNIGHT and ALONE, and didn't arrive into Connecticut until Christmas day, at 11 am California time, or 2 pm Eastern.
Wife and I were stressed all night worrying over her.
He is an idiot and never thinks of how his decisions will affect others. He put his child through sitting in an airport overnight instead of flying her out a couple of days earlier.
Debby Keir 11 months ago
My ex wanted the kids for Christmas one year - I bought plane tickets for them and he was supposed to buy the return flight. Wouldn't agree to actually send them till I had sight of the tickets. Tells me he's broke and thought that I could drive down (750 miles) on Boxing day, to pick them up. I was 6 months pregnent at the time and he expected a 1500 mile jouirney in one day. So they didn't go.
Nina 11 months ago
Why did you just say no when you saw the idiotic times and connections on the plane ticket? Rubbish parents all round there.
Pencil 11 months ago
Seriously. Mom offered to pay half so use that money to swap out for a direct flight. No excuse for a 14y/o having to catch a connecting flight in the first place. Just awful.
Load More Replies... Ron Man 11 months ago
The OP is a selfish cvnt. Sorry, downvote me, but true. The guy hasn't seen his kid, wants to very badly and buys what is likely the best ticket he can get for the kid and this sh!theep cries about how it affected HIM. Got it. You're a self centered cvnt who cares more about how you're inconvenienced than about getting the kid to see their father, after complaining that the kid never gets to see the father. This is what's wrong with society.
#21
I work at a motel. Before I could even clock in today I got yelled at, called racist, and had a door slammed in my face for informing someone that despite all rooms being No Pets we clearly saw them on the camera dragging two dogs into their room so they were going to have to leave.
Normally it's Christmas and I'd have given them a warning but when they are dragging a dog by the collar and lifting them off the floor that way? Nah, eff em. Get out. Merry Christmas.
#22
My Aunt calling CPS on my Cousin.
Mainly drama harvesting. They’re not perfect parents but calling CPS wasn’t necessary. The kids’ Grandparents (My other Aunt and her Husband) would’ve stepped in long ago if the kids were being treated poorly! The Aunt that called CPS had been shunned from the Family for two years for going psycho at my other Aunt’s house while their Mother (my Grandma) was in the bedroom on her death bed and they were all supposed to come together to care for her during her last days. My Aunt called my Dad a POS and spit in his face while my Grandma was laying there dying. She left and called the cops saying my Grandma was around my violent Father who truly is the complete opposite of violent. He never even spanked any of his children. That resulted in my Grandma having to spend her last few days alive in a strange place when she could’ve passed peacefully with Family at my Aunt’s house which was the plan. After Aunt not being around for two years, my other Aunt (the kids’ grandma) decided to forgive and invite her to Thanksgiving, and it turned into her deciding to call CPS and spew BS. Cheers to dysfunctional families! Merry Christmas all!!
Melissa Harris 11 months ago (edited)
Sounds like she has a mental health problem that she's making everyone else's problem.
#23
My mom died suddenly three years ago from a stroke. Her husband of 15 years has been pulling away from me and my sister. He's the only parent I had left so tried to keep a relationship going. Opened his Christmas card this morning which stated he married his gf over the summer. First I'd heared about it. Called my sister later to say Merry Christmas and learned she didn't know till today either. She asked him why he didn't invite us and he said his new bride didn't want any of his old family there.
Pencil 11 months ago
Sorry your stepdad married a sociopath. Thankfully you still have your sister.
#24
My mother decided to take MY books at give them to my niece without my permission. Yes, i haven't read them in a while but they were MY books. Now even when I voiced my frustration I am still painted as the bad guy. Now if I ask for them back I will look like the big bad aunt. I don't fault my niece she is a good kid. Yet, these were mine. My husband doesn't even understand why I don't force my mom to get them back. I ALWAYS END UP THE BAD GUY.
