Holiday Horror Stories

Ah yes, the holidays.  A time of sharing, caring and good will towards men.  A time of pretty lights and thoughtfully decorated trees.  A time of gifts and laughter.

Or so we would hope.  

This thread is for those that have had some rough holidays.  Whether it be due to stress, work, family, I'd love to see some stories.   Stories about church services that have gone wrong are fine too.  Or a story about that mad dash for a gift at the last minute.

However, as a mod and as a user, please refrain from religious debates.  Posts that debate about the secular versus religion meanings of the holidays will be removed.  Let's keep it friendly.

I'll start off by sharing one of the worst Thankgivings I ever had.  I was at my parents house and my brother was there with his wife and child (who was in diapers at the time.)  Normally my brother and dad get along very well. Well, my dad and my brother had had a few drinks and started debating about gun control.  My folks don't see eye-to-eye on the subject with us kids and it got ugly fast.  

I'm standing in the kitchen, chatting with my mom, when I hear yelling from the dining area.  My dad and brother had gotten in each other faces.  The baby was trying to sleep and I figured I'd calmly jump in.  I suggested we go downstairs to avoid waking the baby.  Boy, was that a mistake.  It was like sticking my hand between two fighting dogs.

Without hesitation, my brother went, "Thanks, Nat.*  Thanks a lot."  My father yelled at me as well for getting involved.  I was shocked into tears and went downstairs.  I was quite upset and wanted to go home.  I needed to chill out first.  My husband was livid but he was more concerned about me than he was fighting with my family.

A few minutes later, my dad and brother came downstairs looking hang-dogged.  Apparently my mom chewed them both out for being  belligerent.  Then sharply reminded them that baby was sleeping.  My brother and dad apologized.  I accepted, but left very soon after.

Now we have a "no-politics" policy for the holidays.  Still, that wasn't a fun Turkey Day.

_{* Obviously not my real name.}