50 Christmas Fails That Prove Not Everything Goes As Planned During The Holidays

Christmas is a time for fun, family, and lots of activities. From shopping for gifts to cooking meals and decorating the house, there’s always something to do. But sometimes, things don’t go as planned, and that’s when the funniest Christmas fails happen.

Setting up the Christmas tree is one of the most common mishaps. Whether it’s too big for the room or the kids knock it over, trees can cause chaos. Decorating can be just as tricky.

Untangling Christmas lights is a never-ending struggle, and it can be frustrating when half the lights don’t work. However, looking back, it’s often hilarious.

Christmas dinners also have their own set of challenges. The turkey might be undercooked, the potatoes might be over-mashed, or the pie might end up burnt. These cooking fails often lead to last-minute fixes or even ordering takeout, but they make for great stories later.

Gift-giving can also lead to funny moments. Imagine giving someone a sweater that’s too big or an unexpected gift. The awkwardness in those moments can be funny, and sometimes, those gifts become the season's best stories.

Finally, there are those random accidents—slipping on the ice while bringing in the tree or a pet knocking over decorations. They might be annoying at the time, but they add to the fun and laughter later on.

We've rounded up some of the funniest Christmas mishaps from the internet to add a little humor to your holiday season. Sit back and enjoy, and be glad you're not the one in these situations.

Not every Christmas is perfect...

Pexels

"I Got Fired So This Is My Christmas Alone"

Draw-OCoward

"How I Received My Xmas Gift From Amazon"

MC0295

The holiday season can be overwhelming, and it's easy for stress to seep into family gatherings. Brené Brown, a researcher on vulnerability and shame, emphasizes that setting realistic expectations is crucial during this busy time. She notes that our perception of a 'perfect holiday' can lead to disappointment and anxiety. Instead, consider focusing on experiences rather than perfection, which can foster a more meaningful celebration.

Brown suggests sharing your feelings with loved ones, encouraging open dialogue about holiday pressures and expectations to alleviate stress.

"Just Noticed I Have Been Given The Wrong Tablets By The Pharmacist And Taking Them For A Month. Was Prescribed Blood Pressure Tablets (Enalapril). Received Anti-Depressants (Escitalopram). Explains Weird Side Effects From Before Xmas"

Christopherfromtheuk

"Someone No Longer Fits Into Their Christmas Sweater And Can’t Get It Off"

Notnotstrange

"Got My Nieces (3) This Tent For Christmas. One Ran Away And One Started To Cry. My SIL Was Like, 'We Have One Of Those; It’s The Time-Out Tent'"

ClapBackBetty

Managing Holiday Expectations

Expectations can create a breeding ground for disappointment during the holidays. According to Dr. Laurie Santos, a psychology professor at Yale, the key to enjoying the season lies in mindfulness and gratitude practices. She highlights how these practices help individuals focus on present moments rather than getting caught up in idealized visions of holiday cheer.

Santos recommends taking time each day to reflect on what you're thankful for, which can shift your mindset and enhance your holiday experience.

"Over The Holidays My Sister Tried To Make A Peppermint Candy Platter On A Perforated Pizza Pan"

tree_basher

"Helped Clean A Camp Site For Christmas. Dropped A Rock Slab On My Toe"

Mundane_Soap

"It’s Christmas Eve And I Caught Scarlet Fever"

rocklou

Decorating mishaps often lead to funny memories, but they can also be avoided with proper planning. Marie Kondo, an organizing consultant, advocates for thoughtful organization of holiday decorations. By categorizing and storing items properly, you can avoid the chaos of tangled lights or misplaced ornaments.

Kondo advises creating a designated space for your holiday decor and ensuring that everything has a specific home. This strategy not only simplifies decorating but also minimizes stress during the busy season.

"My 16-Year-Old Sister Spent Two Hours Cooking Christmas Dinner And My Mom Won't Eat Because She's Mad That She Didn't Like Her Present"

definitelyciscyrus

"Well, This Isn't A Good Thing To Come Home To After Christmas Holiday"

Makaisawesome

"Got Fired Right Before Christmas, Got This Monster Immediately After And Will Probably Have It For New Year's"

throwaway45342167

The Emotional Impact of Holiday Fails

Holiday fails can sometimes lead to feelings of embarrassment or frustration. Dr. Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist, highlights the importance of resilience during these moments. He suggests reframing failures as opportunities for growth and connection.

Grant encourages families to share their funny holiday stories as a bonding experience, transforming potential stress into laughter and shared memories. This approach not only eases tension but also strengthens family ties.

"Got Norovirus On Christmas Eve. This Is How I'm Spending The Night"

Rudysis

"Christmas Is Starting Off With A Bang"

SewSewBlue

"Christmas Just Got Cancelled"

Laurids-p

Dr. Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist, emphasizes the role of relationships during the holidays. Holiday stress can strain family dynamics, but understanding your loved ones' attachment styles may help foster harmony.