Jane Jayne Jain Jeign Jein 11 months ago
Buy the same books again (or different ones) for yourself, and when it's your mum's birthday tell her her gift is the books you bought yourself. You could even wrap an empty box for her as a nice surprise.
Ron Man 11 months ago
The way people look at books is interesting. Some people read it and they're done with it and pass it along without thinking they'd ever get it back. Some people hoard them. We're not all on the same page with that, but your Mom shouldn't have given them away without asking.
#25
Drove 100 plus miles to see my folks. My car has never had a problem before, of course, when I drive a long distance and have work right after Christmas my starter breaks and I can't drive anywhere. Like why the f**k does this only happen in the most inconvenient times. Also, now my Christmas money goes to my car. Fan f*****g tastic.
Shannon Donnelly 11 months ago
Houses, appliances, cars, & bodies collude during the holidays to break down in the most spectacular fashion. Last year our basement flooded 5 days before Christmas & the dishwasher died the day after New Year’s. This year it was my body. Diagnosed with a 2 cm kidney stone at the base of my right kidney that was trying to exit my body (not a chance!!) a week before Thanksgiving (also one in the left kidney but not causing issues). After 3 trips to the ER & a surgery for a uretal stent, finally has the stone destroyed by laser & the stent replaced with a new one. Now on antibiotics for a kidney infection. This c**p never happens around Flag Day because professionals aren’t out of the office on Flag Day. But finding a doctor or plumber on Thanksgiving or Christmas…. :(
Kathy Barbella 11 months ago
The postponement may be Devine intervention. You may have averted tragedy had it not been for this Blessing.
#26
This is my first Christmas with my boyfriend and I spent a lot on him: nice clothes, custom items, golf clubs. He got me a puzzle. I think this is also our last Christmas.
Jasmine Kszan 11 months ago
It's not about the stuff, it's about the thoughtlessness. If this is a one off in an otherwise good relationship, take it as a lesson that expectations/budget should be discussed in the future. If your partner is always half-assed when it comes to you and this is just another in a list of not feeling appreciated, the relationship has run it's course.
Remi (He/Him) 11 months ago
Who buys that much stuff as christmas presents? I think the op and bf are probably coming from completely different holiday traditions. I'm more from the small fun gift side and the op's gift blizzard seems totally excessive
BookFanatic 11 months ago
Hang in there. Mine got me a mop and a bucket our first Christmas. He grew up giving/receiving practical gifts, so to him this was perfectly acceptable because I needed them. I grew up with fun gifts. We had a chat and things got better. Maybe talk to your BF?
Murdock Schlegel 11 months ago
A relationship is not getting out what you put in. Thats called a deal. He can be glad you are gone.
Charles McChristy 1 week ago
To be fair, not all families celebrate the same way with presents. That may just be how his family does it. I celebrated Xmas with my then GF. I got her something that cost a couple hundred dollars. She got me a razor that was one of those specifically for shaving your head. I never used it, but I didn't get upset, especially after I saw all the cheap gifts they were exchanging amongst themselves.
Jenn Smith 11 months ago
More context needed..for instance, if he were paying all the bills..then he'd have less shopping money..my ex used to always complain his gifts from me weren't good enough..but he didn't care much for bills and other responsibilities
#27
It’s just my mom and I. My dad died earlier this year, so it’s our first Christmas without him. We had planned to do things a little differently to make the season easier on my mom. Then I got sick, so I’m at home in bed and mom is alone. When I called her this morning she was crying.
#28
My mom bought me tons of clothes that were minimum 6 sizes too small.
Joanne Earle 11 months ago
My mother did that with a dress she got for me to wear to a cousin's wedding in 10th grade. If I didn't diet down to fit in it, I wouldn't get to go on the trip to Milwaukee. What a shrew.
Ron Man 11 months ago
This is what returns are about. Sorry that getting free things ruined your day...
Phemonoe 153 11 months ago (edited)
6 sizes too small isn't an accident, it's an intentionally cruel act repeated with every purchase she made. They're not complaining about free things- they're sad their parent used Christmas as an opportunity to hurt them instead of love them.
