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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To not want to invite my narcissist mother for christmas dinner

16 replies

Pinkbananaa · 24/11/2025 20:05

My dbro1 contacted me to ask if I was inviting our mother for christmas dinner this year as he wants to spend it with his new gfs family. For context he lives with my dm rent free and bills free hes abit of freeloader after his marriage broke down.

Over the last couple of years my extended family has gotten smaller. DF died last Feb, he was in a care home after along fight with cancer and the previous year we found my auntie passed away in her flat two weeks after christmas. For years I hosted extended family. My auntie ( my dm sis) was like a mother to me. She gave me so many opportunities as a child and I am forever grateful she was also an positive influence in my children's lives.
My dad could be a grumpy sod but his heart was in the right place, he would slip me a tenner for the kids for some treats when dm wasn't looking. He spent the last ten years slowly deteriorating. Then there's my DM everything is about her, how ill she is yet there both died before her and shes still here.

My DM would bully my DF and was resentful he didnt die quick enough. She would have my auntie running around after her, she even got her shopping on her last day alive. DM is a bitter vicious woman who doesn't recognise her behaviour but will rip you apart for any short comings. She would accuse my poor auntie of copying her illness, invading her time with others. Poor woman was genuinely ill and hid it so well. She had a heart of gold.

DM is non contact with dbro2 she accused him on thieving from my aunties estate and she disowned him he didnt. She is completely of sound mind. He is currently going through a hard time as his wife has been diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer which had spread to the ovaries. She didnt reach out or support him just sent a card after I said she shouldn't ignore what's happening this is the mother of her grandchildren.

Im disgusted in her behaviour. She barks at people, the kids included. She's got a victim complex and thinks everyone should stop what they are doing and rush to her aid. When I dont prioritise her I get told she should come before my kids. This woman is 73years old. Her health isnt great but alot due to neglect she is obese and despite been told to look after herself she doesn't and hasnt.ǰ

I have since gone LC as I cant cope with her behaviour towards me for the sake of my mental health and self worth. I see how other mums treat their dds and its not acceptable how she treats me. She threatened to disown me because I said I work and she was able to get a food order delivered rather than expect people to be getting her food for her. She drives and is capable of getting stuff.

This was infront of my 12 year old dd who dislikes her. She doesn't go out of her way to treat the kids, in the way my dad and auntie did with little treats such as a chocolate bar or crisps. Just demands them to get her stuff.

I feel pressure to invite her for christmas yet I simple dont want her there. Dbro1 will stay with dm if im not available. I mentioned to my dh about going to the inlaws instead. Abiu to not invite her

OP posts:
GetOverTheEgo · 24/11/2025 20:07

Just don't. Look up FOG (Fear, Obligation Guilt) and join the long running Stately Homes threads in relationships all about toxic familial relationships.

AlwaysGotAnOpinion · 24/11/2025 20:10

Your mother is toxic and you owe her nothing after her lifetime of treating you like that. Your children and your happiness should absolutely be the priority and I think you know in your heart that means not sacrificing your family Christmas to invite her out of obligation when she makes it miserable. I have a similar situation in that I’ve just messaged my slightly-less toxic mother to say we (myself, DH and two DD) won’t be visiting this Christmas, my first time in 40 years (except covid year) not going and so far she seems un-arsed, which tells me everything I need to know!

GehenSieweiter · 24/11/2025 20:12

Don't invite her.
You don't owe her anything.

sweatervest · 24/11/2025 20:24

she hopefully knows what a cow she is.

if you're low contact you have zero obligation to ask her for christmas. she can be someone else's pity party invite and not yours.

Pinkbananaa · 24/11/2025 20:50

sweatervest · 24/11/2025 20:24

she hopefully knows what a cow she is.

if you're low contact you have zero obligation to ask her for christmas. she can be someone else's pity party invite and not yours.

She is completely unaware of her behaviours never apologies or self reflects on how she treats people..she creates her own narrative so il be the bad dd who has left her alone.

OP posts:
Winterwalks90 · 24/11/2025 21:16

Your children deserve a nice Christmas. Don’t subject them to her vile behaviour

Linenpickle · 24/11/2025 21:21

You are not obligated to have her. Put your family first and say no.

Isittimeformynapyet · 24/11/2025 21:25

Pinkbananaa · 24/11/2025 20:50

She is completely unaware of her behaviours never apologies or self reflects on how she treats people..she creates her own narrative so il be the bad dd who has left her alone.

It sounds like she'll find a stick to beat you with regardless of whether you invite her or not, so you might as well choose the stick she does it with.

Have a great Christmas ⛄

TeeBee · 24/11/2025 21:29

Then just reply 'no' to your brother. It really can be as simple as that. Think of your own family. Don't let their Christmas be blighted by her.

Vaxtable · 24/11/2025 21:33

Just tell your brother she is not coming to you, so he needs to sort something else if he wants to go to the gf

Nearly50omg · 24/11/2025 22:20

Your own children don’t like her! Why ruin their Christmas having the awful woman there??!!

clickyteeclick · 24/11/2025 22:35

On Spotify there is an audiobook called Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents. It’s amazing and I feel like I can finally see clearly. Think you’ll benefit from it x

IndigoIsMyFavouriteColour · 24/11/2025 22:38

She is not your responsibility. Have a nice, calm Christmas with your family instead

TomatoSandwiches · 24/11/2025 22:45

Your priority is your children, so put them first u like your mother and tell your brother no, he can sort it his end especially if he's benefiting from their arrangement.

SmalltownCEO · 24/11/2025 22:51

She doesn’t get it because people have been complicit. Your dad could have divorced her but didn’t, your lovely aunt got her shopping even on deaths door and you are even considering having her over for Christmas dinner.

Nope.

As an aside neither my parents or DH parents expect to be invited - they always say “what about the in laws” or our young famil . (we always invite both sets because they are great)

If she’s actively toxic then why would you?

jeaux90 · 24/11/2025 22:54

Why invite someone so devoid of consequence into your home and your special family time. Say no.

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