40+ People Reveal What Ruined Their Christmas

Between family parties, opening gifts, movie marathons, and kissing under the mistletoe, Christmas is one of the most exciting and exhausting times of the year. But with all of the expectations, the holiday never goes as planned. From terrible gifts to getting bad news to life-threatening injuries, these people took to Reddit to share what ruined their family's Christmas. Prepare to get into the festive spirit with these crazy stories!

Guilt Tripped

U/machoman102299: "My mom started crying and causing drama because my sisters didn’t stay up until midnight on Christmas Eve to celebrate Christmas early. She decided not to show up for breakfast and gift exchanges this morning and instead messaged us all morning saying no one loves her or cares about her. I love being guilt tripped."

Yuletide Upended

U/DangerSwan33: "My 30 year old younger brother who lives at home and is unvaccinated, even though his mom is lupus as f---, and my dad is diabetic, and he himself is dangerously asthmatic, tested positive for COVID. I drove up 350 miles, and spent hundreds booking a hotel. All 17 of us to be in attendance got tested just before. He was being a lazy deadbeat piece of s---, and lo and behold, when he finally got tested, it was positive. Everything got cancelled. I spent Christmas Eve and day in a hotel room drinking w--- out of a solo cup and eating Hot Pockets."

Order Up

U/romeopapa22: "Someone called in sick at work and had to leave my family’s lunch to cover for him...I understand the whole 'you shouldn’t have to go with such a short notice' and 'turn off your phone next time', the problem is not that easy for me to do that. I run this particular food service department while also being in charge of another 7 kitchens that are spread it all over the Midwest, and it’s my job to make sure everything runs smoothly. Leaving a kitchen without a cook and expecting to get the Christmas dinner done is like asking regular Walmart store employees to go to the auto service department start doing oil changes, when they don’t even know where their car battery is."

In Case of Emergency

U/KairiZero: "Not ruined, just soured because my sibling decided to eat both the roulades we had for dessert the night before, how does one human consume so much roulade?! - the one SINGLE thing I was looking forward to on the day l---! Luckily I had backup roulade in the freezer at mine, as I had already predicted their gluttonous villainy."

Suite Escape

U/UnemployedTechie2021: "Went on a vacation with my parents. The last couple of years were hard on us...So wanted a break from everything. The hotel we reserved turned out to be a disaster. Rooms were dingy, damp, dirty. There was no food at the restaurant. To add to it, there was construction work going on at the same floor where we were put up...We searched for other hotels nearby but all of them were booked because of the Christmas season. Thankfully, we decided not to stay there and booked another hotel in a nearby city. It's a bit on the expensive side but it's worth the extra cash. We booked a suite room, can view the hills from the private balcony at a distance. The food is good. Overall, the trip that was ruined by the hotel has now looks promising."

Cat's Dismay

U/OrangeTree81: "My parents cat. My sister and I got my parents a tv for Christmas. They wanted to know what the giant package under the tree was so I told them it was a cat tree that had to be assembled. I swear the cat heard and understood me. She watched as my parents unwrapped their gift and let out a sad meow when she saw what it was. She then angrily watched us set it up and was definitely in a mood the rest of the day."

No-Call No-Show

U/rebrandingmyself: "I moved across the country six months ago. I was supposed to fly home tomorrow but between omicron and my sick cat, I had to cancel my trip. It’s my nephew’s first Christmas and I’m not there. There’s drama in my extended family so no Christmas joy there. One of my overnight team no-call no-showed. 15 minutes after I should have already left I was being literally screamed at by two men because I followed a basic hotel security protocol. They name-dropped the owners and said they’d be telling them about me. I told them I’d be mentioning them screaming at service workers on Christmas. Then I broke down sobbing in front of one of my associates and a security guard. I’m not a cry-at-work person but today f------ broke me."

Canine Clash

U/Northernchoice: "My sisters 7yr rescue dog attacked my 2 yr english setter in my house. She refused to put him in the back room and insisted he was just playing. While I was asserting the 'my house my rules' he tries to attack my dog again. Pretty much ended the evening. Sister cried and left. Told her she didnt have to leave, but her dog cannot roam free in the home anymore. Also, not welcome back again. She could not understand that i will not allow my dog to feel unsafe in his own home and that her dog could bite one of us given his aggressive behavior."