Load More Replies... #29
Not ruined exactly, but not the best Christmas, either. My husband had a major stroke 2 weeks ago and is in a hospital 90 miles away. My old car won't make the drive, but I'm going to see him tomorrow.
My daughters are in Chicago, I'm in Michigan. I saw my son for a bit this morning, but it just doesn't feel like Christmas. Getting ready to go to work now. Hope everyone has the best day they can :).
Jean Thompson 11 months ago
Oh you poor thing, of course it doesn't feel like Christmas with everything happening. Your husband needs you, so give yourself some love and don't beat yourself up about the circumstances you find yourself in. Trust husband recovers well. Love from us all.
#30
1) Being poor
2) Boyfriend getting laid off
3) Having the little money I was able to save for two small gifts get stolen.
#31
It’s 4:30pm and I’ve been at the hospital with my 4 year old since 7am because he’s barfed upwards of 30 times and has a high fever.
Pencil 11 months ago
Update from Reddit: " We’re home now, thankfully. Turns out he has pneumonia. My older son actually also had pneumonia around the same age and it also started with an alarming amount of throwing up, but nothing quite that extreme. It was quite a day!" Hope he's on the mend.
#32
The stark realization that I’m not happy with my wife. We argued all night last night and she kept trying to argue in front of our toddler, even after I asked her to stop. She cornered me in the kitchen and since I’ll never lay a finger on her, there wasn’t much I could do. Sorry son, I hate that you saw us arguing on Christmas Eve. I love you.
LakotaWolf (she/her) 11 months ago
I hope OP moves forward with their son's happiness and peace in mind, as well as their own. Whether that means divorce or not - OP and their son deserve to be at peace. I used to beg my dad to get divorced from my mother, who was physically and verbally abusive to him AND to me (she used to attack him with kitchen knives, and cut him shallowly dozens of times.) He didn't want to break up the family, so we both just endured years of abuse. Then he had an accident when I was 18 and lived, but with catastrophic brain damage. Neither one of us escaped my mother, in the end. Please, if you are unhappy in your marriage and have children, please think about what they might want: two miserable parents who are "still together", or separated parents who at least don't fight/argue in front of the kids every day?
#33
My family for wanting me to break my personal boundaries so they can feel better about themselves.
I won't be cornered into faking the big happy family. I won't be pressured into breaking boundaries to clean anyone else's conscience.
I am not going to be a contingency plan for inheriting anyone's future burdens. I'm not on board.
#34
I bought prepared food yesterday cause everything is closed today, forgot to put it in the fridge, and it spoiled. Now instead of relaxing today, I have to go driving around searching for a food place that's open, or I'll have to eat canned food I bought for hurricane prep two years ago.
CrunChewy McSandybutt 11 months ago
How do you forget to put food away? Isn't that the first thing you do when you get home from the store?
Mike F 11 months ago
We got caught up on Christmas Eve one year by not thinking ahead. 6-6:30pm someone says hey what are we doing about dinner? We drove to hell and back looking for a place, even a pizza place with no luck. We ended up at 7:30 in a drive thru line (the dining room was closed) getting Arby's for Christmas Eve dinner. We laugh now, but there was no laughter then.
Charles McChristy 1 week ago
OMG, I did the same exact thing one year with a close friend. This was when Arby's still sucked, too.
Load More Replies... #35
Found out that when my grandfather was dying, he wanted to gift me his house in ashfield.
But my dad told my mum that the house was their super.
So either dad talked grandad in willing it to him instead or [as executor] my dad just took the house himself.
Unless you contest a will, there is no _legal_ requirement to actually do what the will dictates. No one checks apparently.
Merry f*****g christmas.
LakotaWolf (she/her) 11 months ago
If there's a will in place, there's absolutely no reason that property should "normally" go to the children, if that is NOT what the property owner wishes. It sounds like OP's dad either got OP's grandfather to change the will or simply took the property, since the dad was the executor of grandfather's will (legally sound, if shady.) But if there's a will in place, it doesn't matter what is "normal" - OP's grandfather intended for OP to get the house, not OP's father.
