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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Not to cook for a guest at Christmas?

108 replies

thatsnotmynewname · 13/11/2025 21:41

Dh and I have agreed not to cook this Christmas and instead have a relaxing day, a few drinks and some Christmas treats as a buffet style. Neither of us are big eaters these days.
We have an adult son (25) who lives local, he rents a room in a shared house so I expect he will come over.
I asked him his plans for Christmas and if he’d be spending it with us and as usual he said he didn’t know yet, however we know if he does decide to turn up it will be unannounced and he will expect a full Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.
AIBU to stick to our plan?
He will not get a Christmas dinner anywhere else but he will also not let us know his plans until the last minute, and not give us a time until last minute.
I think it’s a lot of effort to go to benefit one person who may pop by for some food.

OP posts:
Andromed1 · 13/11/2025 21:48

Make sure he knows that you're having snacks whether he comes or not. He might enjoy the change.

Inastatus · 13/11/2025 21:48

Can’t you just tell him what you have planned and then he can decide and know what to expect?

MayaPinion · 13/11/2025 21:46

No, of course not! Just tell him he’s very welcome to come over on Christmas Day. You and DH have planned a day of chilling out and eating snacks so if he wants to eat a turkey he’d be well advised to bring one with him’.

Arlanymor · 13/11/2025 21:44

He's an adult - if he wants a Christmas dinner he can cook one! Tell him your plans for food and then he can decide if he wants to be part of them. Come on OP, he's a grown man! Stand firm!

Scarydinosaurs · 13/11/2025 21:43

Then…tell him that?

What did he say when you told him your plans?

Wolfiefan · 13/11/2025 21:43

Just tell him he is welcome but you’re not cooking a big meal. Let him know your plans.

SoScarletItWas · 13/11/2025 21:43

Tell him your plans. Then he won’t expect a full dinner.

Luckily he has a whole six weeks to get over the shock and work out what he wants to do.

No, YANBU.

Chocolatebuttonanyone · 13/11/2025 21:42

He is 25. If he wants a Christmas dinner, he can make himself one!