Page 6 | DH going to the gym on Christmas Day!

AorticValve · 22/12/2025 23:58

theunbreakablecleopatrajones · 22/12/2025 23:22

The OP said nothing about pouring Baileys on her cornflakes and watching home alone.

She did say she had a toddler plus parents staying. From this anyone would surmise she's like to split duties with her partner - one cooks while one looks after the baby and entertains the olds.

Good for you if you and your husband are happy to juggle this with a run, but she isn't and that is reasonable - it's Christmas she wants to be able to chill out as much as she can. He can always go for a half hour run.

Are you normally this insufferably smug or is it a post surgery issue?

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Rude, much? Someone else upthread was saying Christmas morning is for cuddling up drinking Bucks fizz and watching movies. I don't want to do that, thanks. And it appears from this thread that I am far from alone. Plenty of people see the value of exercising before indulging.

I have my MIL to 'entertain' too. As I have done almost every year for the last 20 plus years, as well as having both her parents and husband before they died. It is not onerous. In fact, it helped with the toddler supervision when mine were younger, freeing up time for me to help cook. And it has never stopped us going for a run.

Marry an equal partner, get an equal relationship. Nobody 'allows' either of us to do the things we want to do.

theunbreakablecleopatrajones · 22/12/2025 23:59

dizzydizzydizzy · 22/12/2025 23:31

It’s a huge safety risk. I used to work in
a leisure centre. I also used to be a member of a gym with no staff.

in the leisure centre, a customer had a heart attack while exercising in the gym and stopped breathing. About half a dozen staff did CPR, shocked him with a defib, dialled 999 etc etc. He survived.

in the gym with no staff I went to a spin (exercise bike) class that was run by a person who wasn’t a member of staff. There were no members of staff there and no other instructors. One of the people in the class adjusted the handle bar of his bike but didn’t tighten it up properly and 5 mins into the class went over the handlebars and landed on his head on a concrete floor. This is potentially a very serious accident because you can get a spinal cord injury doing this and end up paraplegic (this is why you are not allowed to dive into the shallow end of a swimming pool). The instructor just froze and didn’t have a clue what to do. I ended up looking after the man.

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A friend of mine got trapped under a bar when she'd been a bit ambitious with the weights when working out alone

She managed to tilt the bar so it dislodged and the weights fell off, but it took forever and she did wonder if she'd be there for 12 hours 😳

Left · 23/12/2025 00:00

If it walks like a duck….

wouldnotswapwithyou · 23/12/2025 00:00

MrsSkylerWhite · 22/12/2025 23:51

Why would this stop them each having an hour or so to themselves each day?

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Then it’s just like any other day.

A strong family unit wouldn’t even think about being away from each other on Christmas Day.

I could imagine a park run working or something similar, as the spouse and DC could go and cheer the runner on and make it a fun family event.

Glitterybee · 23/12/2025 00:02

I don’t see a problem at all. I’ll be going for my walk on Christmas morning

theunbreakablecleopatrajones · 23/12/2025 00:04

AorticValve · 22/12/2025 23:58

Rude, much? Someone else upthread was saying Christmas morning is for cuddling up drinking Bucks fizz and watching movies. I don't want to do that, thanks. And it appears from this thread that I am far from alone. Plenty of people see the value of exercising before indulging.

I have my MIL to 'entertain' too. As I have done almost every year for the last 20 plus years, as well as having both her parents and husband before they died. It is not onerous. In fact, it helped with the toddler supervision when mine were younger, freeing up time for me to help cook. And it has never stopped us going for a run.

Marry an equal partner, get an equal relationship. Nobody 'allows' either of us to do the things we want to do.

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The Op hasn't talked about films or booze for breakfast though has she? You might not find your relatives onerous but many do.

Other people have said they like to exercise at Christmas yes, but none appear quite so dismissive of others.

Anyway, you've answered the question re smugness.

Tdcp · 23/12/2025 00:05

MrsSkylerWhite · 22/12/2025 23:51

Why would this stop them each having an hour or so to themselves each day?

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I was replying to a comment that stated that it was fine unless they had kids. But yes It's fine to take an hour to themselves however, during Xmas day when the other party isn't happy with it, it isn't fair. Why should he get to swan off to the gym while she does the childcare and hosts over Christmas day. Some people actually want to spend the day with their partners / wives / husbands. It's sad when gym bros get priority over the wife and kids.