Load More Replies... #36
My neighbors have been up all night drinking and doing c*ke while blaring music. I went to their door 2 times and on the 3rd time at 5am, I lost my s**t on them. I was blunt and direct and they did not like it.
Then 7 of them came over to my apartment and threatened to beat my boyfriend up so we had to call the police. They didn't do s**t and now that my bf went home, I'm scared to go outside.
Also, my kids are at their dad's this year and I miss them!
#37
I've been too depressed to decorate and I just don't feel hopeful or happy at all. There's just no Christmas spirit around me this year. I was going to at least put up the tree yesterday but some rough conversations from last week and yesterday have me even more upset. So I'm just not celebrating this year. And that makes me feel worse.
#38
My toilet broke and I was feeling sorry for myself but yikes, the replies here are so much worse.
Remi (He/Him) 11 months ago
It may not be the worst, but it's kind of a shîtty situation anyways
#39
Lost my work laptop on the train on the way home...
Debby Keir 11 months ago
Hope you don't work for the government or security services as you'd lose your job too.
#40
#Norovirus.
#41
Maybe not ruined but soured. My partner insisted we cook the special Christmas food today on the 25th. I told her that it's pretty common to cook a lot on the 24th and then eat the leftovers on the 25th so you can relax on the day but she considered that kind of "sad." So, it's 5pm now on Christmas day and instead of chilling and relaxing with some booze I am gearing up to cook a 3 course meal from scratch. Also, she passed out yesterday at 9:30pm and we didn't eat anything together so my Christmas eve was just me eating a salad by myself in front of the computer watching Youtube. And I'm in a sour mood today and don't even feel like cooking so this day is just garbage. Doesn't feel festive at all.
#42
My moms dementia didn’t really ruin it but first Christmas this year where well it’s been this bad.
Around this time she be cooking a cookies or ham maybe a turkey but now can’t even do that without almost setting the house on fire.
#45
My partner managed to make the only plans I’ve cared about in our relationship, that he’s been hearing about my excitement for since day 1, PASSING OUT FOOD TO THE HOMELESS, about him???? As well as trying to take some of the items (gloves, snacks, etc.) that are for legit homeless people, right in front of my dad😐.
Charles McChristy 1 week ago
I volunteer often, and this is unfortunately very common. They feel entitled.
#46
I showed up to help with 300 bucks worth presents and an envelope of what cash we had on hand for my sibling who was sick. My Christmas money I saved was inside that envelope even.
I was very tired after a 4 hour drive and a night in a hotel and I came to help my elder parent make a gingerbread house with my nephew.
We saw her briefly the night before and she was obviously hypomanic. And there was no holiday tree. Very bad sign.
So I was trying to ask very gently to take over.
Before my sleepy brain could offer to take the kids to the Lego Store and later take over getting everyone to zoo lights I offered our home for a future visit and my sister flipped out, screamed at us for not offering to help enough, and told us to leave.
It really hurt my mom's feelings. Mine too, but now I had to take care of my very upset senior mom (who just rode out a divorce this year)
So here I am not feeling like I anything I did is important, no one cares how hard it is save, plan presents, travel, giving away my gifts to others, working a hard job, I nearly died in July, during a pandemic recovery year and supporting two people. Blah blah blah. But I'm not allowed to have feelings or problems.
And came home - heater was fried so I spent 500$ on a card I just paid off.
But fck it all I still Love Xmas. I filled moms stocking. I am watching holiday Hallmark channel. We had waffles for breakfast. I made her a new couch.
We are very lucky. And I remind myself of the good times before and hope next year to be better.
(And I called in my eldest nephew and told him to get his youngest brothers and take them home for Xmas and to pick up everyone's presents and food before someone freaked out and threw them.).
