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“She Can’t Come”: MIL Shocks Woman After She Rejects Her Mom From Joining Them For Christmas
“She Can’t Come”: MIL Shocks Woman After She Rejects Her Mom From Joining Them For Christmas
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“She Can’t Come”: MIL Shocks Woman After She Rejects Her Mom From Joining Them For Christmas

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Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy and celebration. The holiday season is about showing generosity and kindness to others and making sure that everyone enjoys a warm and cozy holiday. So when it comes to family gatherings, most of us think “the more the merrier!” 

One woman, however, has decided that her home doesn’t have space for one more person, even if that person happens to be her daughter-in-law’s mother. Below, you’ll find the full story that this daughter-in-law recently shared on Reddit, as well as some of the replies that readers left her.

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    Christmas should be a warm and cozy holiday surrounded by loved ones

    Family gathering around a Christmas tree, exchanging gifts and enjoying holiday moments together.

    Image credits: freepik (not the actual photo)

    But when this woman asked if her mom could join her in-laws’ celebration, her mother-in-law immediately refused

    MIL denies woman's mom's Christmas invitation; explains planned holiday split between families.

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    Text image about a mom wanting to spend Christmas with her in-laws, feeling sad and alone, but they aren't close.

    Text image with quote from MIL rejecting a woman's mom's Christmas request.

    Text expressing disbelief at turning away people in need, especially on Christmas, highlighting kindness and basic morality.

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    Text screenshot discussing a conversation with a MIL, mentioning a fake apology, gifts, and an awkward situation.

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    Text expressing a mother-in-law's response about not knowing someone's mom, related to a Christmas request.

    Daughter comforting concerned mother-in-law on a couch, expressing support and empathy.

    Image credits: freepik (not the actual photo)

    Text discussing confusion about MIL involvement in planned vacation.

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    Text expressing sadness over a mom’s treatment by MIL during Christmas.

    Image credits: Designer_Visit_879

    The best way to spread Christmas cheer is by showing generosity to others

    Man wrapping Christmas gifts at a wooden table, surrounded by festive decorations, focusing on holiday preparations.

    Image credits: freepik (not the actual photo)

    As a child, I considered Christmas to be the most magical day of the year. My parents bent over backwards to make sure my brothers and I always had a joyful holiday, and I will forever remember each Christmas as an incredibly special occasion. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that Christmas can not only be a time full of love and joy; it can also, unfortunately, be a time of great pain and sorrow.

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    If you’ve lost a loved one, celebrating Christmas might not ever feel the same without them. And if you’re struggling to keep a roof over your head or to put food on the table for your children, the pressure of trying to make the holiday season feel magical might be exhausting. 

    So it’s important to not only think about buying presents for friends and family members and cooking an elaborate feast. We should also keep in mind how crucial it is to look after one another. To show some generosity during this time and spread some holiday cheer, many people choose to volunteer around Christmas time.

    This might include donating presents to families in need, creating care packages for families or unhoused residents, serving food at a local soup kitchen, raising money for charity, singing Christmas carols in hospitals, donating toys to animal shelters or writing kind Christmas cards to elderly residents.

    There’s absolutely no better way to bring some warmth into your heart than to help someone else. And if there are people in your life who are struggling during the holiday season, it’s important to do anything you can to show them support.

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    The holidays can be a difficult time for many people, so it’s important to show loved ones support

    Two women in a supportive conversation, one woman comforting the other, who appears upset.

    Image credits: freepik (not the actual photo)

    Mind.org notes that Christmas can be challenging for a variety of reasons, including losing loved ones or going through a recent divorce. So to help show support, they recommend first understanding that Christmas will mean something different to every person. Be sympathetic to the fact that they might be struggling, and make sure they know that they’re not alone.

    Listen to what they have to say, and accept their feelings. It can also be a good idea to ask them what might help. Maybe they want to play board games or bake cookies and watch cheesy Christmas films. Whatever they’re in the mood for, make sure they don’t have to do it alone. 

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    Before buying a present, make sure that you consider exactly how it will be received. For example, food and alcohol-related presents aren’t always going to be appropriate. But gifting a loved one an outing that they’ll enjoy that you can experience together might be a great idea if they need friends and family to be around.

    If it feels like this person is putting a damper on Christmas or being a downer, remember that they’re not doing so intentionally. Everyone wants to have a magical holiday season, but sometimes life circumstances get in the way. Make sure that you’re taking care of yourself as well, so you can be in a good place to provide them support. 

     We would love to hear your thoughts on this situation in the comments below, pandas. How would you have responded if you were in this woman’s shoes? Feel free to weigh in. And then, you can find another Bored Panda article featuring similar family drama right here!

    The majority of readers agreed with the woman and called out her mother-in-law for being so unwelcoming

    MIL declines woman's mom's Christmas plan with strong refusal, highlighting family boundaries.

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    Reddit comments discussing a MIL's decision to decline a Christmas request, debating spending time with family.

    Reddit discussion about MIL and mom's Christmas request, focusing on family dynamics and expectations.

    Reddit comments discussing MIL response to Christmas request, mentioning disappointment and spending time with mom first.

    Text exchange about MIL's response to a Christmas request; user expresses disappointment and support for family inclusion.

