AITA for not attending Christmas this year?
Skipped Christmas With a Newborn—Now My Mom Is Furious
A new father is facing family backlash after refusing to attend Christmas celebrations with a newborn baby just days old.
A new dad chose to keep Christmas quiet with a week-old baby—and his mother says he ruined her first grandparent holiday.
The Backstory and Early Dynamics
The couple—both in their late 20s—are expecting their first child just days before Christmas. With a newborn arriving less than a week before the holiday, they decided on a simple plan: no travel, no hosting, no big gatherings.
Their reasoning was straightforward. Newborns have fragile immune systems. Holiday gatherings mean crowds, noise, and germs. To them, staying home felt like common sense, not a controversial choice.
They had mentioned this plan casually before, assuming everyone understood.
The Moment Things Shifted
A few days ago, the husband brought it up again in conversation with his mom, “Betty.” That’s when everything exploded.
Betty accused the couple of being “helicopter parents” and claimed they were denying her the chance to see her first grandchild’s first Christmas. What the couple saw as a health-based decision, Betty saw as a personal rejection.
The Final Confrontation
Instead of trying to compromise or wait a few weeks, Betty escalated. She announced she would refuse to attend any other family holiday events because her son and daughter-in-law weren’t coming to Christmas.
The message was clear: if she doesn’t get what she wants, no one does.
The Fallout
Now the new parents are left juggling postpartum recovery, newborn care, and emotional pressure from family—on what’s supposed to be one of the most overwhelming weeks of their lives.
The husband is wondering if standing firm makes him selfish… or simply responsible.
What Reddit Thinks
Overall verdict: NTA (Not the Ahole)**
Most Redditors would likely side with the parents, especially given the baby’s age.
Sample responses:
- “A baby less than a week old shouldn’t be passed around like a fruitcake. Your mom is being dramatic.”
- “First Christmases aren’t for babies—they’re for adults’ feelings. Health comes first.”
- “She’s punishing the whole family because you won’t risk your newborn? That’s emotional manipulation.”
A few might suggest offering a short visit later—but very few would call the parents wrong.
A Final Thought
When does protecting your child cross the line into “hurting family,” and who really gets to define that boundary?
