A SINGLE mum has left people divided after revealing that she is refusing to cook Christmas dinner for her family this year.
The woman sparked fierce debate after complaining that her family make constant demands during the festive period, with the favour never returned.
Taking to Mumsnet, she added that the tiring process of hosting Christmas dinner means that she has less time to spend with her young son.
She said: “I’m a single parent and have been cooking Christmas dinner for family for a few years now but I’m finding it exhausting.
“I’m literally doing everything, and I mean everything.
“One year I was so exhausted that I fell asleep on the sofa.”
The mum revealed that her parents don’t help out at all, and are constantly demanding tea refills.
“I’m feeling I’m losing precious time with my little one as I’m too busy to spend any time with him.”
The mum has told her family that she wants to spend Christmas with just her son this year, as her parents haven’t offered to help her out, or to host the festivities themselves.
In response, her parents said that they will just have a steak on Christmas day, and her grown up daughter said that she would just go to her partner’ parents’ house.
“Not sure how I’m feeling to be honest, but looking forward to a quiet day with my little one for sure.”
The most was flooded with mixed responses, with some people questioning why the mum was complaining, as she told them what she wanted, and they agreed to it.
One person said: “It sounds like you asked for something and got it? If you wanted to be together but not cook, you should have just told them that, ordered everything from M&S or whatever and split the cost.”
Another person wrote: “You’re saying you don’t know how you feel about it, yet you got what you hoped for – a quiet Christmas.”
A third person said: “Wait – you said you wanted to just hang with your little one and have a quiet day and they said ok.
“And now you’re mad?”
Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save money on your Christmas shopping.
Limit the amount of presents – buying presents for all your family and friends can cost a bomb.
Instead, why not organise a Secret Santa between your inner circles so you’re not having to buy multiple presents.
Plan ahead – if you’ve got the stamina and budget, it’s worth buying your Christmas presents for the following year in the January sales.
Make sure you shop around for the best deals by using price comparison sites so you’re not forking out more than you should though.
Buy in Boxing Day sales – some retailers start their main Christmas sales early so you can actually snap up a bargain before December 25.
Delivery may cost you a bit more, but it can be worth it if the savings are decent.
Shop via outlet stores – you can save loads of money shopping via outlet stores like Amazon Warehouse or Office Offcuts.
They work by selling returned or slightly damaged products at a discounted rate, but usually any wear and tear is minor.
However, others were sympathetic to her plight, such as one person who commented: “It’s better to be by yourself than a slave.
“Enjoy the Christmas you want with your little one!”
A second person said: “Why don’t your parents ever host?
“Of course you are bound to be upset catering to their every whim.
“They sound selfish.”
A third person said: “It’s a shame none have invited you and prepared to do the hard work after years of you doing it.
“Just enjoy the day you and your little one. It’s nice to have a quiet Christmas.”
