It's rare that you get to see your closest people in one place, so whenever such an opportunity arises, we yearn to make the most of it. But then your sibling complains there's no green bean casserole this year, your aunt starts questioning your relationship status, and after your dad brings up politics, disappointment sneaks in, making these letdowns the highlights of your time together.
But in order to remind ourselves that there's no such thing as a perfect family gathering, let's take a look at one Reddit post. Through this platform, user Badshark1352 invited everyone to share the juiciest Thanksgiving stories they have. Its comment section is full of memorable experiences, proving that life really can be stranger than fiction. Hopefully, they can allow you to see some normality in the chaos!
#1
Not as juicy or dysfunctional as everyone's here but it's kinda sweet so I'll share.
My girlfriend and my parents met for the first time, so it was a combination of families celebrating. My parents hardly speak English (we're Vietnamese), her parents hardly speak Vietnamese (they're white).
BUT, her family loved my mum's cooking, our parents were able to somehow chat and have a 3 hours long conversation in broken English, and I got to play GTA V with her nieces and nephews, and her brother (who will be my brother in law).
AND when everyone was leaving, my parents and her parents took photos together :') it was so cute you guys.
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394points
#2
Not drama, but the big convo this year was my dad revealed he secretly quit smoking in April of this year. He smoked for 60 years.
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305points
Stress is linked to a number of harmful side effects, such as worse sleep and increased skin problems. However, with Thanksgiving and the approaching holiday season, it can feel almost unavoidable.
So we contacted psychiatrist and author Pamela Cantor, M.D., to talk about managing it. "The holidays can be reminders of someone we have loved and lost, and of physical distance from family and friends," Cantor told Bored Panda.
"They can also be times for taking stock of our careers and relationships, of what feels like success, or where we may be falling short. And anyone traveling during the holidays knows that dealing with traffic, bad weather, or jam-packed planes, trains, and buses can be very stressful!"
#3
My stepdaughter's boyfriend moved in with up last year because his mom is a piece of s**t. She left his dad and shacked up with a boyfriend who didn't like him. So he came to us and has been here since. She attempted to maintain a decent relationship for a while. Left the guy. Got a good job to take care of his two younger siblings. This is while my husband and I have been dealing with the fallout of her lack of common sense coming out through him. ( He is a great kid, but has serious knowledge gaps, like oil changes and taxes) So in October she met her 4th love of her life so far this year. She tried pretending that her driving ten hours to Louisiana wasn't for romance, they were good friends. So she then abandoned her younger son (15) and took her daughter (14) to Louisiana to live with this guy and his son. Now she's back for the holiday and is flipping s**t that her son's would rather be at my house instead of where she is staying. Even going so far as having the daughter call sobbing asking them why they love us more then their real family. And her calling me and my stepdaughter trying to get us to convince them. Hard no. You don't abandon your teenagers for random a*s men after demolishing the only home they knew and then expect them to just welcome you whenever you feel like playing mom. He's 18 but guess what, he's a part of a household of which I'm in charge. You lost your power here by being a s****y human.
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229points
#4
We planned for six (including my wife and I) to attend. We host and it's always a pleasant time. Thanksgiving is my favorite because it's just about family and food.
Unfortunately my uncle's dementia has really kicked off over the last few weeks and due to various reasons we simply ended up cooking then delivering that food to multiple locations to support a family bring crushed by one of the most horrendous diseases I've ever witnessed.
F**k dementia. F**k the VA. F**k the US "healthcare system". F**k social services. Just f**k it all.
219points
In 2022, the drivers of stress for this time of year included worries like affording holiday gifts (50%) and meals (39%) as well as finding and securing holiday gifts (37%). But while we're running from one store to the other, it can be a good idea to take a break, spend some time with yourself, and forget about material possessions.
"Show gratitude and practice altruism," Cantor, who studies how we develop, learn, and reach our potential and can help others reach theirs, suggested. "Take a few moments to think about, maybe even write down, what you are most thankful for. It could be your health, a roof over your head, or friends you take walks with."
"Then choose something to do for someone else. Prepare a meal and deliver it to someone living alone, bring warm coats or toiletries to people in need, or make a donation to a cause you believe in. Doing these things reduces stress and boosts mood," the physician explained.
#5
My grandma got a new wig (short brown bob) and now bares a striking resemblance to Uncle Fester in Addams Family Values.
