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As much as we’d like the cursed year of 2020 to end without leaving it the opportunity to raise our cortisol levels from stress even further, it doesn’t mean that the Christmas holidays are canceled.

In fact, if you’re reading the post, I must give you a big round of applause for surviving it, ‘cause at this point, no one can be sure about virtually anything. Like whether or not we won’t choke on a turkey breast covered in gravy, or whether or not you might enter a warzone with your in-laws for making fun of Covid deniers.

But that doesn’t mean there were no fails. On the contrary, Christmas makes everyone super vulnerable to all kinds of failure. Like, receiving the worst Santa gifts, finding the perfume bottle you gifted to your loved one next to the toilet fresheners, or simply realizing your Christmas hasn’t been very merry—no one is immune to their fair share of festive breakdown.

I leave the stage to this merry Bored Panda compilation of all the what-ifs and oh-my-gods turned reality that just reminds us once again that this is not your usual Christmas. It’s Christmas: 2020 edition.

#1

There Was An Attempt To Wrap A Gift For Christmas

There Was An Attempt To Wrap A Gift For Christmas

midnighthunder0 Report

#2

My 81-Year-Old Grandma Didn't Look Close Enough At The Jumper She Bought For Xmas This Year

My 81-Year-Old Grandma Didn't Look Close Enough At The Jumper She Bought For Xmas This Year

_hummusapien Report

#3

My Sister Rented A Flat Here In North Of Iceland For Christmas, This Is Her View

My Sister Rented A Flat Here In North Of Iceland For Christmas, This Is Her View

maggipedia Report

The average British household spends around £500 on gifts during the traditional holiday season, equaling Americans who spend about $650, according to BBC. Let these numbers sink in for a moment. Gifting is a quintessential part of the Christmas season, the act which makes us all somehow happier, and even helps to make our relationships stronger.

Equally, choosing the wrong gift to your loved one or a family member can have a negative toll on your relationship with them. Elizabeth Dunn, a psychology professor at the University of British Columbia in Canada told BBC that “choosing the wrong gift can be kind of risky for relationships because it says you don’t have anything in common.”

A similar 2008 study looked at how good and bad gifts can influence relationships. The results published in Social Cognition magazine showed that “males, as opposed to females, reported less similarity to their new romantic partner after receiving an undesirable gift, suggesting that males are more likely to react unfavorably to receiving gifts they do not want.”

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#6

Watched My Friends Dogs Today While They Were Gone, Tried To Get A Cute Picture For Them And Ended Up With Accidental Gem/Nightmare. Merry Christmas!

Watched My Friends Dogs Today While They Were Gone, Tried To Get A Cute Picture For Them And Ended Up With Accidental Gem/Nightmare. Merry Christmas!

jillyjillyjilio Report

Other studies have shown that while shopping for gifts, we tend to focus on the person’s unique traits. As a result, gifts become very specific, but it may lead us to “ignore other aspects of their wants and needs, which may make us buy them an inferior gift.” As an alternative, gifting the same things to multiple people won’t make them compare who got what, and they also may be happy with the same thing.

The question remains whether we, as a society, put too much importance on the vain side of Christmas. Stressing out about gifting and receiving gifts causes the danger of forgetting what we all gather for in the first place. After all, these unprecedented times that we live in now urge us to rethink our values and priorities and turn to increasingly everlasting things.

#7

Most Of My Gifts Are Stuck In A Distribution Center, And Have Been For Over 2 Weeks. Guess My Brother In Law Gets This

Most Of My Gifts Are Stuck In A Distribution Center, And Have Been For Over 2 Weeks. Guess My Brother In Law Gets This

TurtlesCantDrive Report

#8

My 6-Year-Old Got Tattoo Markers For Christmas And Disappeared For Half An Hour. Bonus: We Can't Get It To Come Off

My 6-Year-Old Got Tattoo Markers For Christmas And Disappeared For Half An Hour. Bonus: We Can't Get It To Come Off

stephicus Report

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Vic
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's one very mature looking and angry 6 year old :-D

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#9

That Is How You Know Your Mom Listens To Everything You Say

That Is How You Know Your Mom Listens To Everything You Say

BickertonMiss Report

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me
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To bee honest, those are pretty cute and those book's might bee good reads.

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#10

For Christmas, My Dad Received The Exact Outfit That He Was Wearing

For Christmas, My Dad Received The Exact Outfit That He Was Wearing

CircuitBoredom Report

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Cip IESAN
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

With this outfit nothing can go wrong, he really likes it!

