My Family Didn’t Invite Me to Christmas — Then Saw Who I Celebrated New Year’s With….
The call came 3 weeks before Christmas. Natalie, honey, we need to talk about the holidays. I was at my desk in my Manhattan apartment reviewing contract proposals for my production company. It was 9:00 p.m. I’d been working since 6:00 that morning. Sure, Mom. What’s up? Well, your sister is bringing Derek’s entire family this year.
His parents, his two brothers, their wives, all the kids. It’s going to be a full house. They That sounds nice. It does, but honey, we just don’t have room for everyone. The house is only so big. I waited. I knew where this was going. So, we’ve decided to make it immediate family only this year. Just your father and me, Melissa and Derek, and Dererick’s family since they’re traveling from California.
I’m immediate family, Mom. Of course, you are a sweetheart, but you understand what I mean. Melissa’s married now. Dererick’s family is part of our family, and you’re Well, you’re still single. You don’t have anyone to bring. It would just be awkward for you. I set down my pen, looked out at the New York skyline. The city was already decorated for Christmas. Lights everywhere.
Joy and celebration. So, I’m not invited to Christmas. Don’t say it like that. You’re always invited. We just think it might be better if you came for New Year’s instead. After everyone leaves, we can have a nice quiet dinner. Just the three of us. Christmas is family only this year, I repeated slowly. You understand? Exactly.
I knew you’d get it. You’re always so understanding, Natalie. That’s why we love you, I said. Of course, and hung up. Then I sat there in my apartment alone, looking at the city lights and feeling something cold settle in my chest. This wasn’t the first time. It was just the most obvious. I’d always been the spare daughter, the one who didn’t quite fit.
Melissa was 3 years older, married to a successful orthodontist, living in our hometown in Connecticut with plans for babies and PTA meetings. Me: I was 31, unmarried, living in New York, working in an industry my parents didn’t understand. You work in television, Dad would say, making it sound vaguely shameful.
Like, I told him I worked at a strip club, film, and television production. I’d correct. I run a production company. Oh, that’s nice, honey. Melissa just got promoted to senior accountant. Every conversation, every phone call, every family gathering, Melissa’s accomplishments, Melissa’s husband, Melissa’s perfect life, and me, the perpetual disappointment.
What they didn’t know was that my little production company had just closed a deal with a major streaming platform for three original series. What they didn’t know was that I’d been nominated for two Emmy awards. What they didn’t know was that my company was valued at $87 million and I personally was worth about $34 million. They didn’t know because they’d never asked.
I spent Christmas alone in my apartment. I thought about going somewhere, taking a trip, but something made me stay. Made me sit in my apartment on Christmas Eve eating takeout pat thai and watching old movies. My phone was silent all day. No call from my parents, no text from Melissa, nothing. At 8:00 p.m., Melissa posted to Instagram.
A photo of the whole family gathered around the Christmas tree. Mom and dad, Melissa and Derek. Dererick’s entire family. Everyone smiling, everyone together. The caption, “Blessed to spend Christmas with family redheartic #grateful family in all caps.” I stared at that photo for a long time, at my mother’s smile, at my father’s arm around Melissa, at the space where I should have been.
Then I made a decision. I had a contact, someone I’d worked with on a documentary series 2 years ago, Adrien Costanos, tech billionaire, venture capitalist, one of the most influential people in Silicon Valley. We’d stayed friendly. He’d invited me to things, parties, events. his New Year’s Eve celebration on his yacht in the Maldes. I’d always said no.
Too busy. Too much work. Not this year. I called him on December 26th. Adrien, it’s Natalie Hammond. Natalie, how are you? How was your Christmas? Quiet. Listen, is that invitation to the Maldives still open? Always. You’re finally saying yes. I’m saying yes. Excellent. I’ll have my assistant send you the details. We leave on the 29th.
Bring something nice to wear. We’re celebrating properly this year. The yacht was called Serenity. It was 180 ft of pure luxury. Five decks, 12 guest suites, a full crew, a helicopter pad. I arrived with one suitcase and a lot of questions about what I was doing. Adrien greeted me on the dock. He was 52, silver-haired, handsome in that distinguished older man way.