Fisher suggests open communication and empathy as tools for navigating potential conflicts. By recognizing each person's emotional triggers, families can create a supportive environment that nurtures connection and understanding, ensuring a more enjoyable holiday experience.

"BF Stood Me Up"

Cheesencrqckerz

"An Attempt At A Christmas Cake"

dgib

"Toddler Threw His Christmas Present At My Christmas Present"

Ranger-K

Coping with Holiday Loneliness

For some, the holiday season can magnify feelings of loneliness. Dr. T. Berry Brazelton, a pediatrician, notes the importance of social support networks during these times. He suggests reaching out to friends or participating in community events to combat isolation.

Brazelton emphasizes that building connections can provide comfort and joy, reminding individuals that they are not alone in their experiences. Engaging in volunteer work is another effective way to foster community and lift spirits during the holidays.

"There Was An Attempt To Buy A Christmas Blanket From Temu"

Jazullo913

"Had Such Bad Diarrhea The Past Few Days That My Christmas Plans Got Canceled And I Ended Up Needing An IV Drip"

hospitalbedside

"My Dad Bought A Set Of AI-Generated Christmas Mats"

The_Eternal_Garden

Cooking disasters can happen to anyone during the holidays, but they often become cherished stories. Dr. Josh Axe, a chiropractor and nutritionist, suggests planning meals in advance to mitigate potential kitchen chaos. He recommends creating a menu that incorporates family favorites while considering dietary restrictions.

Axe emphasizes that preparation is key; organizing ingredients and cooking schedules can make the process smoother, allowing for a more enjoyable cooking experience and less stress.

"Boss Canceled Our Christmas Party Because This Broke The Bank"

vando_commando

"Brand New $300 Microwave From Amazon Came Full Of Crusty Old Food"

manute-bol-big-heart

"Some Person Cut My Christmas Lights The Day After Getting Them Out"

brownpapertowel

The Importance of Self-Care

During the holidays, self-care often takes a backseat to family obligations. Dr. Chris Kresser, a functional medicine expert, stresses the importance of prioritizing health and well-being. He recommends setting aside time for self-care practices, even amidst the hustle and bustle.

Kresser suggests simple activities like meditation or gentle exercise to recharge. By focusing on personal well-being, individuals can better manage holiday stress and enjoy time with family and friends.

"Had My Own Nightmare Before Christmas Last Night"

Belyea

"I Got Tipped A Chocolate Coin At A High-Scale Insurance Company Xmas Party"

Ariexe

"I Was Working In The ICU During Christmas Dinner. My Family Sent Me Pictures Of The Feast And Were Saving Me Leftovers. Today I Received Those Leftovers"

miller94

Gift-giving can be a source of stress, especially when expectations run high. Gretchen Rubin, a happiness researcher, suggests simplifying the process by focusing on thoughtful, meaningful gifts rather than extravagant ones. She emphasizes that experiences or handmade gifts often hold more value than material items.

Rubin also advises setting a budget and sticking to it, which can alleviate the pressure of overspending and create a more enjoyable gift-giving experience.

"There Goes Dessert For Christmas"

spyalien

"First Major Injury Ever And It’s Right Before Christmas. Ruptured Achilles"

Basutai

"Someone Gifted My Cousin A Charcoal Bath Bomb"

Eldergild

Creating Lasting Holiday Memories

Memories are often made during the holidays, and Dr. Penelope Leach, a child psychologist, emphasizes the importance of creating meaningful traditions. According to her research, consistent rituals help children feel secure and connected to their families.

Leach encourages families to establish unique traditions, whether it's baking special treats or participating in community events. These shared experiences can foster a sense of belonging, creating lasting memories for years to come.

"Surprised A Mobile Home Park With A 10ft Christmas Tree And It Was Stolen The Next Day"

sempiternslsanguine

"I Called My Mother After She Sent Me This Text. She Said She Was 'Just Being Funny.'"

LiterallyHow

"Christmas Dinner After Testing Positive For Covid Yesterday"

Bigg-Moistt88

Holiday travel can lead to unexpected challenges, but planning ahead can alleviate stress. Dr. Tim Ferriss, an entrepreneur, suggests creating a detailed itinerary that includes transportation, accommodations, and activities. He emphasizes the importance of flexibility in case things don't go as planned.

Ferriss also recommends packing strategically to avoid last-minute scrambles at the airport, making the travel experience smoother and more enjoyable.

"Got A New Phone For Christmas. Was A Bit Too Excited; It Fell Out Of My Pocket And The Screen Broke (It Lasted Less Than 2 Hours)"

Ilas_666

"8th Annual Ugly Sweater Christmas Party," I Said. "You Need Me To Write It Down?" I Said. "No, I Got This," She Said.