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#12

Sister-In-Law Orders A Japanese Whiskey For Me Every Christmas. I Don’t Think She Read The Description This Time When She Shipped Me A $50 Bottle Of Soy Sauce

Sister-In-Law Orders A Japanese Whiskey For Me Every Christmas. I Don’t Think She Read The Description This Time When She Shipped Me A $50 Bottle Of Soy Sauce

Whippity Report

#13

My Girlfriend And I Bought Each Other The Exact Same Present. I've Never Laughed So Hard In My Life

My Girlfriend And I Bought Each Other The Exact Same Present. I've Never Laughed So Hard In My Life

joelham01 Report

#14

Well, Back To Video Games And Beer

Well, Back To Video Games And Beer

FlintTheDad Report

#15

I Ordered A 6ft Tall Rainbow Tree From A Facebook Ad And This Is What Showed Up. I'm Crying From Laughing So Hard, I've Never Had This Happen In Real Life

I Ordered A 6ft Tall Rainbow Tree From A Facebook Ad And This Is What Showed Up. I'm Crying From Laughing So Hard, I've Never Had This Happen In Real Life

soomanytomatoes Report

#16

I Got My 80 Yr Old Father This As A Gag Gift. When He Opened It, He Got All Embarrassed And Immediately Tucked It Away. Later, I Privately Asked Him Why He Got All Weird About It, And I Found Out That He Was Under The Impression That It Was A Sex Toy

I Got My 80 Yr Old Father This As A Gag Gift. When He Opened It, He Got All Embarrassed And Immediately Tucked It Away. Later, I Privately Asked Him Why He Got All Weird About It, And I Found Out That He Was Under The Impression That It Was A Sex Toy

PyroNecrophile Report

#17

My Parents (Late 70s) Got Me A PS5 Controller For Christmas. I Do Not Own A Playstation 5

My Parents (Late 70s) Got Me A PS5 Controller For Christmas. I Do Not Own A Playstation 5

Yabba_Dabbs Report

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Vic
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But they tired to get you something they thought you would like, but they don't fully understand.

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#18

I Know It’s Supposed To Be A Soldier Kneeling But I Don’t See That

I Know It’s Supposed To Be A Soldier Kneeling But I Don’t See That

I_dont_remember_it Report

#19

12-Year-Old Set His Lawn On Fire After Getting Magnifying Glass For Christmas

12-Year-Old Set His Lawn On Fire After Getting Magnifying Glass For Christmas

Christmas Day was memorable to say the least! My twelve-year-old son Cayden, who is an avid reader, an honor student, and interested in science, asked for a magnifying glass for Christmas. (It’s like a basketball player asking for basketball shoes.) We thought it was for reading, but instead, he tried to see if he could light a fire with it! We discovered that he and his two brothers went out on the driveway to see if they could burn a couple holes in some newspaper. Everything was under control until the boys came running into the house telling us that a corner of the lawn was on fire and the Christmas lights were melting! Justin and I rushed outside to see the entire front lawn turning black! We grabbed buckets, turned on the hose and sprinklers, and I grabbed blankets to smother and trap it - before it could spread any more into the neighbors' yard! What a sight to see - a bunch of people running around crazy trying to put a front lawn fire out while wearing matching Christmas jammies!
I want to reiterate this was an accident. It could have been worse but it wasn’t. So instead of a tragedy, it will now be a Christmas to remember! 2019 - The Christmas lawn lit on fire. Oh and never buy a magnifying glass for your son!

nissalynn.parson Report

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#20

The Letters On My Holiday Bathroom Towel Wore Off

The Letters On My Holiday Bathroom Towel Wore Off

Aliciab12 Report

#21

Every Year My In-Laws Have A Gingerbread House Competition And Every Year I’m Still A Disappointment

Every Year My In-Laws Have A Gingerbread House Competition And Every Year I’m Still A Disappointment

smugman246 Report

#22

I’m A 23-Year-Old Man That Can Rebuild An Engine, Fabricate My Own Parts, And Drive Anything With A Steering Wheel. But For The Life Of Me Cannot Wrap An X-Mas Gift

I’m A 23-Year-Old Man That Can Rebuild An Engine, Fabricate My Own Parts, And Drive Anything With A Steering Wheel. But For The Life Of Me Cannot Wrap An X-Mas Gift

ratrodder49 Report

#23

What I Ordered vs. What I Got

What I Ordered vs. What I Got

dylanciaga Report

#24

My Wife Started Painting Ornaments For Christmas, And Only Realized After She Finished This Bird That She Did It Upside Down

My Wife Started Painting Ornaments For Christmas, And Only Realized After She Finished This Bird That She Did It Upside Down

even-hungrier Report

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Capelli rosa e patate
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Still beautiful! Paint another on the other side facing the right direction and it looks intentional 😁

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#26

Wasn't On, Nobody Standing Near It, And My Oven Just Shattered. Just In Time For The Holidays

Wasn't On, Nobody Standing Near It, And My Oven Just Shattered. Just In Time For The Holidays

boozebonfire Report

#27

My Brother Got A Shirt For Christmas

My Brother Got A Shirt For Christmas

knochback Report

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Vic
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your brother looks a little pixelated, right around the face. He should see a good graphic designer for that..