Worth approximately $4.7 billion according to Forbes. Natalie, you made it. He hugged me. Welcome aboard. Come on, let me show you your suite. The yacht was filled with people, tech executives, entrepreneurs, a movie star I recognized, famous chef, all of them celebrating New Year’s Eve in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
It was surreal, beautiful, like stepping into a different world. “This is incredible,” I told Adrien as we stood on the deck that evening watching the sunset. “It is, but it’s better with good company.” He smiled at me. “I’m glad you came.” “Me, too. You know, I’ve been following your work. That series you produced about climate scientists. Brilliant.
You should have won the Emmy.” I blinked. You watched that? Of course. I watch everything you make. You’re one of the most talented producers in the industry right now. I keep telling people to invest in your company before you get too big. I don’t think my family would agree with you. Then your family doesn’t know what they’re looking at.
New Year’s Eve was magical. Dinner on the deck, pimping, dancing. At midnight, we watched fireworks over the ocean while the yacht sound system played music and everyone celebrated. Adrien found me at the railing around 12:30 a.m. Happy New Year, Natalie. Happy New Year. Can I ask you something? Why did you really come? I’ve been inviting you to things for 2 years. You always say no.
What changed? I thought about lying, making something up, but the champagne had made me honest. My family didn’t invite me to Christmas. said they didn’t have room, so I spent it alone in my apartment. And I decided I was tired of waiting for them to see me, to value me. So, I came here instead. Adrienne was quiet for a moment. Their loss, maybe. Definitely.
He turned to face me. Natalie, you’re brilliant. You’re successful. You’re kind. Any family would be lucky to have you. Tell them that. I will if you want me to. I laughed. That’s okay. Well, for what it’s worth, I’m glad you’re here. And I hope this is the first of many adventures.
He said it casually, but there was something in his eyes. Something that made my heart beat faster. Maybe it will be, I said. The photo happened by accident. We were having lunch on the deck on New Year’s Day. Adrienne’s chef had made this incredible seafood feast. I was sitting next to Adrien laughing at something he’d said, and one of the other guests took a photo.
That’s a great shot, she called out. You two look perfect together. She showed us. Really was a good photo. The ocean behind us, both of us smiling. Adrienne’s hand near mine on the table. We looked happy, comfortable, like we belonged together. Send that to me, I said. She did. I looked at it for a long time at this version of myself who looked confident and joyful, who was spending New Years on a billionaire’s yacht in the Maldes instead of alone in her apartment.
And I thought about my family, about that Christmas photo, about being excluded and dismissed and forgotten. So I posted it. One photo, it was me on a yacht in the Maldes with someone they all knew. The caption was simple. New year, new adventures. Grateful for amazing friends. Clinking glasses sparkles. I tagged Adrien. Then I put my phone away and went back to enjoying lunch.
An hour later, my phone started buzzing and buzzing and buzzing. I pulled it out. 53 notifications and counting. My phone exploded with calls. I opened Instagram. The photo had 847 likes, 93 comments, and counting. But it wasn’t random followers commenting. It was people from home, high school friends, college acquaintances, my parents’ friends. Susan M.
1967 asterisk. Is that Adrien Costanos? The Adrien Costos. Jenny from asterisk. Oh, Natalie. How do you know him? Tom Henderson asterisk. Wow. His wow. Living the dream. And then my family Melissa asteriskn call me right now. Mom asterisk Natalie Marie Ham and you call your mother this instant. Dad asterisk is this real? Call us.
The missed call started. Melissa dead. Melissa again. Mom again. A number I didn’t recognize. Probably Derek. I watched them pile up. Then I turned off my phone and went back to the party because the person sitting next to me was I didn’t call them back for 3 days. Three glorious days of sailing around the Maldes, swimming in crystal clearar water, having deep conversations with Adrien about business and art and life.
Attending a private concert on the yacht, watching Adrien pilot his helicopter to a private island for lunch. It was like living in a dream. On the third day, Adrienne and I were having breakfast on the deck. Just the two of us. Most of the other guests had left. “Your phone has been remarkably quiet,” he observed. I turned it off.