#48
Gf of 6 years, soon to be fiancé, cheated with a woman and wants to explore her sexuality alone and ended the relationship with me. Only to practically immediately want to be back together, without any progression in that field lol now we live together and as much as I’d love to make it work and want it to, my brain is k*lling me over the logistics. Also completely alone on Christmas cuz she visited her family in her home state.
#49
After five years, I finally got covid.
Learner Panda 11 months ago
I was alone for Christmas day last year. Felt a little bit "off" and did a test. Phoned hubby to tell him I had Covid. Yay!
#50
My pregnant sister not dealing with her kids. Everyone else had to feed and entertain her three kids while she and her husband sat scrolling on their phones.
Dee Rutherford 11 months ago (edited)
No excuse for that. She has kids, she deals with them or gets out.
#51
My brother, who lives with my elderly mom with his wife and daughter, took off to my SILs family with all of the groceries, and left mom and I with no food and no car. Nothing is open around here, and no delivery services are working today, so we get to starve while they are living it up. Merry f*****g Christmas, jerk.
#52
Got an email from my gig company today, xmas day. They paid for one of the seven files they are supposed to pay me for, so like 10% of the total. That's what I'll be paid for on Friday. Thanks, guys. The new company is s**t and now I will have some serious hassle phone calls to make sure my mortgage is paid on Jan1. Not today of course, since everything is closed except their sadistic automatic payment system.
#53
Fireworks at night. It was so hot and my poor dog was beside himself barking at them. Its not new years for f***s sake. cant have a peaceful xmas night.
#54
Not really ruined but is becoming a nightmare.
I bought a house and had everything ready to close by the 20th. Except rocket mortgage had some dumb glitch where their computer system thinks that I need to keep filling out the same form over and over. I have a 3rd party mortgage broker who is on their board and is dumbfounded by their incompetence.
My problem is that I won't have anytime to move after the 1st as I have a ton of projects starting. This upcoming weekend is my last chance to move. They now say they may be ready to close this Friday. But I'm still getting bugged emails and I'm sure they will take it to 3pm and not leave the title company or realtors anytime to draw up their closing documents. I can't even tell my friends what day they can help me move so I have nobody to help.
Strings 11 months ago
We had something similar with Rocket. Supposed to close the first week of Dec, actually closed/started moving on like the 27th. Our old landlady son comes into our old apartments to do a walk-through, and was confused why we were still there (was very cool when it was explained). Ended up with all our belongings (2 apartments' worth) in pikes in the new house and garage for months...
#55
I’ve been sick, but family is still expecting to see me - some of whom I have *no desire* to spend time with. Today or otherwise.
Honestly, I’d be thrilled to lie in bed all day with Hallmark movies and my cat… and not have to deal with toxic people on top of a chest cold.
Remi (He/Him) 11 months ago
I'd use the "I don't want to risk giving this disease to you, so we can't see irl" card
#56
Trigeminal Neuralgia.
#58
My significant other randomly deciding to start an argument. I’m sitting watching tv and she decides to start a fight out of no where on Christmas. “You never want to go anywhere! You never take me anywhere!” I took her to her favorite restaurant last night, I took her to a ballet she wanted to see (ballets are boring af to me), and I bought her all the Christmas gifts she wanted.
Meanwhile, she “forgot to order” my gift, I didn’t get mad or yell, I “said oh it’s ok”.
All I wanted was to have a nice Christmas, a nice relaxing Christmas and I can’t even have that.
#59
I had to have a new water heater installed last night, plumbers didn’t leave until midnight, so after all of that the power failed because it had been storming all day Christmas Eve.
#60
I’m so sick with the flu. Raging fever for one of the first times in years. Second year in a row I’ve been sick on Christmas 🙃.
#61
My health problems. 4th year running and no sign of it letting up. I'm basically only alive right now because I'm more afraid of death than I am bereft of hope that my situation will ever improve.