Complete Heartache

U/RumblestheDwarf: "First Christmas separated. I was able to spend a few hours with my kids and my parents, siblings, etc. but when the kids became bored and were tearing up asking to go home, I broke down. I got them back with their mom, safe and sound, and cried for the next hour and a half. My Christmas want nearly as bad as many here, but I was still surprised at how much heartache I felt today."

Brotherly Love

U/dynnk: "Having to hang out with my brother all day. I love the guy, but holy f--- he never shuts up. Ever. At all. I’ve got three years on him and I’m certain he has flown past me in words spoken in our lifetime. Its exhausting. And whenever I act disinterested or just politely end the conversation, I’m the a------."

Misunderstood Storm

U/Weird_Blanket: "My sister stormed out an hour before the food was ready because she believed we were talking s--- about her or threatening her or something. She’s schizophrenic. None of that was happening. There’s no way to convince her it’s not true. Also, update, my mom got a notification that my sister ended up in the psych ward last night. It was her own choice. So hopefully they can get her some meds and hopefully she’ll take them this time."

Pocket Change

U/CubanBrewer: "I popped into a butcher shop to pick up something to roast on Christmas Eve and I’m pretty sure the counter guy charged me nearly double and pocketed the difference. Maybe it didn’t 'ruin' it entirely but it’s def been a slowly simmering feeling of, man people can really suck you know?…I haven’t told anyone in my family because I didn’t want to bring that negativity to our party…"

Christmas Burnout

U/shadowskill121: "I did unfortunately. We went to my in laws house this morning after morning present opening with my family. Helper MIL cook the food, then when it was time to go down the hill to Grandma's house where everyone was starting to gather. I decided I just... Didn't want to go. I hate Christmas. I'm not religious. And honestly sitting there watching everyone open presents after watching my wife get roughly 700 dollars worth of gift cards, and I got absolutely nothing... It kinda just takes it out of you. I went home. Wife pissed. I just don't care anymore."

Silent Treatment

U/Danmont88: "Been a lot of years ago but, I traveled a long way with my Fianc'ee and her two kids. We go to my grandparents and meet my parents and spend two nights. My folks go home, and we drive to her parent's place. Out of the blue her pesonality changes and when she isn't biting my head off, she is giving me the silent treatment. After two days of this I corner her and ask what is up and she tells me that she no longer loves me and wants to break up. Next day we drive to 12 hours without a word spoken between us...Get back to her place and get ignored again. I go to a separate room and make reservations back to my parents because I have nowhere to go. (I was on leave from the military)."

Unequal Gifting

U/jassietheconqueror: "Being called selfish for having a migraine and 'ruining the festivities', and then getting socks, underwear, some pillows and random chocolate my mom and sister 'split the cost of because money was tight'. While seeing my sister get JBL Bluetooth headphones, a JBL speaker and a JBL clip on speaker my mom single-handedly bought her. But most of all, a migraine. Those ruin any day."

Unexpected Injury

U/SnowMiser26: "My mom slipped on a patch of ice on her way into my house for breakfast and gifts this morning. She insisted she was fine, but after a few hours she could barely walk. Her foot is broken and may require surgery, so it looks like we'll be spending my birthday tomorrow in their hotel room. My Christmas wasn't ruined, but I feel awful that hers and my dad's basically was."

Medical Love Challenge

U/randomanon5875: "My girlfriend had her cerebral cortex tumor taken out, she had planned to come visit me but instead went into shock and her pacemaker was working overtime. The doctors were able to remove the tumor but with complications. She has short term memory loss, she didnt remember me at all, now she has memories coming back but her feeling of love has yet to come back. I miss you and love you julia. take all the time you need <3 I will be here waiting for you."

Final Straw

U/metallic_dog: "My sister in law exploded today when she saw we brought mac and cheese. Apparently she stayed up all night also making mac and cheese so ours was a direct insult to her? When we called her out that her attitude was inappropriate she got even madder that we would say that in front of her kids, so we left. Even left them all the food we brought. She’s always had anger issues but this was just the last straw."