“Running from something?” More like running towards something. This piece being valued. “What happens when you turn it back on? My family will be calling. They saw the photo. They know who you are.” “Ah,” he smiled. and they suddenly care about you. Exactly. Are you going to answer? I thought about it. Eventually, but not yet. I’m not ready.
Good. Make them wait. Make them wonder. You’re worth that. I turned my phone back on that evening. 127 missed calls, 89 text messages, 47 Instagram DMs. I scrolled through the messages. Melissa asterisk Natalie, where are you? Melissa asterisk, why aren’t you answering? Melissa asterisk, is that really Adrien Costanos? Melissa asterisk, how do you know him? Melissa asterisk, people are asking me questions and I don’t know what to say.
Melissa asterisk is freaking out. Melissa asterisk, call me. Mom asterisk, Natalie, please call us. Mom asterisk, we’re very confused. Mom asterisk, Mrs. Henderson saw your photo and called me. Mom asterisk, she said you’re with Adrien Costanos. Mom asterisk, is this for work? Mom asterisk, please explain what’s happening.
Mom asterisk, your father and I are very concerned. Mom asterisk, why would you post something like this without telling us? Dad asterisk, Natalie, this is your father. Dad asterisk, please call. Dad asterisk, we need to understand what’s going on. Dad asterisk, is this man your boyfriend? Dad asterisk, why didn’t you tell us you knew him? Dad asterisk, this is very confusing for us.
I read through them all. Then I typed a single message to the family group chat. Me asterisk, “Hi, I’m fine. Having a wonderful time. We’ll call when I’m back in New York. Don’t worry about me.” The responses were immediate. Melissa asterisk, “When are you back?” Mom asterisk Natalie, “We need to talk now.
” Dad asterisk, “This is not acceptable, young lady.” I turned off my phone again. I stayed in the Maldes for another week. Adrienne had to return to California, but he invited me to stay on the yacht with a few other guests. Use it as long as you want, he said before he left. You deserve a vacation. And Natalie, I meant what I said about investing in your company, about working together, about everything. Everything.
I like you a lot. I have for a while, but I know you’ve been dealing with family stuff. I don’t want to complicate things, so I’m just putting it out there. When you’re ready, if you’re interested, I’d like to take you to dinner. A real date, not a work thing. My heart did something complicated in my chest. I’d like that.
Good. He smiled. Call me when you’re back in New York. We’ll figure it out. He left. And I spent another week in paradise thinking about my life and my family and what I wanted my future to look like. I flew back to New York on January 15th. Took a cap from JFK to my apartment. Walked into my building with a tan and a clear head and a plan.
My phone rang within 10 minutes. Melissa, I answered. Natalie, finally. Jesus Christ. Do you have any idea how crazy you’ve made everyone? Hi, Melissa. How are you? How am I? How am I? I’ve been fielding questions for 2 weeks. Everyone wants to know about you and Adrien Costanos’s. Mom’s friends won’t stop calling.
People from high school are messaging me asking for your contact info. Sounds stressful. It is stressful. Why didn’t you tell us you knew him? Why didn’t you tell us you were dating him? I’m not dating him. We’re friends and I didn’t tell you because you never asked about my life. What are you talking about? Of course, we ask about your life. No, you don’t.
You talk about your life. I listen. That’s how it’s always been. That’s not fair. Melissa, you didn’t invite me to Christmas. Silence. That wasn’t my decision. That was mom and dad. And you said nothing. You posted that photo with the caption about family with everyone there except me. And you didn’t think that might hurt. I I didn’t think about it like that.
You didn’t think about me at all. None of you do until suddenly I’m on a yacht with a billionaire and now everyone cares. It’s not like that, isn’t it? Tell me honestly, Melissa, would you be calling me right now if I’d posted a photo of myself alone in my apartment on New Year’s Eve? She didn’t answer. That’s what I thought.
Natalie, mom and dad want to see you. They want to talk. I’m sure they do. Tell them I’ll come to dinner next Saturday. And Melissa, I’m bringing someone. I called Adrien that night. Natalie, you’re back. How was the rest of your stay? Perfect. Exactly what I needed. Listen, I have a favor to ask. Anything.
