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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Husband refusing family Xmas day!

457 replies

Holidaywoes12 · 17/12/2025 21:06

Advice please, both myself and hubby feeling hurt atm.
So I come from a family, although small, have always come together for christmas dinner, it was my favourite part of christmas growing up and anything else feels so wrong. My husband has always had an issue with this and every December would be a big upheavel and upset with him refusing any of my family members over, (my father a widow) before eventually allowing them to come! Every year the same argument. This year, he has gone no contact with his mother and sister, and has told me seeing that he wont be seeing them for christmas I wont be having fanily over. My brother who I only see at christmas has been looking forward to visit and see our children and my father of course will certainly be coming, but not without a whole load of stress and silent trratment from husband first. He says he does not like a crowd and is upset about not seeing his mother and sister. I have explained to him things dont have to be this way and tbh a good adult conversation between them would probably sort it, but he’s not interested. Should I try husbands way of having no visitors at christmas? Something that would work for us both? He knows that my father comong over is a no brainsr because he lives alone, bit its still an argument every year!

OP posts:
CaptainMyCaptain · 19/12/2025 07:59

No one gets left alone on Christmas Day in my family. We even take in waifs and strays like grandson's housemate if they would otherwise be on their own.

Waterfizz · 19/12/2025 09:11

Sorry I can’t remember if the OP has answered the question what he is like at other times of year. Birthdays, other personal celebrations, or whatever. Because I don’t think this is about Christmas if similar behaviour happens which crucially put a downer on what the OP would like, was looking forward to, etc. So if all those other times of year are good and with compromises both sides, the H wanting a quiet Christmas every other year would seem ok.

For example, on your birthday, do you get to honestly say what you would like to do? Or does he suggest and you can’t really say what you want as the sulks will appear?

The thing is that if it’s (as I have picked up) it is a much wider issue, I honestly would assume it will not change, and might become worse as years go by. If that’s ok then fine, but because silent treatment and sulking is so awful, avoidance in the form of giving in to what the sulker wants can increase. For me, the main problem with all this is using silent treatment and sulking.

I hope things work out OK.

Rhubarb24 · 19/12/2025 09:34

I have read your post and your responses. It was perfectly clear that you were talking about Christmas traditions before your husband, and it was pretty obvious from the description of your husband's (repeated) behaviour that there was an element of abuse. So I don't really agree that you've drip fed.

The fact that your husband starts in October every year, has the whole histrionic behaviour going on, acting like a brat and a martyr, shows it's control.

My husband used to do it on a smaller scale when I'd ask him to take me to Ikea. In my husband's defense, it was pretty regularly. He'd be all dramatic, we'd argue for ages (felt like it anyway). I'd beg. He'd give in. He'd be a bit stroppy. On the way home, he'd be like, aren't I the hero for taking you to Ikea, you must be grateful. Not literally, but implied.

It was a pattern. It pretty much became like a rehearsal /performance. He was always going to take me but he had to create a drama first. It was exhausting. And when I recognised it - it was only ever Ikea - and brought it up, in fairness, he hadn't really realised (🤷🏼‍♀️) and he did stop.

But it was about control and dominance. And maybe it's become a bit of a tradition for him?

However, it doesn't sound like he's going to stop.

He says you should respect his wishes, yet is comfortable disrepecting your dad, and you, by calling your dad, that old fxxxer??

How does he talk about his own family?

What does he refer to you as behind your back?

This is really concerning. 😬 it sounds like he needs to speak to someone.

ByQuaintAzureWasp · 19/12/2025 10:19

Can you take the kids to your father's for christmas day? I'd ignore him (he can go sit in the bedroom like a spoilt teenager if he doesnt like it) or leave him on his own.

Joloman74 · 19/12/2025 10:22

I would just tell your family that hubby has a bad case of the flu and as you dont want anyone else to become ill you will all be meeting at your dads. Leave your hubby at home and you and your family have a nice time at your dads cooking a christmas dinner.

Poetnojo · 19/12/2025 10:26

IdaGlossop · 17/12/2025 21:24

Which of you do you think is controlling? A considerate partner who cared about you like an adult would be saying to himself 'By being magnanimous, I can help my wife have a happy Christmas day even though I will be struggling with my family not being there too.'

