A woman has sparked a debate after sharing how she has 'cancelled' her usual Christmas traditions -but says her family have made her feel like Grinch because of it
14:32, 13 Dec 2025
While Christmas comes with joy from all angles, it’s also a stressful time of year. That's exactly what prompted one woman to 'cancel' her usual Christmas simply because she doesn't want to deal with the workload.
However, her family has been making her feel like a 'Grinch' and claim she's ruined Christmas, despite not stepping up to help her with the work involved in putting it all together. Taking to Reddit, she said: "I am the family organiser, the one everyone goes to for holidays, advice, support, or just to rant to. I love and hate it equally.
"I host all major holidays as my home is large and neutral when it comes to family drama (I refuse to get involved). Every Christmas we host upwards of 15 people, and it is exhausting. We are hosting this year again, and I feel excitement and dread in equal measures.
"Talking to a friend about how she was dating someone and they don’t do a ‘Christmas meal’, just a normal lunch, and spend the day enjoying their family time. It sounded so lovely, I felt like crying."
So, she shared how she won't be hosting next year and will either stay home with a takeaway or plan a trip away for the holidays.
While her husband was shocked by her plans, he agreed a quiet Christmas would do them the world of good - but their family disagrees.
She added: "I spoke to my parents and in-laws about this in passing during our daily catch-ups, and the reaction was incredible.
"I felt like the Grinch, and the whole family is acting like I have cancelled Christmas for everyone.
"I’ve been told I’m being selfish, that I am 'excluding us from our grandchildren', and ruining this year’s holiday too. I have siblings who can host, and everyone is able-bodied and can cook for themselves. So am I the a***hole? Or is it time to drop the rope?"
Commenting on her post, one user said: "Turn it back on them. Wow, so instead of being grateful for all the years I’ve hosted and cooked for you, spending time and money, you now feel so entitled to my labour that you call me selfish when I make alternate plans?
"Your attitude has only convinced me this is the right thing even further. You’re all able-bodied adults who can cook, so I’ve cancelled nothing - you’re just worried you’ll have to put some effort in."
Another user added: "So basically, you’ve given them all a year to organise themselves for one holiday, and they’re claiming you’re cancelling the holiday?
"I can see why you’re exhausted hosting them. From that response, I bet they do the bare minimum to prep, serve, and clean up the meal, let alone everything else that goes into hosting.
"If you choose to take a holiday, think carefully and set boundaries early. I can just imagine them all jumping on the bandwagon, and you end up 'hosting' Christmas on holiday!"
A third user said: "Other people can host Christmas too. You're not the court-appointed Christmas host."