My family wants to meet me for dinner, and I’d like you to come with me. Feel free. If that’s not too weird. Weird. Natalie, I’d be honored. When? Next Saturday. Connecticut. Fair warning. They’re going to be insufferable. They’re going to ask you a million questions. They’re going to try to impress you. It’s going to be uncomfortable. Sounds like fun.
I’ll be there. Thank you, Natalie. This isn’t just about showing them up, is it? Because if it is, I’m still in. But I want you to know I’m interested in you. Not in proving something to your family. I know. And I’m interested in you, too. But I also need them to see me. Really see me.
And having you there, it makes a statement. Then let’s make that statement together. I drove to Connecticut the following Saturday. Adrien met me there. He’d flown in from California that morning in his private jet. Ready for this? I asked as we stood outside my parents’ house. Absolutely. Though I should warn you, I can be very charming when I want to be.
Your parents are going to love me. That’s what I’m counting on. We walked to the door. I rang the bell. My mother opened it. Her eyes went immediately to Adrien. Wait. I watched her try to compose herself. Natalie, you’re here and you must be Adrien Costanos. He shook her hand. It’s wonderful to meet you, Mrs. Hammond. Natalie has told me so much about you.
That was a lie. I’d barely mentioned them, but my mother beamed. Please come in. Come in, Robert. Melissa, they’re here. My father appeared from the living room, stopped dead when he saw Adrien. Mr. Hammond. Adrienne shook his hand firmly. Thank you for having me. Of course. Of course. We’re honored.
Please sit down. Can I get you something to drink? I’d never seen my father like this. Nervous. Eager to please. It was surreal. Melissa came down the stairs with Derek. She’d clearly spent hours getting ready. full makeup, designer dress, hair perfect. Natalie, he hugged me, then turned immediately to Adrien. And you must be Adrien.
We’re so excited to meet you. We sat down in the living room. My mother brought out wine and cheese. Everyone was trying very hard to act normal. So, Dad said, “Adrien, Natalie tells us you’re in technology.” Adrienne smiled. I invest in technology companies, venture capital. I also founded a few companies myself back in the day. He’s being modest.
I said he founded Techcore, sold it to Microsoft for $2.3 billion. Now he runs one of the most successful VC firms in Silicon Valley. My mother’s wine glass paused halfway to her mouth. $2.3 billion, she repeated faintly. It was a good exit, Adrienne said modestly. But I’m more interested in helping other entrepreneurs now, finding the next generation of innovators, people like Natalie. All eyes turned to me.
Natalie, Melissa said, what does he mean? I’ve been trying to convince Natalie to let me invest in her production company, Adrienne explained. She’s doing remarkable work. That documentary series about climate change. Brilliant. Awardw worthy. I told her she should have won the Emmy. You were nominated for an Emmy. Mom said too.
I corrected last year and the year before. You never told us that. Dad said. I did. You were talking about Melissa’s promotion. You didn’t hear me. Uncomfortable silence. Well, Mom said brightly. We’re so proud of you, sweetie. Are you? Because you didn’t invite me to Christmas. The room went very quiet. Natalie.
Melissa said, “Let’s not do this now. Why not? You wanted to meet Adrien. You wanted to know about my life. This is my life. This is what you did.” We explained that. Mom said we didn’t have room. You had room. You chose not to make room for me because I’m single. Because I don’t fit your idea of what success looks like.
Because Melissa’s life is more important than mine. That’s not true, Dad said weekly. Isn’t it? Tell me one thing about my work, one series I’ve produced, one award I’ve won, one thing about my life that you actually know. They all looked at each other. No one answered. Adrienne reached over and took my hand.
Your family doesn’t know that you run one of the most respected independent production companies in New York. They don’t know that you’ve produced content for Netflix, HBO, and Amazon. They don’t know that you’ve been featured in Variety, Hollywood Reporter, and Forbes. They don’t know that you’re valued at $34 million and your company is about to close a deal that will triple that. My family stared.