#62
My wife loves our cat more than she loves me. She got me a torii gate cat scratcher as a gift. It's cool and all but it's not really a gift for me. I don't know how to respond so I just keep smiling and pretending to like it. All she got me was a t-shirt with our cat on it and it doesn't even fit me. Actually, it fits her.
#63
My massive amount of debt keeping me from visiting my family or getting presents for anybody.
#64
My mom (age 90) napped most of yesterday so she woke up at 3 a.m. and started texting me at 5:20 a.m. demanding to know where her caregivers are and why she's all alone in the dark. Then she sent me a series of texts that were supposed to go to other people. The problems: 1) She was texting my Google Voice number, which doesn't get alerts; 2) she's supposed to call my brother because he has overnight duty; 3) her caregiver was scheduled to come at 8 a.m. since her last caregiver left after 11 p.m. but she claims she forgot and didn't know what time it was even though her smart phone has a clock and she can always ask her Alexa. There's not enough Xanax in the world for me, especially since she lambasted me just the other day telling me she's capable of staying in her own home and making her own medical decisions (because she's competent and a retired director of nursing) and to butt out. But then I'm the one she guilts, not anyone else.
Yayheterogeneity 11 months ago
Hang in there. She's lonely, cranky and what not. You are the adult now. Try to take deep breaths and imagine her as a kid. It makes it easier to put up with the shenanigans.
#65
Financial anxiety. I've never been poorer in my 34 years of life and the dread has been setting in since Thanksgiving.
The modern nature of the holiday dictates that I spend money in order to express my love for people and I could hardly afford Christmas cards AND groceries.
Rough stuff out here.
Belle_Pandamonium🇧🇻l 11 months ago
I'd be happy for a card, rather than feeling guilty you had no money bc of unnessasary gifts!
Lene 11 months ago
In my country out on the countryside in the 1830s-1850s it was normal on a farm to spend Christmas like this: the man of the household would stand up after supper to read the part of the Bible that talks about the birth of Jesus. After that the entire household would play cards and eat snacks. That's it. And to me it sounds like a great Christmas Eve (which is when we celebrate in my country). My point is that you do not have to spend money on your loved ones to make it a fantastic Christmas. Spend time with them instead. Even though it is not the proper way to celebrate by today's standarts.
#66
Me.
Great dinner yesterday. Nice presents. Decent vibes.
But it's all just a happy face. I miss my ex, when I shouldn't. I can't get myself to be *actually* excited for anything. Opening presents felt like an embarrassing thing I just had to get done with.
My Mom's dog went completely apes**t over the toy I got him and that did at least bring me joy because it was something I gave some thought into. He's got 3 toys he really specifically likes for their color, sound, and feel but individually. I managed to find something that hit all three criteria but in one toy. I had almost completely forgot I bought him that.
Anyways, now I'm back in my room sulking when I shouldn't be. I want to be hopeful and see the spark in things again but I've spent this whole past year just being a mess.
#67
I'm not letting it ruin my Christmas, but it annoys me. I have a friend, that used to be my best friend but not anymore. She is a massive drama queen and every single year for weeks around Christmas, she bums everybody out with her b******t. Constant FB posts about how she hates this time of year, how she's gonna be alone, etc etc. She also does this for her birthday and Mothers Day. She seems to expect a parade or something and when it doesn't happen, she spreads her misery far and wide.
LakotaWolf (she/her) 11 months ago
This one's easily solvable: stop looking at this person's FaceBook posts XD
#68
Nothing but my, until recently super kind, "friend“ making 50 jokes about coming to my apartment to see me naked weren’t the best. Man fell on his brain I guess.
#69
I didn't think my in laws were doing anything (yay) my mom invited my MIL to her house for xmas as to not be alone (boo) then found out my in laws
were having last minute get together in xmas eve (FML), and MIL is still coming today. Oh, and I got f****d at work and did not get a promotion most people thought was mine, the decision maker did not. Oh, and I already hated xmas.
#70
I had a miscarriage in July and can’t seem to get pregnant again since. One cousin is one week further along than I would be. And a second cousin clobbered me with her pregnancy announcement yesterday.