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#28

Got This For Christmas Because I Always Lose My Keys, But Now I Can’t Find My Keys To Put It On The Keychain

Got This For Christmas Because I Always Lose My Keys, But Now I Can’t Find My Keys To Put It On The Keychain

roadtrip-ne Report

#29

Walked Outside To Leave For Work Today, And Some Kind Individual Stole All My Wheels. Happy Holidays

Walked Outside To Leave For Work Today, And Some Kind Individual Stole All My Wheels. Happy Holidays

Numbdeezy Report

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#30

Bought My Wife's Christmas Gift On 12/10 And Was So Proud Of Myself When I Paid Extra For Two-Day FedEx Shipping

Bought My Wife's Christmas Gift On 12/10 And Was So Proud Of Myself When I Paid Extra For Two-Day FedEx Shipping

It's been from WI to IL to NE to CO to NV to UT and is now in CA. I live on the East Coast.

ohmy00 Report

#31

After Buying Christmas Decorations For My House, I Was Biking Home And Was Hit By A Car (Hit And Run) Causing Me To Black Out From Massive Head Trauma. This Is How Much I Owe For My Ambulance Bill

After Buying Christmas Decorations For My House, I Was Biking Home And Was Hit By A Car (Hit And Run) Causing Me To Black Out From Massive Head Trauma. This Is How Much I Owe For My Ambulance Bill

ltran2645 Report

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Remi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah but you don't need universal healthcare in America... Omg...

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#32

When The Perfume You Bought Your Wife For Christmas Ends Up In The Toilet As 'Air Freshener'

When The Perfume You Bought Your Wife For Christmas Ends Up In The Toilet As 'Air Freshener'

baxterrocky Report

#33

Dad's Christmas Hasn’t Been Very Merry

Dad's Christmas Hasn’t Been Very Merry

altjxx Report

#34

This 'Bottle Of Scotch' At My Office's White Elephant Gift Exchange Was Stolen Twice Before Anyone Opened It

This 'Bottle Of Scotch' At My Office's White Elephant Gift Exchange Was Stolen Twice Before Anyone Opened It

strooticus Report

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Dave In MD
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Stolen means someone claimed it. The first person picks a gift, the next person and pick one or "steal: the one the first person got and then that person gets to pick another gift. The last person to pick has the best deal since they can "steal" gift from anyone or take the last remaining gift.

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#35

Apparently One Of Our Present From Family Was A Box Of Fudge. Dogs Figured It Out And Now There Is Puke All Over My House

Apparently One Of Our Present From Family Was A Box Of Fudge. Dogs Figured It Out And Now There Is Puke All Over My House

snarkicon Report

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Becca Gizmo the Squirrel
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of my cats sat in a Christmas bag under the tree that contained a blanket for my mom. And peed. I washed it good, kept it, and bought my mom a new one and moved all the presents to my son's room where the kitties don't go. Its funny because out if the 4 blankets I bought for gifts, the cat peed on the exact one that I wanted for myself but was giving it to mom instead. So it worked out.

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#36

Ordered An Ortament That Was Described As Ceramic In The Description (Top Pic), What I Got Was The Other 2 Pics

Ordered An Ortament That Was Described As Ceramic In The Description (Top Pic), What I Got Was The Other 2 Pics

thestonernextdoor88 Report

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MrsPossum
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aah, the official ornament of 2020. Expectation versus crushing DISAPPOINTMENT!!! 🙃

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#37

My Friends In The Sky Decided To Leave Me A Christmas Present While I Was Away. Thanks, Guys

My Friends In The Sky Decided To Leave Me A Christmas Present While I Was Away. Thanks, Guys

jmel3312 Report

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Simon Clarke
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's a guy a dozen posts up with a black biohazard suit he might lend you.