Cold Shoulder

U/Lyllythy: "My mum told me I wasn’t welcome at Christmas dinner, so I stayed home and got d---- and cried all night. We celebrate on the 24th and my family spent all of the 25th guilt-tripping me for not showing up and telling me how my mum had hoped I would still show all night. So yeah, I am the bad guy no matter what. Proceeded to get d---- on the 25th as well. F--- family."

Gift Grinch

"Realizing that one of my kids is a spoiled brat. Complained about every single gift he got as he opened them. I gave him a few chances to control his outbursts. Couldnt do it. So i made him pack all his gifts up and we drove it to the toys for tots drop off near our house. I made him carry the bag inside. Call me mean but when someone take the time and thought to think of you only for your to complain about it you dont deserve s---. Other kids literally have nothing. Not even parents. Or clean clothes. Or a warm house. And your complaining that your transformer isnt the right one. Much rather kids who appreciate things get it."

Emergency Xmas

"My partner, who is 28, entered a critical condition in the ICU and is on a ventilator and dialysis in a medically induced coma. She has come down with two strains of malaria, which is very rare, and she fought it so effectively in the early stages that her symptoms only reflected the severity of infection at a late stage. We're in the UK currently, her family have flown in from the US to support her, which is wonderful. Our families love each other...But due to covid, we are unable to see her in the ICU. It is so painful not to be with her at this time. Christmas didn't really happen for us. My mum cooked up a wonderful Xmas meal, my grandmas came to join us, and we laughed without crying (a first). But no gifts were exchanged...No Xmas songs played. It basically didn't happen despite the reunion."

Emotional Isolation

U/rosegoldengod: "Feeling incredibly lonely the entire time being at home with my family and not being able to shake it. I know a lot of it’s in my head, but I’ve never been the talker my sister is. Everything she does is interesting and every conversation she, somehow, relates back to herself. I’ve become silent and short when I talk about myself anymore, not finding anything I do or say interesting or good enough. Cried multiple times today, and at this rate I’m just hoping my mom didn’t notice."

Mommy Issues

U/QuantumDwarf: "My mom leaving our normal Christmas Eve with family to have people over with her new boyfriend. But not before blowing a .12 on my sisters home breathalyzer, telling me ‘f--- you’ to my face and storming out yelling ‘see you all again never’ as she slammed the door. Followed by a text the next day saying how great it was to see me the night before and what a bummer she couldn’t see me for longer. Luckily I have therapy already scheduled for Monday."

Hit and Run

U/byfuryattheheart: "We were going to my aunts for dinner and took multiple cars....my mom...parks across the street and starts to cross the road to the house. A guy come flying down and nearly hits her. She gets pissed, swears at him and kicks at his car as he passes by. He stops in the middle of the street, chases her down and shoved her to the ground. My dad and wife saw this go down, so they go flying out of the house yelling at the guy. Dad is standing in front of this guys car yelling...The guy gets back in the car and guns it. Multiple paramedics and Sheriffs come. My mom had to get a couple of staples in her head, but...everyone is fine. But you know what, we did not let this ruin our Christmas. Mom made it home just in time for an amazing dinner."

Last Christmas

"As the Christmas lights twinkled, I eagerly unwrapped the gift my best friend had given me. With excitement, I revealed a shiny key adorned with a bow. It was the key to her new beach house, our dream vacation spot. Overjoyed, I called her to express my gratitude, but she didn't answer. Days turned into weeks as I repeatedly tried to reach her. Finally, on Christmas Eve, she picked up the phone with a cold voice. 'Oh, you didn't hear?' she sneered. Confused, I asked what she meant. It turned out she’d meant to send the key to her new boyfriend but had got mixed up at the post office. She decided to prioritize him above our friendship and told me I wasn’t welcome at the beach house as it was designed for a romantic getaway. That was the last Christmas we exchanged gifts, holiday cards and even text messages. We haven’t spoken since."