WonderfulSmith · 23/12/2025 00:10

I’m surprised at all the people surprised the gym is open. The one DH used to go to was open 24/7. It was only staffed normal hours. You had a key fob to get in.

Valeyard15 · 23/12/2025 00:13

Xkk · 22/12/2025 23:30

This is the thing. Study of your life, not everyone's life. I never met anyone who used gym as an excuse for cheating so my argument is as pertinent as yours. Anyway, happy that you have a wonderful relationship.
Going to gym is not suss...on this thread only many people answered that they go to exercise themselves on Christmas day. What is suss for you is normal life for others. Anyway, I digress ...have a lovely Christmas! 😀

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Every thread has to have the "are you sure that's where he is?" poster. I think it's the law or something.

Dontgochasingrainbows · 23/12/2025 00:14

wouldnotswapwithyou · 23/12/2025 00:00

Then it’s just like any other day.

A strong family unit wouldn’t even think about being away from each other on Christmas Day.

I could imagine a park run working or something similar, as the spouse and DC could go and cheer the runner on and make it a fun family event.

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It is like any other day other than we exchange gifts and eat more. Its a pile of stress inducing nonsense in reality. We clean the house, we spend our monthly food budget in one week. We buy presents people could buy for themselves. We buy shite that ends up in charity shops. We cut down a perfectly fine tree to plonk in the middle of a room in a small house and hang lights on it and watch it die. We queue up to get into supermarkets and shops. We play mind numbing board games because we're told this is what people do in 'family time'.

We worry about trying to fit everything in, trying to meet people and remembering whatever they were up to last year when we last saw them. We work twice as hard so we can put on our out of office for a few days.

We spend the following week bagging things up for the charity shop, filling the bin, and complaining that we have put on weight before we book our summer holidays.

Some people are happy to conform and do the above.
For many others, they refuse to be drawn into the huge expectations. They want to enjoy their time off. If that means they exercise for an hour, or they go for a walk, or they go to church and sing hymns for an hour - so be it.

Its just a day.

Valeyard15 · 23/12/2025 00:15

As long as he is not ducking out of dinner prep, etc. then it's fine. If he is, then not fine.

novalia89 · 23/12/2025 00:17

WonderfulSmith · 23/12/2025 00:10

I’m surprised at all the people surprised the gym is open. The one DH used to go to was open 24/7. It was only staffed normal hours. You had a key fob to get in.

My friend used to work in a slightly more expensive gym and he said that it would always have the hardcore regulars there on Christmas day. I've done parkrun a few times and if he is going with his friends, that sounds sociable. The only negative is because he has committments. I don't.

Missj25 · 23/12/2025 00:18

Makemeanonymous · 22/12/2025 22:25

I'm not a great one for Christmas but we do try and make Christmas day special and have our own family traditions on that day.

I think it's sad that your H prefers to go off with his pals an do an activity he does regularly throughout the year rather than spend the day with you.

It sounds as though you don't count for very much in the pecking order if his friends and the gym are more important to him than you on Christmas day

Edited

It’s for 1.5 hours , calm down 🙄

MrsSkylerWhite · 23/12/2025 00:21

wouldnotswapwithyou · 23/12/2025 00:00

Then it’s just like any other day.

A strong family unit wouldn’t even think about being away from each other on Christmas Day.

I could imagine a park run working or something similar, as the spouse and DC could go and cheer the runner on and make it a fun family event.

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Stuff and nonsense.

We’re an incredibly strong family unit of 37 years. I shall take a walk on Christmas Day. My husband will find some rugby to watch.

Our daughter and her family will join us for a week on 28th. I’ve no doubt that she and I shall also take walks together whilst my husband, SIL and grandchild stay home and play Lego. Because they don’t like or can’t manage walking.

Roobarbtwo · 23/12/2025 00:22

Wifetobe21 · 22/12/2025 22:11

For about 1.5 hours mid morning. A couple of his mates usually go and have roped him in.

He is into his fitness but surely people can give it a miss for one bloody day?!

No big deal. I used to work for pure gym and loads of people work out on Christmas day

winterbluess · 23/12/2025 00:26

Pearlstillsinging · 22/12/2025 22:32

Which poor souls will be working on Cristmas Day to keep a gym open? It's hardly an emergency service!