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173points
#6
Well, my ex wife called me. Asked if she could talk to me about something. One of her male coworkers was on a dating site and saw my girlfriend’s profile. I didn’t know and later today I get to have a conversation with her and let her know I have screenshots and she is now my ex girlfriend. The kicker? I caught my ex wife (of just over 20 years) cheating the day after thanksgiving last year. I hate this f*****g holiday.
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172points
#7
One year after announcing the ending of my engagement to a man, I’ve announced I’m gay and very in love with a wonderful woman. My Catholic family is less than enthused…
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171points
#8
Got into a verbal fight with my grandma because she wants grandkids and tried to ship me with my 2nd cousin (last time we met was when I eight). Tried to tell her she was making her and I uncomfortable with her creepy remarks (“you two would make beautiful children”) and then it spiraled into implying I was gay because I wasn’t into my cousin.
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161points
#9
Sister-in-law revealed to her ultra conservative Christian parents that she's part of a throuple less than 6 months after she separated from her husband. Wife and I are sitting back and watching the drama unfold.
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159points
#10
Was planning on my mother, my brother and his wife for dinner with my family. It’s our first Thanksgiving in our new house. My brother’s house is tiny (no dining room and 1 couch) and we are a family of 5 so can’t fit. My mother is a hoarder and there’s no place to even sit in her house. My brother decided he couldn’t leave his house, SIL stayed with him. Mother decided to go to their house. I have spent a ton on food, my wife spent the last two days cooking and I spent the days cleaning. Now I have a ton of food and I am left with the realization I am only good to fix all the stuff that breaks around their houses.
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155points
#11
My mom walked in and started, "You look frumpy, OP." So I went up and changed into a full suit and tiara. My mom somehow did not catch on but my brother and his wife pulled me into the other room so they could laugh their a**es off.
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149points
#12
My dad says I’m fat, and need to get in shape.
I’m 45, middle age *is* hitting me. But I weight within about 10 lbs of what I did in high school, and ran a half marathon this morning. I work out nearly every day, lifting and running. Also, he actually is about 80 lbs overweight, diabetic, and riddled with health problems.
Nothing like reminding me of that one right as the turkey comes out of the oven.
142points
#13
We did winco house brand vs stove top stuffing blind taste test and winco $.89 a box stuffing was like hands down waaaaaay better than the national brand. Things get pretty wild around here.
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132points
#14
I found out my aunt had a stroke a month ago and instead of going to the doctor she decided to pray on it. She now is in rehab because she has no function of the entire left side of her body. Love that catholic Hispanic logic.
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128points
#15
My dad decided to explain to the whole table that happiness is a choice and that how we feel about “bad” things that happen is just opinion.
So my step daughter asked if he meant that the day her brother died was only a bad day “In her opinion”.
He said yes.
My wife (mother of the deceased) was sitting right there.
I think we were all too shocked to know how to respond, but we won’t be getting together with my parents again. I keep wondering if this is really the same guy who raised me or if something happened along the way.
120points
#16
My fiancés mother pulled me aside and essentially told me that the reason she’s been so cold towards me is that she feels I’m an inadequate partner for her daughter.
Her daughter who is a stay at home mom because I bust my a*s working to pay for everything we have. Who, upon hearing what her mother said, burst out laughing.
Definitely not any issues between my lady and I but it does suck to know your future MIL thinks poorly of you.
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116points
#17
Dog jumped on the table and ate a turkey leg.
Edit: she jumped up again and licked the butter. Dachshunds are sneaky when people don’t push in their chairs.
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107points
#18
My 70-something aunt who has dementia began taking off her clothes just as my uncle began the blessing before the meal.
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106points
#19
My mom admitted, in front of two random people she invited for the meal, that she wants my kid to call her mom. And basically chose her grandparent name to get as close to it as humanly possible. When she asked me why my kid couldn't call her mom, I told her because she isn't my kid's mom, I am. And I looked at her like her head sprouted dild*s. The awkward silence for the next few seconds was great, let me tell you. /s
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106points
#20
My sister brought her foster pup over. The pup bolted out the door and we chased her all over the neighborhood until it got dark. She's still out there somewhere, and we're worried about the coyotes and cold. I wish the drama was more about a rude guest or racist uncle. 😕
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105points