Broken Presents, Wrong Sizes & Christmas Let-Downs: How to Deal with Gift Mishaps Gracefully

Christmas morning is meant to be magical. The kettle’s on, wrapping paper is everywhere, and for a brief moment everything feels perfect. 

Then it happens: a present is broken straight out of the box, the jumper is two sizes too small, or the gadget simply isn’t what you hoped for.

If you’ve ever sat there smiling politely while thinking “Oh no…”, you’re not alone. 

At That’s Christmas 365, we believe that even the wobbly, disappointing bits of Christmas deserve kindness, perspective, and a practical plan.

Here’s how to deal with broken presents, wrong sizes, and festive mishaps—without spoiling the season.

First Things First: Pause Before You Panic

It’s completely normal to feel disappointed, frustrated, or awkward—especially if the gift came from someone who clearly meant well. Before reacting:

Take a breath

Remind yourself that Christmas is about people, not perfection

Avoid reacting in the heat of the moment

A calm response now makes everything easier later.

Dealing with Broken or Faulty Gifts

If a present arrives damaged or doesn’t work properly, don’t assume all is lost.

What to Do Straight Away

Keep all packaging – boxes, receipts, and labels matter

Take photos of damage or faults as soon as possible

Check the retailer’s returns policy – many extend returns over Christmas

In the UK, consumer rights usually protect you if an item is faulty, even if it was a gift. Retailers are often far more accommodating in the festive period than at any other time of year.

If the Gift Was Bought Online

Online purchases are often easier to resolve. Many retailers allow:

Gift returns without the purchaser present

Exchanges rather than refunds

Extended January return windows

If you don’t have the receipt, ask the giver discreetly later—most people would much rather you have something usable than suffer in silence.

When the Size Is Wrong (Clothes, Shoes & Wearables)

Ah yes, the festive sizing lottery.

How to Handle It Politely

Thank the giver genuinely—it’s the thought that counts

Avoid trying things on publicly if you already know it won’t fit

Check the tag before removing it

Most clothing retailers allow size exchanges without fuss, especially around Christmas.

If You’re Unsure About an Exchange

Some people worry about offending the gift giver. Remember:

They chose the item because they care

Exchanging it ensures it’s actually worn and enjoyed

Keeping something that doesn’t fit helps no one

Kind honesty, handled gently, is rarely taken badly.

When the Gift Just Isn’t “You”

Not every present is broken or the wrong size—sometimes it’s simply… not your thing.

Before rushing to return it, consider:

Could it be re-gifted thoughtfully later?

Would a charity shop donation do genuine good?

Could it be repurposed or used creatively?

If you do return it, many shops will offer store credit—sometimes leading you to something you’d never have chosen yourself but end up loving.

What If You’re the One Who Gave the Problem Gift?

It happens to everyone at some point.

If someone tells you a present is broken or doesn’t fit:

Thank them for telling you

Reassure them it’s absolutely fine

Offer the receipt or help with an exchange

Grace goes both ways at Christmas.

Keeping Christmas in Perspective

A broken ornament, a faulty gadget, or a too-tight jumper can feel upsetting in the moment—but they don’t define the day.

Christmas memories are built from:

Shared meals

Familiar films

Quiet conversations

Laughter over small mishaps

Often, it’s the imperfect moments that become the stories we laugh about year after year.

A That’s Christmas 365 Thought

Christmas doesn’t need to be flawless to be meaningful.

If a present breaks, doesn’t fit, or misses the mark entirely, it’s not a failure—it’s just part of real life woven into the festive season. Handle it kindly, fix what you can, and let go of the rest.

After all, Christmas lasts far longer in the heart than it does under the tree.

How to Handle a Christmas Guest Who Outstays Their Welcome (or Upsets Everyone Else)

When they have to go...

Christmas is a time for joy, togetherness, and creating cherished memories with loved ones. 

But what happens when one of your guests overstays their welcome or becomes the source of discomfort for everyone else? 

It's a delicate situation, but with a bit of tact and preparation, you can manage it without derailing your festive spirit. Here’s how:

Recognising the Problem

Sometimes, the signs of an overstaying or troublesome guest are subtle. Maybe they’re lingering long after everyone else has left, or perhaps their behaviour—whether it’s monopolising conversations, making inappropriate jokes, or ignoring house rules—is rubbing others the wrong way. Recognising the issue early can help you address it before tensions escalate.

1. Prevention is Key

Before the holidays begin, set expectations with clear communication.

Establish a timeline: When inviting guests, specify start and end times for gatherings or length of stays for overnight visitors. A casual mention, like “We’re so excited to have you from Christmas Eve until Boxing Day,” can set boundaries upfront.

House rules: If you have specific expectations—like no political debates at the table or quiet hours for sleeping guests—mention them in advance in a lighthearted manner.

2. Managing the Overstaying Guest

If someone doesn’t take the hint and continues to linger, try these strategies:

Subtle cues: Start tidying up, dimming the lights, or saying things like, “It’s been such a lovely day. I’m looking forward to a good night’s rest!” These can signal that the festivities are winding down.

Direct approach: If subtle hints don’t work, kindly but firmly address the situation. For example, say, “I’ve had such a great time hosting you, but I really need to start getting ready for [work, an early morning, etc.].” Framing it as your need rather than their fault can soften the blow.

Offer help: If your guest is struggling with logistics (e.g., needing transport), offer to help them arrange a taxi or public transport.

3. Dealing with a Difficult Guest

If someone’s behaviour is upsetting the rest of the group, it’s crucial to act quickly to maintain harmony.

Private conversation: Take the guest aside and gently address the issue. Use “I” statements to express your feelings rather than blaming them. For example, “I noticed that some of the jokes at dinner made others uncomfortable. I just want to keep things light for everyone’s enjoyment.”

Redirect the energy: Steer the conversation or activity to something neutral or fun. If they’re dominating discussions, shift focus by introducing a game or asking someone else to share a story.

Enlist a co-host: If their behaviour continues, discreetly ask a trusted guest to help manage the situation. Sometimes, hearing feedback from a peer rather than the host can make a difference.

4. Creating an Exit Plan

If all else fails, it’s okay to establish firm boundaries. While it’s ideal to maintain a welcoming atmosphere, your home and the comfort of other guests must come first.

Stick to your plans: Let them know you’re moving on with your schedule. For example, “We’re heading out for a family walk soon, so we’ll need to wrap things up here.”

Use external commitments: Mention upcoming obligations—whether real or invented. “I have to prepare for [work, an event, or other visitors] tomorrow morning, so I’ll need to wind things down tonight.”

Be polite but firm: If necessary, express your needs directly. “I think it’s time to call it a night. Thank you so much for joining us.”

5. Recovering the Christmas Spirit

Once the challenging guest has left, refocus your energy on the remaining guests and yourself. Take a few deep breaths, share a laugh with understanding friends or family, and remind yourself why you’re celebrating. The holidays aren’t about perfection—they’re about connection, even if it means navigating a few awkward moments.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with an overstaying or disruptive guest can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to ruin your Christmas. With tact, kindness, and firm boundaries, you can address the situation while preserving your festive cheer. Remember: this is your holiday too. You deserve to enjoy it as much as anyone else!

Have you ever dealt with a tricky Christmas guest? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!