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#38

When Your Puppy Chews Your Son’s Big Gift On Christmas Eve

When Your Puppy Chews Your Son’s Big Gift On Christmas Eve

istheresugarinsyrup Report

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#39

Happy Christmas

Happy Christmas

mccalli Report

#40

Sibling Gift Exchange

Sibling Gift Exchange

rrrroasted Report

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Coco
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No need to buy presents if you are broken. But at least you could try to do something youself, intead of a sad empty box. What a wanker...

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BusLady
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I didn't have much money, so I gave home made gifts. Jars of jelly and masks (face coverings).

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Colin Mochrie At Its Finest
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Poor woman! That would be me so I get her pain. Secret is to not give anyone gifts. So. Much $. Saved. To be fair I have nobody to buy gifts for!

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Dreamwolf
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would be pissed to get someone a phone and get that sad excuse of a present back.

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JesT
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Exact same situation happened to me except I didn't even get a box, I got "but I'm your baby brother."

cindycollins_1 avatar
whitneyanderson avatar
Whitney Anderson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thats just plain rude. There was no need to put sorry in front if your just gonna say it anyway

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Tiffany Meyer
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The look in the sister's eyes...yikes Wouldn't go to sleep for awhile, bro.

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Des
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So what if he couldn't afford a gift? She loves him anyway, look at her smile! Family loves you with or without presents !

whitneyanderson avatar
Whitney Anderson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you finally some one else that see's that this isnt the end of the world for her

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JD Lee
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The smile says “really a**hole?” The eyes say “I know where you sleep.” He should be ashamed! I would be. Jerk.

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Daniele Ribolla
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

it's right for a prank, but followed by even a little present! sorry but it's unfair, also for a brother

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Lisa Tetlow
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, at least we know what HE'LL be getting next Christmas.

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Bryn
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You could have afforded something. You could have made something. But you decided to try to be "funny" and failed. F**k off.

whitneyanderson avatar
Whitney Anderson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

calm your @ss down. Just realize that you have no idea what happened after. Maybe he got her a cool gadget or something, and even if he didn't get her anything at least they got a good laugh for Christmas.

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Lisa Whipp Myhre
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My brother did that for my birthday ages ago. The enclosed note read, "One Gen-u-wine Berfday Suit...100% nylon."

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Juliette Dauterive
Community Member
3 years ago

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Sue Knerl
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You better get your sis something really nice when you can afford it, you POS.

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Christel Nellemann
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, i guess he reslly needed... a lot of everyday things for himself.

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Whitney Anderson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

he isnt self involved, how would he have known that his sister was going to get him a phone. They just got a good laugh. Happiness doesnt revolve around presents.

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Z Alexi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He didn't even make the box...found it...probably in the garbage. Full of bacteria & viruses. Time to divorce your vulgar brother. An unfunny, cheap, hurtful maneuver.

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Whitney Anderson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

what do you mean make a box? who would make a box? and ohhhhh so bad, viruses and bacteria ohhhh no. And the smile on the sisters face definatly says unfunny, and hurtful

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Becca Pruett
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow so many people not realizing this is an actual moment from Spongebob. The picture in the box. I’m pretty sure she got a present off camera and this a joke gift.

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May
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've seen these two before - she was wearing a christmas sweater with snowmen with long sticking out carrots for noses

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whitneyanderson avatar
Whitney Anderson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

are you kidding me, her eyes and makeup look amazing, you are just to blind to see that. Anyone can put whatever makeup they want without needing to be ridiculed by others

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Kateryna
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is it just me, or is something creepy going on on the sister's face?

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Chin Fong
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whelp. Less guys will marry her if that's the family she's attached to

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Whitney Anderson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

that is sooooo rude, you should marry someone based on personality and a little on looks if you want, not based on their family. And their family looks really nice and fun.

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StrawberryParfait
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Smirking idiot. Prepare to be disappointed, any woman who dates him. This is the kind of man who will never make any effort for your birthday, Xmas, Valentine's , or anniversary.

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Wolfstar
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Personally, I'd love to get a box with a meme in it. I love humor!

zalexi avatar
Z Alexi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You're not in this Xmas-gift exchange. Quit inserting yourself into stranger's lives. They've got enough problems w/o you butting into their Xmas.

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DanieLegz
Community Member
3 years ago

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The jokes really flying over some peoples heads on this one

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Leslie Burleson
Community Member
3 years ago

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I think it's hilarious. This is more meaningful than something bought in a store . This will always be a fond memory for them

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C.S. E.
Community Member
3 years ago

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On the flip side, why would she get him a new phone? Do you know your sibling at all? And that, people, is why, unless you birthed or raised me, I put monetary caps on ALL gifts I give. I'll bet she learned a lesson.

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K.
Community Member
3 years ago

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This comment has been deleted.

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