Nah my gym you just scan yourself in, w4/7

AorticValve · 23/12/2025 00:26

theunbreakablecleopatrajones · 23/12/2025 00:04

The Op hasn't talked about films or booze for breakfast though has she? You might not find your relatives onerous but many do.

Other people have said they like to exercise at Christmas yes, but none appear quite so dismissive of others.

Anyway, you've answered the question re smugness.

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It is part of the wider thread about expectations of spouses on Christmas day. It shouldn't be that hard to grasp. Everyone can do the things they want to do, as long as they are also taking their share of the load in between.

You can continue to call me smug if it makes you feel better.

Yung93 · 23/12/2025 00:26

Did he go to the gym last Xmas? Are you certain it is open? Maybe do some research to begin with and come back. Whilst it may not be out of character for him, there’s a time for things. I’m sure there’s things you would do in your spare time but you wouldn’t dream of doing it on Christmas Day. Is he going Xmas Eve and Boxing Day also? Or just Xmas day?

Woodwalk · 23/12/2025 00:29

Dollybantree · 22/12/2025 22:28

I wouldn’t be impressed at all.

What would he say if you suggested similar ie. Just off for a walk by myself dp? He’d think it weird, no?

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I mean I will definitely be going for a solo walk on Christmas Day. I don't think that's weird at all?

MrsSkylerWhite · 23/12/2025 00:29

Woodwalk · 23/12/2025 00:29

I mean I will definitely be going for a solo walk on Christmas Day. I don't think that's weird at all?

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It isn’t.

MamsKnit · 23/12/2025 00:32

I think it's a good idea. We'd all be a lot less stressed out if we did the same. I'll be going for a walk. Or exercising in the morning before I leave to meet up with family.

Dontgochasingrainbows · 23/12/2025 00:34

Woodwalk · 23/12/2025 00:29

I mean I will definitely be going for a solo walk on Christmas Day. I don't think that's weird at all?

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I agree. I feel like I'm on a parallel universe. No wonder the Christmas holidays are so fraught

It isn't as if he's decided to pack a bag and stay overnight with friends. He's going out for an hour.

Are people that caught up in the Disney version of Christmas that people can't do their own thing for an hour.

What would you do if you were married to a farmer who had to tend to animals on Christmas Day? Say no its faaamily time?

wouldnotswapwithyou · 23/12/2025 00:34

Dontgochasingrainbows · 23/12/2025 00:14

It is like any other day other than we exchange gifts and eat more. Its a pile of stress inducing nonsense in reality. We clean the house, we spend our monthly food budget in one week. We buy presents people could buy for themselves. We buy shite that ends up in charity shops. We cut down a perfectly fine tree to plonk in the middle of a room in a small house and hang lights on it and watch it die. We queue up to get into supermarkets and shops. We play mind numbing board games because we're told this is what people do in 'family time'.

We worry about trying to fit everything in, trying to meet people and remembering whatever they were up to last year when we last saw them. We work twice as hard so we can put on our out of office for a few days.

We spend the following week bagging things up for the charity shop, filling the bin, and complaining that we have put on weight before we book our summer holidays.

Some people are happy to conform and do the above.
For many others, they refuse to be drawn into the huge expectations. They want to enjoy their time off. If that means they exercise for an hour, or they go for a walk, or they go to church and sing hymns for an hour - so be it.

Its just a day.

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I see your point.

But for Catholics, Christmas is so much more than what you’ve listed. So I couldn’t imagine Christmas Day without my DH and DC in tow for the whole day.

Each to their own.

Dontgochasingrainbows · 23/12/2025 00:36

wouldnotswapwithyou · 23/12/2025 00:34

I see your point.

But for Catholics, Christmas is so much more than what you’ve listed. So I couldn’t imagine Christmas Day without my DH and DC in tow for the whole day.

Each to their own.

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Can you elaborate. I'm really interested as I am Catholic and can easily survive the day without having the immediate family 'in tow' all day long.

wouldnotswapwithyou · 23/12/2025 00:41

Dontgochasingrainbows · 23/12/2025 00:36

Can you elaborate. I'm really interested as I am Catholic and can easily survive the day without having the immediate family 'in tow' all day long.

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We understand the true meaning of Christmas and we celebrate it by being together.

Everything else, such as the shopping, presents and decorations are just a way of showing it’s a celebration. Like you would do for a someone’s birthday, just this time it’s Jesus’.