Woman Doesn’t Want to Hang a Christmas Stocking for Her Partner’s Mom That Says ‘Mama,’ Now He’s Upset 

A woman’s choice not to hang a Christmas stocking for her partner’s mother has sparked debate online.

She shared the situation on Reddit’s “Am I the A——?” forum, explaining that she and her partner — whom she refers to as her “BD” (baby daddy) — are preparing to move into a new home. This year will be their first Christmas there together as a family with their new baby.

The woman said she planned to make stockings for herself, her partner, their baby, and their dog. But she was caught off guard when her partner’s mother, who isn’t expected to spend Christmas at their home, asked for a stocking too. According to the post, the mother also wanted hers labeled “Mama.”

The poster said she was instantly uncomfortable with the request. Since the mother won’t be present for the holiday, the woman felt Christmas should center on their small household and the milestones of their first holiday as a new family. She also said using “mama” instead of “grandma” or “granny” felt pointed and disrespectful.

She added that neither she nor the baby has ever met her partner’s mother — not by her choice, but because her partner doesn’t want his mother around the baby due to what he sees as unstable behavior.

The woman also described past criticism from the mother, including comments suggesting she wouldn’t care for her partner properly because the mother hadn’t “taught” her how to look after her son. She called the remark unsettling and stressed that her relationship with her partner is healthy and communicative.

After talking it over, the woman said her partner agreed they wouldn’t hang a stocking for his mother. Still, she sensed he might be a little hurt by the conflict and wondered if she was overreacting.

Commenters overwhelmingly backed her. One person wrote that even a loving grandmother isn’t entitled to be called “mama” in someone else’s home, adding that the title belongs to the child’s mother. Others said a stocking would only make sense if the grandmother were actually spending the holiday there — and since she isn’t, the request felt inappropriate and strange.