7laserbears

"Winco! Ruining Christmas Suppers Everywhere!!"

Busy_Obligation_9711

Understanding Family Dynamics

Family gatherings can bring underlying tensions to the surface. Relationship expert Dr. Esther Perel suggests addressing potential conflicts before they escalate. Open and honest communication is vital in navigating family dynamics during the holidays.

Perel encourages families to set ground rules for discussions, focusing on respectful dialogue. By fostering an environment of understanding, family members can enjoy their time together and reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings.

"Xmas Present From My Kids - Multifocal Pneumonia"

Odd-Independent4640

"Update: We Bought A Quest 3 From Walmart And Opened It On Christmas. There Was A Broken Quest 2 Inside"

Vladiesh

"I Got My Mom A TV For Christmas"

Harry-lover2020

Holiday crafts can turn into a source of frustration without proper guidance. Dr. Madeline Levine, a child psychologist, emphasizes the importance of age-appropriate projects to keep children engaged and prevent overwhelm.

Levine suggests involving kids in the planning process, allowing them to choose crafts that excite them. This approach not only enhances enjoyment but also fosters creativity and teamwork.

"Went To Exchange Christmas Eve Gifts And Realized The Present Was Damp... Turns Out The Tree Stand Has Been Leaking For Weeks On The Recently Refinished Parquet Floor"

ananda_yogi

"City Water Line Backed Up Into My Apartment Building On Christmas"

NewDadPleaseHelp

"Dad Forgot To Have Walmart Remove The Security Cases On The Christmas Presents"

Tedadore97

Maintaining Healthy Boundaries

Setting boundaries during the holidays can be challenging, yet it's essential for emotional well-being. Dr. Michele Weiner-Davis, a marriage therapist, emphasizes the need for clear communication about personal limits.

She advises practicing assertiveness by expressing needs calmly and respectfully. Establishing boundaries can prevent feelings of resentment and create a more harmonious holiday atmosphere for everyone involved.

"Merry Christmas To Me"

KingxKurt

"I Accidentally Bought Christmas Ornaments Without Strings... Glad Tigercake Is Willing To Help"

Similar-Brush-7832

"Finally Ate This Piece Of Holiday Candy My Partner Brought Home. Turned Out To Be A Hot Cocoa Bomb"

fishmister7

Managing finances during the holiday season can be a source of stress. Financial expert Dave Ramsey suggests creating a holiday budget to avoid overspending. He emphasizes the importance of tracking expenses to ensure that spending aligns with financial goals.

Ramsey encourages individuals to prioritize experiences over material gifts, which can lead to more meaningful holiday memories while staying within budget.

"Waited 2 Weeks For An Order Of 5 Things From Joann's Including A 3-Piece Metal Christmas Tree Skirt. This Is What I Received: A Tree Skirt"

KMB_TPA

"Just Opened My Xmas Filets To Cook Dinner. Completely Gray And Rancid. Now Xmas Eve Dinner For 6 Is Frozen Stuffed Shells. $190 In Filets Are In The Trash"

ACSanchez2

"Ordered My Partner's Christmas Present Three Weeks Ago. After Three Delays, Now It's Arriving After Christmas"

Kaycin

The Power of Gratitude

Practicing gratitude can transform the holiday experience. Dr. Robert Emmons, a leading researcher on gratitude, notes that focusing on what we're thankful for enhances our mood and overall well-being. He advocates for keeping a gratitude journal to reflect on positive experiences throughout the season.

Emmons suggests sharing gratitude with family members as well, fostering connection and appreciation among loved ones, which can enhance the holiday spirit.

"Opened My Puzzle Advent Calendar Only To Find It Was Missing The First 12 Days"

unicornisprime

"My Christmas Calendar On Day 1 Was Empty"

MagicMountain225

"Christmas Canceled Around Here... Who The Hell Told This Girl To Get Up At 3 In The Morning And Open Every Gift Under The Tree?"

TheInward07

Sure enough, the holidays can be hectic. However, on these occasions, the best-measured mistakes usually make the holidays more memorable. Those little mistakes remind you that you can take some time out to enjoy the memories.

Christmas isn't about the perfect plan. It is the fun, unexpected moments that remain in our memories. Accepting imperfection makes everything feel more real, adding to the holiday spirit.

Holiday celebrations are often marked by unexpected moments that can lead to both laughter and stress. By embracing the insights from various experts, families can navigate these challenges with greater ease. Whether it's through effective planning, open communication, or prioritizing self-care, there are numerous strategies to enhance the holiday experience.

As we gather with loved ones, focusing on meaningful connections and shared experiences can create lasting memories. Remember, it's not about achieving the 'perfect' holiday but rather cherishing the moments that truly matter.