Should I Host Christmas Dinner Again? AITA for Taking a Break?

"Debating whether I'm the jerk for refusing to host Christmas dinner again despite family tradition and their pushback, seeking advice."

Sophia

Published in Interesting
19 Dec 2025

Should I Host Christmas Dinner Again? AITA for Taking a Break?

The holiday season is often filled with joy, laughter, and cherished traditions, but it can also bring a fair share of stress and pressure, especially for those who take on the role of host. In this Reddit thread, a 35-year-old woman finds herself at a crossroads as she grapples with the decision to step back from hosting Christmas dinner for her extended family after five consecutive years of managing the event.

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While she has been a dedicated host, the weight of planning, cooking, and accommodating various dietary needs has become overwhelming. This year, she has bravely chosen to prioritize her mental well-being, suggesting a rotation of hosting duties to alleviate the burden.

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However, her decision has sparked a heated debate among family members, particularly with her sister, who feels that the absence of the familiar gathering at her home would detract from the holiday spirit. As Christmas approaches, the pressure mounts, forcing her to weigh her own needs against the expectations of her family.

The comments on her post reveal a mix of support and criticism, highlighting the complexity of balancing personal boundaries with family traditions. As we dive into this discussion, it raises important questions about the sacrifices we make for loved ones and the importance of self-care during the most wonderful time of the year.

What do you think? Is she justified in wanting a break, or does she have a responsibility to uphold family traditions?

Original Post

I (35F) have hosted Christmas dinner for my extended family for the past 5 years. It started when my parents moved out of state and our house became the go-to gathering spot.

Hosting has always been stressful for me, from planning the menu to accommodating everyone's dietary restrictions. This year, I decided I needed a break from the holiday chaos.

Planning and cooking for a big group while also working full-time has been overwhelming. I gently let my family know that I wouldn't be hosting this year and suggested rotating the hosting duties to give everyone a chance to share the responsibility.

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My sister, Sarah, (32F) immediately protested, saying my house was the best for family gatherings and it wouldn't be the same without me hosting. She suggested we stick to our tradition and that it was unfair for me to drop out last minute.

My parents chimed in, mentioning how much they enjoy coming to my place for Christmas. I explained how burnt out I feel and how I needed a break this year to recharge.

Sarah argued that I was being selfish and ruining the family tradition. The pressure from everyone made me doubt my decision.

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Now, with Christmas approaching, my family keeps mentioning how they're excited to come over and how they can't wait for my delicious cooking. I feel torn between sticking to my boundaries and giving in to their expectations.

So, AITA?