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    Text conversation discussing MIL's reaction to a Christmas request, highlighting lack of empathy.

    Forum comment about MIL declining Christmas request, prioritizing her family dynamic.

    Text screenshot about in-laws bonding despite language barriers.

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    Comment advising to tell MIL you won't attend her Christmas and host at your own place, inviting your mom instead.

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    Comment discussing a Christmas request rejection and family plans, with advice on spending the holiday with one's mom.

    Reddit comment discussing MIL's refusal of Christmas request, highlighting irony and snobbish behavior.

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    Text describing MIL’s response to a Christmas request, highlighting family dynamics during the holiday season.

    Text exchange discussing a MIL's refusal to invite a woman's mom to Christmas.

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    Text from a forum post discussing a MIL and her refusal of a Christmas request.

    Reddit comment suggesting a Christmas plan, discussing spending the holiday with family and a Christmas girls' night.

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    Reddit comment from user Prett_Goblin11: "Just spend it with your mom.

    Text exchange about MIL denying a Christmas request, highlighting lack of generosity and holiday spirit.

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    Text from online comment addressing MIL's refusal of Christmas request.

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    Text discussion about MIL addressing Christmas request regarding family inclusion.

    Comment advising against spending Christmas with someone lacking holiday spirit.

    Comment about MIL rejecting a woman's mom's Christmas request, discussing family dynamics.

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    Comment discussing MIL's reaction to Christmas plans with mom; mentions choosing mom if MIL isn't accommodating.

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    However, some thought that the mom would be intruding if she attended the Christmas celebration

    Reddit comments discussing a mother-in-law's response to a Christmas request.

    Discussion about MIL's refusal to woman's mom's Christmas request on a forum.

    Poll Question

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    Adelaide May Ross

    Adelaide May Ross

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Read more »

    Howdy, I'm Adelaide! I'm originally from Texas, but after graduating from university with an acting degree, I relocated to sunny Los Angeles for a while. I then got a serious bite from the travel bug and found myself moving to Sweden and England before settling in Lithuania about three years ago. I'm passionate about animal welfare, sustainability and eating delicious food. But as you can see, I cover a wide range of topics including drama, internet trends and hilarious memes. I can easily be won over with a Seinfeld reference, vegan pastry or glass of fresh cold brew. And during my free time, I can usually be seen strolling through a park, playing tennis or baking something tasty.

    Read less »
    Adelaide May Ross

    Adelaide May Ross

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Howdy, I'm Adelaide! I'm originally from Texas, but after graduating from university with an acting degree, I relocated to sunny Los Angeles for a while. I then got a serious bite from the travel bug and found myself moving to Sweden and England before settling in Lithuania about three years ago. I'm passionate about animal welfare, sustainability and eating delicious food. But as you can see, I cover a wide range of topics including drama, internet trends and hilarious memes. I can easily be won over with a Seinfeld reference, vegan pastry or glass of fresh cold brew. And during my free time, I can usually be seen strolling through a park, playing tennis or baking something tasty.

    What do you think ?
    Skogsrået
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So much for Christmas spirit, i bet MIL thinks she's a good christian too. I don't understand how some people can celebrate Christmas all while being selfish heartless douchebags at the same time.

    Janelle Collard
    Community Member
    Premium
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's usually the AH's who think they're "good" christians.

    Load More Replies...
    CP
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To all the people saying it is rude to invite a person without asking first need to reread the entire story slowly. No one was invited without asking! No where in the story does it suggest that even happened. The whole point of the story was asking for the invite. This story would have been about the Mother showing up to the Christmas party uninvited if that had happened. How did people miss the entire point of the story?

    Lara Torres
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It’s good that she asked, but she needs to accept the no.

    Load More Replies...
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    Sunny Day
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm an introvert. I hate social situations. A perfect holiday for me is sitting in my recliner in my pj's, alone, watching movies. That said - if someone asked if they could spend the day with me because they didn't want to be alone, I would welcome them (and tell them to wear their pjs).

    CBolt
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OMG, that sounds lovely! Can we have a cat & a fireplace too?

    Load More Replies...
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    Skogsrået
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So much for Christmas spirit, i bet MIL thinks she's a good christian too. I don't understand how some people can celebrate Christmas all while being selfish heartless douchebags at the same time.

    Janelle Collard
    Community Member
    Premium
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's usually the AH's who think they're "good" christians.

    Load More Replies...
    CP
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To all the people saying it is rude to invite a person without asking first need to reread the entire story slowly. No one was invited without asking! No where in the story does it suggest that even happened. The whole point of the story was asking for the invite. This story would have been about the Mother showing up to the Christmas party uninvited if that had happened. How did people miss the entire point of the story?

    Lara Torres
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It’s good that she asked, but she needs to accept the no.

    Load More Replies...
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    Sunny Day
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm an introvert. I hate social situations. A perfect holiday for me is sitting in my recliner in my pj's, alone, watching movies. That said - if someone asked if they could spend the day with me because they didn't want to be alone, I would welcome them (and tell them to wear their pjs).

    CBolt
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OMG, that sounds lovely! Can we have a cat & a fireplace too?

    Load More Replies...
    Load More Comments
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