Sleep Tight

U/CrazyPlatypusLady: "There's a really weird, low pitched nose going on that I can hear in most of my house. It's not coming from anything we own, but we live in a terraced house (rowhouse?) and that kind of noise from anywhere on the terrace travels through all of them. It's like a a fan running. I'm pretty sure it's an E note. The thing is, everyone else in my house claims they can't hear it. If I put my fingers in my ears, I can't, so I know I'm not imagining it. Do I own earplugs? No. Am I terrified this noise is going to be something permanent? Yes. It's 2:30am. I can't sleep."

Dear Diary

U/charlie33596: "My mom brought up the diary I kept as a teenager years ago. That diary had detailed plans about me offing myself. She brought it up legit an hour ago in front of everyone🥲. Have spent the last two hours in my room crying and feeling all sorts of emotions. I’m 25 now but d--- I feel all the feelings I left at that time and I don’t know how to feel."

Silent Sorrow

"My eldest sister is ransoming the grandkids from my parents because [insert petty backstory here]. She’s only reached out to them when she needs landscaping help and even then they can only work on it when the kids are asleep. (They do this for needed additional income). The middle sister tested positive for COVID on the 22nd leaving only me to spend Christmas with our parents. They immigrated to US from tight communities where familial ties are everything and the sadness they don’t know how to express is painful to watch."

Divorce Debacle

U/Gelybean03: "Last year My parents were separated and getting divorced. Me and my little sister had to spend Christmas with my dad, his girlfriend and her family. We were starving half the day since my dad told me and my little sister not to eat anything to fit Christmas dinner (which btw was the worst feeling ever since they were cooking food right in front of us). And also spending it with my dad’s girlfriend’s family, who really I don’t know anything about since at the time they barely have been dating for a year. Basically me and my little sister were alone for pretty much most of it, sitting on the couch, while my dad, his girlfriend, and her family were talking and having fun. My dad, who is my family, barely hung out with us. Literally the worst Christmas I had throughout my whole life."

Silent Night

U/risemyfriend: "Mom’s anger issues. 2:47am EST now as I type this and every one is sleeping. Were talking plans for next year Christmas. Mom doesn’t want girlfriend and I to share a room. I am in my late 20s. I asked why the ridiculous rule when they weren’t religious like that to begin with. Ended with mom screaming I am what is wrong with this world and no one believes in god anymore. She then started to pack to leave early. Dad talked her to stay. Now it’s silence today and tomorrow as we wait in separate rooms, mom watches TV in silence. All under my house mind you."

Insensitive Remarks

U/brooney2: "Girlfriend shaming me for taking a half day off work on Christmas Eve to see my family. Woke up to her making snide comments about how it 'must be nice' to sleep in a bit, then told me to 'run home to mommy'. This was all unprovoked while I was laying in bed; not as bad as a lot of stories here but it’s put a damper on the whole holidays."

Clean Freak

"I just killed what I'm pretty sure was a cockroach. It was a single cockroach, and I've never seen any others, but I've read that even one means there's a good chance of infestation. So I get to spend the day after Christmas - also known as my 21st birthday - cleaning my apartment top to bottom and trying not to panic...also, shout-out to Yankee Candle for making big heavy glass jars. It was a very effective cockroach killing tool."

Chosen Family

U/Inquisitive_Shogun: "It didn’t 'ruin' THIS Christmas per se. But there’s a theme I’ve learned. Family is overrated. I can’t choose them, but I can choose who I spend my time with. If your blood family is toxic or incompatible with you, you are under no obligation to give them your time. Technically, we’re all related if we go far enough back in time. So I travel during the holidays instead and am creating my own 'nakama' of close friends whom have replaced blood relatives. I would never let something as silly as traditions rob me of my happiness. Life’s too short for that tomfoolery. I try to only spend time with people I actually care about."

Manager Mishap

U/Legend_Of_Groose: "Having to isolate from my husband and missing Christmas with the rest of my family. My manager decided to come into work the other day even though she was feeling a bit sick. We were short staffed for managers since a couple of them had covid. Surprise, surprise, she tested positive that night. And as an added bonus, I'm pregnant. So this has been a fun couple days."

