I read this story on Reddit about a woman struggling to decline an invitation to her mother-in-law’s second Christmas celebration. The MIL had already celebrated Christmas at the woman’s house earlier, but now she’s hosting her own “Christmas” with stockings, gifts, a holiday dinner, and a birthday cake for Jesus. This follow-up celebration feels like a slight to the original one, as if the first Christmas wasn’t “good enough.”
The woman is upset but doesn’t want to ruin the day for her husband or kids. She suspects MIL will have gifts for her and her husband as well, despite them not exchanging presents with FIL because he had dismissed previous ones. The added guilt of MIL claiming to have been “left alone” on Christmas and treating her oldest child (from a previous marriage) as an afterthought has only deepened the hurt.
Now, lying in bed and pretending to nap because she’s too depressed to join, the woman is torn. She doesn’t want to fake happiness, but also doesn’t want to ruin things for her family. She wonders how to politely decline attending without causing drama.
One suggested setting firm boundaries with her husband and reminding him that their Christmas was the main celebration. Others encouraged her to skip the event guilt-free, as MIL’s actions seem manipulative and dismissive. A witty response like, “DH, we’ve already celebrated Christmas. It’s 2025 in my mind. Moving on!” might keep things light while reinforcing her stance. The consensus was clear: she doesn’t owe anyone an explanation for protecting her peace.