I just want to crawl into a hole and die. Been holding back tears all day. Why did I not deserve to also have my baby?
Lene 11 months ago (edited)
Oh, but you did. And sometimes the body just needs a little longer to recover from a miscarriage. Do all the crying and mourning you need to do. And then, when your body is ready, you will get pregnant and this time your body knows how to keep the pregnancy good and healthy. It is quite normal to miscarriage the first few times you get pregnant, though usually it is so early that you won't notice. (This is aimed at everyone experiencing a miscarriage before having their first child, really)
#71
My absolute c*nt of a SIL who has decided she (and by extension, my brother and niece) can’t be in the same room with any of us because I dared to tell my brother than it hurt me to listen to her treat our family like s**t several weeks ago. I’ve never wished for someone to get run over by a bus before, but here we are.
#72
We bought frozen crab that we didn't realize was bad until we started steaming it. Gassed my mom's whole place and smelled like ammonia. Made me gag.
We had to make the lasagna that was planned for Christmas day instead.
#73
Me, or my baby I suppose. I’m pregnant right now and baby decided to have acid reflux flare up on Christmas Day. I feel nauseated and unwell, nearly vomited up breakfast. My husband has been hovering all worried this morning.
Debby Keir 11 months ago
I suffered a lot of nausea with my first pregnancy - all day, every day. Went for a meal with brother and SIL (who was a total fruitcake and a very poor cook) She did a roast, but didn't know how to make gravy, so used a packet of minestrone soup, poured it over the meat on our plates....and I barfed from the smell, all over the didning table.
#74
Dad buried the big faux tree in a giant junk pile he created in the garage months ago while "organizing" and kept announcing that he was going pull it out but never actually bothered, even heard him laughing about it a couple of minutes ago.
Sucks because we've pretty much skipped out on celebrating over the past couple years, and I would've at least liked a tree to stare at.
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LakotaWolf (she/her) 11 months ago
This didn't affect me directly, but a motorcyclist was killed in an accident right outside my family business's office on December 19th. We didn't see it, but we were in the office and heard the accident and we ran out immediately, but he was already gone. He was only 28 years old. I did not know him personally, but I have spent time talking to his family and friends when they spend time at the little memorial that has grown on the sidewalk. I light candles for him when I go to the office. I feel awful for his family, who had to spend Christmas with the death of their son and brother so fresh and raw. His family has invited me to his memorial and I feel so deeply honored to be brought into their circle. I wish I could do more for them.
Carl Roberts 11 months ago
Not me, but my 60 year old neighbor got laid off from Walmart on Christmas Eve. He had worked there for 10 years.
Pencil 11 months ago
That genuinely breaks my heart. I hope you and your neighbor find contentment and security in the new year.
Load More Replies... Ron Man 11 months ago
To me, xmas is spending time with the people you love, and if you can't do that, then peace and quiet. No presents, decorations, or things like that. I think too many people focus on the accoutrements and think they have to spend time with people they don't love and who don't love them.
Yayaberry 11 months ago
I was really bummed that I wasn’t gonna be able to see my family this year. It’s been a few years actually. first it was the pandemic. Then in 2022 I had back to back surgeries that found cancer. Last year my son had a wreck on December 23 so I couldn’t go. And this year I just wasn’t feeling great. But when I tell you, it was the most peaceful. Didn’t put up decorations. I read and watched Holiday movies. Also didn’t buy anything for anyone for Christmas this year. It was the best relaxing time off ever.
Load More Replies...