Unwelcome Surprise

U/jennywindow: "I unexpectedly and suddenly became a widow 30 days ago, leaving me with our special needs 5yo daughter and I'm currently 24 weeks pregnant. He went to bed and did not wake up. Never, ever dreamed I would be a widow at 39 after 13 years together, 5.5 years married. No stars out of 5. Do not recommend."

Festive Betrayal

"My mom decided to invite 25 people to my home (I was last to be invited) to celebrate Christmas. She lied to me why my aunt wasn't hosting this year (she told me it was because my aunt was being operated, but in reality, it was because of COVID.) Here's the kicker, I am immune compromised so, less people the better.. BUT WE HAD NO CHRISTMAS LAST YEAR, AND COVID IS HERE FOREVER!!! (That was her excuse.) She did it anyway. I slept in a hotel room miles away from my own home. Happy Christmas, everyone!"

Christmas Chaos

U/ety3rd: "I lost my job a while back and my wife's work became more intensive. I stepped up to do nearly all the housework, cooking, Christmas shopping, wrapping, decorating, etc. Then she got sick this past week and hasn't been able to do anything at all. So, I've been too busy getting ready for it to get into the 'Christmas spirit' (haven't been able to enjoy or even want to watch any annual favorite specials/movies), and, most frustratingly, I was too tired today to enjoy the fruits of our labors."

Driving Me Crazy

"Traveled two hours to see sister, buy her favorite Chinese food for her and her husband, have presents ready for her and him. I get there. She walks out and is like SURPRISE guess who's here...Daddy. She knows that he and I don't get along because he is abusive and manipulative. So I give her the food and presents and turn around and drive 2 hours back home. Cried most of the way back from being mad and sad."

Cookie Crunch

"I was dared to break a gingerbread house with my head and no one thought I would do it. I slammed my head full throttle into the corner of it, it was so stale that it left a gash in my forehead. My mother was yelling that I needed stitches (never got them because I was too scared lol), my dad was videotaping, and my grandma screamed. Now I’m walking around like an uncool Harry Potter."

Solitary Christmas Blues

U/Farie_faye: "My parents are dead, I am only 41, but lost my last parent in 2021. My boyfriend doesn’t celebrate, or really care. His grandma, more mom as she raised him, died a couple years back. We are o a new place with no friends or family. I don’t have kids (twice widowed, it complicated). He never had kids either. My only real living relative is my sister. She lives 2 states away, We couldn’t visit due to a covid scare. The present she bought me (only present I was getting) got pilfered by porch pirates. I ordered Chinese food. My order was canceled 5 mins before arrival."

Giftless Letdown

U/smelly_leaf: "I’m 7 months pregnant & I planned the entire day…. Stuffed every stocking, bought & wrapped every present, cooked 3 holiday meals (Christmas breakfast, Christmas lunch, Christmas dinner)…. My husband didn’t get me a single thing. Not even a candy or snack (his stocking was all his favourite treats from me). Not a card. My family opened gifts around me & I sat there, watching. It was only later that he said 'You don’t have anything to unwrap?' See… 3 months ago I bought myself a coffee cup for him to wrap, knowing he wouldn’t get me anything else on his own. I also bought the bag & tissue & asked him to put it under the tree…. He lost the cup. After dinner when I asked, he said he didn’t know where he put it. And that’s that I guess. Merry Christmas to me :)."

Alone in Tinseltown

U/Brasticus: "My wife had an affair last year and moved away while I’m still raising our kids. The first Christmas I was all-in focused and made it as great as I could. More lights on the house, amazing tree, etc. This second year without being a whole family hit me the hardest and I struggled to get anything done."

Forgotten Homecoming

U/Firsthalthor: "Came home from the military and seemed like my family had forgotten about me. Not that I needed presents or really even wanted them but the fact that nobody even thought about something as simple as a card kind of hurts when I’m sitting here for an hour watching them pass presents around to each other and I got one for each of them as well. Just feels bad."