Or,
Which of you do you think is controlling? A considerate partner who cared about you like an adult would be saying to herself 'By being magnanimous, I can help my husband have a happy Christmas day even though I will be struggling with my family not being there too.'

nicepotoftea · 19/12/2025 10:32

Anonymouseposter · 18/12/2025 22:30

What do you think your day would look like if you did what he wanted? I'm assuming that if your Dad is too old to travel far your children aren't young. Would your husband be pleasant and have a nice relaxing day with immediate family? You would clearly be unhappy and worrying about your Dad. I suspect that your husband would still be miserable if he got his own way, although mildly satisfied. I'm probably not as old as your Dad but I'm mid 70s and widowed. I would rather stay on my own, walk my dog and watch TV than spend the day with someone who resented me and called me a miserable old fucker. Are you near enough to call round to see your Dad and your brother at your Dad's house just for an hour or two. Your husband sounds unkind, he knows he's causing you stress and he's not bothered. Have his own family done something really out of order or is it him sulking with them? Are you happy generally and do you ever have fun and enjoy each others company? Life's too short to let someone make you miserable. I'm curious as to how many children you have and roughly what ages and what their relationship with their Dad is like. I also wondered if your Dad has ever been unpleasant towards your husband in the past which would change my view a bit.

I would rather stay on my own, walk my dog and watch TV than spend the day with someone who resented me and called me a miserable old fucker.

Agree. Also, sometimes it's just not possible to be with people on Christmas Day. I have a small family and elderly housebound relatives who live far apart, but we always see them over the Christmas period. However, it doesn't sound as though the DH wants any kind of Christmas with the OP's family.

nicepotoftea · 19/12/2025 10:34

Poetnojo · 19/12/2025 10:26

Or,
Which of you do you think is controlling? A considerate partner who cared about you like an adult would be saying to herself 'By being magnanimous, I can help my husband have a happy Christmas day even though I will be struggling with my family not being there too.'

It doesn't sound as though he would be happy on on Christmas Day whatever she does, or that he is ever happy for her to see her family.

nicepotoftea · 19/12/2025 10:35

nicepotoftea · 19/12/2025 10:34

It doesn't sound as though he would be happy on on Christmas Day whatever she does, or that he is ever happy for her to see her family.

And also, his family aren't dead.

He has decided not to see them.

Poetnojo · 19/12/2025 10:40

nicepotoftea · 19/12/2025 10:35

And also, his family aren't dead.

He has decided not to see them.

Yes I know that, just playing devil's advocate. I just changed the wife to husband in another post to show that he is always the one expected to suck it up and basically if he doesn't then he is being inconsiderate yet she won't ever agree to not have her family over for Christmas.
And how can you possibly tell he wouldn't be happy to have Christmas with just their own family? Seems like he's never once had that since they've been together.

nicepotoftea · 19/12/2025 10:45

Poetnojo · 19/12/2025 10:40

Yes I know that, just playing devil's advocate. I just changed the wife to husband in another post to show that he is always the one expected to suck it up and basically if he doesn't then he is being inconsiderate yet she won't ever agree to not have her family over for Christmas.
And how can you possibly tell he wouldn't be happy to have Christmas with just their own family? Seems like he's never once had that since they've been together.

Obviously he may be a little ray of sunshine if he can just have Christmas without his extended family, but from the OP's posts he has fallen out with his own family, doesn't like his brother in law because he is gay, and doesn't always spend Christmas with the OP's family.

MrsSkylerWhite · 19/12/2025 11:06

YourZippyHare · 17/12/2025 21:40

Another hysterical person online claiming 'abuse' is happening over something relatively minor. I don't like the silent treatment any more than you do, but some balance is needed here. It is also bad behaviour in a relationship to expect to be able to ride roughshod over a partner's wishes.

Agree. It’s his home, too. Alternate years is the obvious solution.

Poetnojo · 19/12/2025 11:10

nicepotoftea · 19/12/2025 10:45

Obviously he may be a little ray of sunshine if he can just have Christmas without his extended family, but from the OP's posts he has fallen out with his own family, doesn't like his brother in law because he is gay, and doesn't always spend Christmas with the OP's family.

Do we know why he has reduced or cut contact with his family? I've often seen that touted as advice to people on here, any perceived slight....cut contact, so who knows.

Holidaywoes12 · 19/12/2025 12:38

Poetnojo · 19/12/2025 11:10

Do we know why he has reduced or cut contact with his family? I've often seen that touted as advice to people on here, any perceived slight....cut contact, so who knows.

Yes, it is in my original post that he has cut contact with his Mother and sister this year.