Lauren Caswell 11 months ago
We found out my sister has cancer but treatable. My FIL has cancer, bad. We missed our xmas with him because my child's father broke the parenting g order by not communicating or returning child on time. Can't have him rebuked til courts open in New Year. So a long lonely xmas day stuck waiting for child as can't be sure where he was. He was dropped at my mothers eventually
BookFanatic 11 months ago
This was years ago, but now I can laugh about it. Grandma took a fall on Christmas Eve right before dinner. She and my aunt went by ambulance, ever one else by car. Nobody thought to secure the food. Their little Scottie dog hopped up onto the table and ate half the roast beef. We came home at like 11:00 pm, food ruined, Grandma in hospital. We ended up at the local bar. Bartender was fantastic. Re-opened the kitchen and fed us potato skins and sliders. I was still a teenager (legal age to drink is 21--18 to even enter) and thought I was pretty hot stuff going to a bar for Christmas Eve.
KatSaidWhat 11 months ago
Not this year, last year. We were going to have our first full family xmas since 1990 which I flew to Saffa for. My aunt went into hospital and a coma, my father and his wife decided a bowling competition on the other side of the country was more important. She died overnight when I flew home so that was fun to arrive in Amsterdam to (three leg flights from Joburg to Amsterdam then Paris then London. On the plus side, I had drinks with Sander van Doorn in Schiphol.
LakotaWolf (she/her) 11 months ago
This didn't affect me directly, but a motorcyclist was killed in an accident right outside my family business's office on December 19th. We didn't see it, but we were in the office and heard the accident and we ran out immediately, but he was already gone. He was only 28 years old. I did not know him personally, but I have spent time talking to his family and friends when they spend time at the little memorial that has grown on the sidewalk. I light candles for him when I go to the office. I feel awful for his family, who had to spend Christmas with the death of their son and brother so fresh and raw. His family has invited me to his memorial and I feel so deeply honored to be brought into their circle. I wish I could do more for them.
Carl Roberts 11 months ago
Not me, but my 60 year old neighbor got laid off from Walmart on Christmas Eve. He had worked there for 10 years.
Pencil 11 months ago
That genuinely breaks my heart. I hope you and your neighbor find contentment and security in the new year.
Load More Replies... Ron Man 11 months ago
To me, xmas is spending time with the people you love, and if you can't do that, then peace and quiet. No presents, decorations, or things like that. I think too many people focus on the accoutrements and think they have to spend time with people they don't love and who don't love them.
Yayaberry 11 months ago
I was really bummed that I wasn’t gonna be able to see my family this year. It’s been a few years actually. first it was the pandemic. Then in 2022 I had back to back surgeries that found cancer. Last year my son had a wreck on December 23 so I couldn’t go. And this year I just wasn’t feeling great. But when I tell you, it was the most peaceful. Didn’t put up decorations. I read and watched Holiday movies. Also didn’t buy anything for anyone for Christmas this year. It was the best relaxing time off ever.
Load More Replies... Lauren Caswell 11 months ago
We found out my sister has cancer but treatable. My FIL has cancer, bad. We missed our xmas with him because my child's father broke the parenting g order by not communicating or returning child on time. Can't have him rebuked til courts open in New Year. So a long lonely xmas day stuck waiting for child as can't be sure where he was. He was dropped at my mothers eventually
BookFanatic 11 months ago
This was years ago, but now I can laugh about it. Grandma took a fall on Christmas Eve right before dinner. She and my aunt went by ambulance, ever one else by car. Nobody thought to secure the food. Their little Scottie dog hopped up onto the table and ate half the roast beef. We came home at like 11:00 pm, food ruined, Grandma in hospital. We ended up at the local bar. Bartender was fantastic. Re-opened the kitchen and fed us potato skins and sliders. I was still a teenager (legal age to drink is 21--18 to even enter) and thought I was pretty hot stuff going to a bar for Christmas Eve.
KatSaidWhat 11 months ago
Not this year, last year. We were going to have our first full family xmas since 1990 which I flew to Saffa for. My aunt went into hospital and a coma, my father and his wife decided a bowling competition on the other side of the country was more important. She died overnight when I flew home so that was fun to arrive in Amsterdam to (three leg flights from Joburg to Amsterdam then Paris then London. On the plus side, I had drinks with Sander van Doorn in Schiphol.
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