'This is so sad': Mom's neglected stocking on Christmas morning exposes holiday gender dynamics

JR Atkinson • Writer and Editor

Dec 22, 2023 4:00 PM EST

Holidays run on moms. I know this is a sweeping generalization, but it's one I'm prepared to make. It's especially true in my family, where my mom singlehandedly does the shopping, decorating, hostessing, and most of the cooking during the holiday season. It's easy to take for granted because she seems to enjoy it, but I know it's a herculean feat. And the rest of us just get to sip hot chocolate and open presents. It's a break time for the rest of us, but my mom is 100% in work mode.

This is also definitely true for a family who shared a video of their Christmas morning that illuminated their dynamics in an upsetting way. Let this video be your sign to get your mom/wife/matriarch/super hostess something nice for Christmas. Splurge on it, because she most likely deserves it.