OP posts:
CommonAsMucklowe · 19/12/2025 12:52

Your husband is an absolute dick and should be spending Christmas alone.... permanently!

Holidaywoes12 · 19/12/2025 12:55

Holidaywoes12 · 19/12/2025 12:38

Yes, it is in my original post that he has cut contact with his Mother and sister this year.

Sorry, I see you asked why. Yes he had very good reason.

OP posts:
MsTiggy · 19/12/2025 13:04

My late husband was also an expert in the silent treatment, grumpiness etc. Insert any scenario and he’d revert to his usual MO. Especially with my family. His mother would never come to us for Christmas, despite annual invitations, because his alcoholic father was drinking and she didn’t want to leave him alone. Therefore none of my family were allowed to be invited either. All very logical to him.
Thank fuck I left the boring bastard and now Christmas is so lovely.
Your husband doing on/off moods since October over one day, I’d get rid.

Cherrytree86 · 19/12/2025 13:13

NotAnotherScarf · 17/12/2025 21:30

It's odd, but she sounds like the controlling one. Every year, every single year,her family come to them. The brother she doesn't see from one Christmas to the next rocks up. "It's a no brainer my father's coming" that sounds really dreadful. Why can't dad go to the brothers for once?

She doesn't say who pays for all the food, booze, chocolate etc.

Could your husband just once have a Christmas without your family? Just the 2 of you and the kids. Could your brother host just once? Would it hurt just once?

@NotAnotherScarf

totally agree!

poor, poor hubby. Nothing wrong with not wanting anyone in your home - it’s your safe space!

stay home with him OP @Holidaywoes12 and look after him. All your time and energy need to go on him - not your dad! And not your bro! Least you could do.

SwingTheMonkey · 19/12/2025 13:15

CaptainMyCaptain · 19/12/2025 07:59

No one gets left alone on Christmas Day in my family. We even take in waifs and strays like grandson's housemate if they would otherwise be on their own.

Same in our family. I honestly couldn’t be married to someone who thought it acceptable to leave family members to have a lonely Christmas. Christmas is a time for being together- there’s the whole rest of the year for nuclear family times.

Holidaywoes12 · 19/12/2025 13:17

Cherrytree86 · 19/12/2025 13:13

@NotAnotherScarf

totally agree!

poor, poor hubby. Nothing wrong with not wanting anyone in your home - it’s your safe space!

stay home with him OP @Holidaywoes12 and look after him. All your time and energy need to go on him - not your dad! And not your bro! Least you could do.

My time and energy goes on my DH and children 365 days of the year,and DB for one.

OP posts:
Soontobe60 · 19/12/2025 13:22

My DH loathes any gathering at home so we alternate each year. It’s a good compromise.

Poetnojo · 19/12/2025 13:25

SwingTheMonkey · 19/12/2025 13:15

Same in our family. I honestly couldn’t be married to someone who thought it acceptable to leave family members to have a lonely Christmas. Christmas is a time for being together- there’s the whole rest of the year for nuclear family times.

Tell that to every single woman, and there are many, who comes on here saying she doesn't want her in laws around for Christmas 😂

KaleidoscopeSmile · 19/12/2025 13:28

randomusernam · 17/12/2025 21:23

So every year he doesn’t want to do a big thing and every year you have your family over. Never saying every other, dad could go to brothers house, you could go out. Please someone tell me what I’m missing? Sounds to me like you don’t listen to him and he gets fed up of being ignored so ignores you back. Relationships are about compromise not just always doing what you want to every year. Don’t surprise me loads of people are agreeing with you on here though. Maybe get off the man hating forum and go and discuss this with your partner.

Man hating forum - ha ha!

You're funny

nicepotoftea · 19/12/2025 13:29

Poetnojo · 19/12/2025 13:25

Tell that to every single woman, and there are many, who comes on here saying she doesn't want her in laws around for Christmas 😂

I don't think there are two many threads saying 'I don't want my MIL to come to my house on Christmas Day. She is a widow who has nowhere else to go, and I can't explain what she does wrong, and I'm not expected to do anything for her. DH does all the cooking. I just don't want her there'.

CaptainMyCaptain · 19/12/2025 13:30

Poetnojo · 19/12/2025 13:25

Tell that to every single woman, and there are many, who comes on here saying she doesn't want her in laws around for Christmas 😂

I would say the same actually unless there is a good reason. There is a difference though if the woman is doing all the work especially if the in laws are demanding something different to what she had planned.