$34 million? Melissa whispered. Plus the value of her company, Adrienne confirmed. Natalie is extraordinarily successful. I’ve been following her career for years. I invest in brilliant people and she’s one of the most brilliant I’ve ever met. We didn’t know. Mom said her voice was small. Natalie, why didn’t you tell us? I tried for years. You never listened.
You were too busy celebrating Melissa. Too busy dismissing what I did. So, I stopped trying. But we’re your family, Dad said. Are you? Because family shows up. Family makes room. Family cares about your life, even when it’s different from theirs. We do care. You called me two weeks ago for the first time in 6 months and only because you saw a photo of me with Adrien and suddenly I was interesting. My mother was crying.
Natalie, I’m so sorry. We’re so sorry. We didn’t realize that I was worth your time. That I’d accomplished something. That I mattered. That we’d hurt you. She said that we’d made you feel invisible. We were so focused on Melissa’s conventional success that we couldn’t see yours. I looked at her, at the tears, at the genuine regret on her face.
I spent Christmas alone, I said quietly, in my apartment eating takeout while you were all together. And I realized something. I don’t need your approval anymore. I don’t need you to see me. I’ve built a life I’m proud of. I’ve accomplished things. I have people who value me. I looked at Adrien. He squeezed my hand. But I continued, “I’d like to have a relationship with you, a real one, where you actually know me, where we’re actually family.
But that’s going to require effort from you. Real effort. We’ll do it,” Dad said immediately. “Whatever it takes, will you?” Is it’s going to mean listening. Really listening. It’s going to mean celebrating my success even when it doesn’t look like what you expected. It’s going to mean making room for me. Literally and figuratively. We will.
Mom promised. Natalie, we will. Dinner was awkward, but better. They asked questions. Real questions about my work, my company, my plans. Adrienne told stories about working with me, about how impressed he was by my vision, my ethics, my talent. And slowly I watched my family start to see me. The real me, not the disappointing daughter, not the single one, not the spare, just me.
After dinner, Adrien and I stood outside by his car. That went well, he said. All things considered, thank you for coming, for backing me up always, though I should tell you everything I said in there was true. I am trying to invest in your company, and I do think you’re brilliant. I know.
and Natalie, I meant what I said about that date. I’d really like to take you out when you’re ready. No pressure, but I like you a lot. I looked at him. This man who’d seen me when my own family couldn’t, who valued me, who’d stood beside me and made me feel strong. I like you, too, I said. And I’m ready for that date, for whatever comes next.
He smiled, leaned down, kissed me softly. Good, he said, because I’m not going anywhere. That was eight months ago. My relationship with my family has improved fully. They make an effort now. They ask about my work. They celebrate my successes. They invited me to Thanksgiving. Made sure I had a place. It’s not perfect.
There are still moments where Melissa gets more attention, where I feel like the spare daughter, but it’s better. And that’s enough. Adrienne and I are still together. We’re taking it slow, but it’s good. Really good. He challenges me, supports me, sees me. Last week, we finalized his investment in my company. $15 million for 12% equity.
We’re expanding, hiring, planning three new series. My parents threw a celebration dinner. Invited the whole family. Spent the entire evening talking about my success, my achievements. Melissa pulled me aside at one point. I’m sorry, she said, for everything, for taking you for granted, for not standing up for you.
I know. Thank you. You and Adrien seem really happy. We are. I’m glad you deserve it. He hugged me and for the first time in years, it felt real. On New Year’s Eve, Adrien took me back to the Maldes, back to the yacht. Just the two of us this time. We stood on the deck at midnight watching fireworks over the ocean.
You know, he said, “A year ago, you were alone in your apartment. Look at you now. Look at us now.” I corrected. I like that. He pulled me closer. Happy New Year, Natalie. Happy New Year. Here’s to the year we finally got it right. Both of us. We kissed as the fireworks exploded overhead. And I thought about that Christmas, about being excluded, about feeling invisible, about how sometimes the worst moments lead to the best changes.
I’d spent Christmas alone, but I’d found myself, my worth, my voice, and I’d found someone who’d seen me all along.
