AITA if I prioritize buying Christmas presents above my cousin’s dog?
The holiday season sparkles with joy, but for one person, it’s brought a tangle of guilt and family drama brighter than any Christmas tree. Caught between a tight budget and the magic of gift-giving, they planned to surprise loved ones with modest presents like shoes and backpacks. But their cousin’s new dog has thrown a wrench in the festive plans, with daily pleas for cash to cover food, toys, and spaying—demands that threaten to derail the holiday cheer.
Saying no to a furry friend’s needs feels like a lump of coal in the heart, especially for an animal lover. Yet, with rent looming and family gifts on the line, they offered $100 instead of the requested $300, only to face accusations of misplaced priorities. This tale dives into the messy balance of family loyalty, financial strain, and pet responsibility. Who’s in the right? Let’s unwrap this holiday dilemma.
‘AITA if I prioritize buying Christmas presents above my cousin’s dog?’
Choosing between family gifts and a cousin’s pet care is a tough call, especially when purse strings are tight. The Redditor’s decision to prioritize Christmas presents reflects a commitment to their immediate family, but their cousin’s insistence that a dog’s needs trump “material” gifts creates friction. As financial psychologist Dr. Brad Klontz notes, “Money decisions often reflect deeper values, and conflicts arise when those values clash” (source: Psychology Today).
The cousin’s purchase of a dog without funds for its care raises questions about responsibility. Pet ownership costs average $1,000-$2,000 annually, per the ASPCA, and 20% of owners struggle with unexpected expenses (source: ASPCA). The Redditor’s $100 offer ensures the dog’s immediate needs, like food, are met, while spaying, though important, isn’t urgent. The cousin’s pressure may stem from guilt over her own financial misstep, but it unfairly burdens the Redditor.
Dr. Klontz suggests clear communication to resolve money disputes. The Redditor could firmly restate their budget constraints and suggest low-cost spaying clinics, maintaining kindness without overextending. This preserves family ties while reinforcing boundaries.
Take a look at the comments from fellow users:
Reddit users didn’t hold back, tossing out opinions with the zest of a holiday roast. Most called the cousin out for buying a dog she can’t afford, while cheering the Redditor’s stand to prioritize family gifts.
![[Reddit User] - NTA. She should’ve never brought a dog when she cannot afford the basic things for it. That dog is not your responsibility.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/234218tb-05.png)
These Reddit takes are spicy, but do they hit the mark? Or are they barking up the wrong tree with all that outrage?
This story jingles with the tension of holiday budgets and family expectations, showing how quickly a festive season can turn fraught. The Redditor’s choice to put family gifts first isn’t just about money—it’s about keeping promises to loved ones while setting boundaries with a cousin’s unrealistic demands. Helping a dog is noble, but not at the cost of your own plans. Have you ever faced a tough choice between family and a relative’s pet? What would you do? Let’s deck the halls with your thoughts.