Heartbreaking Christmas News

U/whisperingeyelulz: "My dad went to the hospital on the 23rd. We all found out on Christmas eve he has a massive mass on his pancreas, most likely pancreatic cancer. He was one month from retirement and now it looks like he'll never get a chance to enjoy it and my mom will be retiring alone. It has completely flipped our family upside down and I'm so mad at the world right now. We are trying to stay hopeful and my dad is staying strong but I can tell in just a few short days it has been eating him alive and his health is quickly declining. Visiting hours are about to dissappear (due to covid) completely so I wont even get to see my dad until the end. Everything feels so d--- unfair right now."

Christmas Eve ER

U/paleo2002: "Dad went into the hospital nearly a month ago. We had mostly accepted that he wouldn't be home for Christmas. They finally discharged him to in-patient rehab on Thursday night. We visited him again this morning. Couldn't really bring a lot of Christmas to him, but we tried. Went back home and less than two hours later a nurse called to tell us Dad 'had a difficulty breathing episode' and the in-house doctor was recommending that he go back to the hospital. Been calling the ER every hour...On the fifth try, someone finally picked up but told me to call back an hour later while they verified they were allowed to speak to me...Haven't gotten anyone to pick up the phone since. Going to head over to the ER tomorrow, wave around my POA, and find out what happened to Dad."

Poisoning Ordeal

U/invisiblebody: "Ended up in the ER with severe food poisoning and couldn’t keep anything in my stomach or colon and I was dehydrated. They gave me a lot of meds and antibiotics and i have to see my doctor if I don’t get any better by Monday. Edit: thank you for the comments. I haven’t thrown up or pooped my guts out since I got up this morning so I hope I’m doing better enough to eat more than broth for dinner today."

Stalled Celebration

U/KLBPI: "Isn't much compared to others, but definitely ruined it for me. I work at the fire dept. This year my shift works Christmas and we were having a family dinner at the station. All the crew has their families over for a large meal. Well it's my son's first official Christmas and I couldn't get the day off. My wife got all ready along with my son, and lost her car keys. She couldn't find them for about 3 hours. There my wife that just lost her father, who was alone with my 1 year old at home with no way to leave or anybody in town. And i... I felt trapped at the fire station unable to do anything about it. Everyone arriving with their kids and families, and then there's me. Wishing I had my family with me too."

Clean Christmas

U/SnotboogyFlats: "I wouldn’t say ruined but I decided just before leaving work for vacation that 2022 WILL be the year I kick a------ to the curb for good. I’ve been to rehab before so I know what to expect from detoxing (and I feel confident to do so without supervision.. With that said insomnia has traditionally been a big issue for me during my prior attempts to go clean. I’m currently on day 3 without sleep and don’t feel it’s coming anytime soon. I’ve been up for dangerous amounts of time before and I’ve felt so miserable all day today while visiting family. I just hope I get some reprieve before my a-------- brain convinces me to drink just to finally get some sleep. Other than that, I’ve really counted my blessings and have done some reflection on how I need to take care of myself going forward."

Chores Not Cheers

U/BloodTypeDietCoke: "Wrapped all the gifts for my husband and son, took hours because the boy gets so many wrestling figures. No help wrapping because husband says he sucks at it. Cleaned the kitchen yesterday, too. Did dishes twice, cooked Christmas Eve dinner and did all the clean up.. Asked husband to vacuum because I did all the other cleaning. Got attitude the rest of the night (and he did a s----- job vacuuming). Today, Christmas Day, I made the traditional big breakfast. Did the 'big dishes' as food finished so it wouldn't be overwhelming. Asked him to do dishes. 'Let me enjoy my presents for a while.' Fine, okay. Leave hours later for dinner, left a full sink of dishes. Come home, still relatively early, but now won't do dishes 'because I work tomorrow and I just want to relax.'"

All That Glitters

U/ThaFunBlameMonster: "I ordered a pair of earrings that my wife wanted from a youtube influencer Jaclyn something. Fine whatever. It came like a month and a half ago and I had it wrapped and hidden away. Today when she opened it, there was only one earing in the box and the earring literally broke juat from her holding it in her hand. So now my wife has no gift as of this moment and I feel horrible."