We’re officially knee-deep in the holidays, which means ’tis the season for everyone to get in their feelings about relationships. Something about cold weather, seasonal depression, and the spirit of togetherness really makes some feel lonely. Specifically, it brings thoughts of ex-lovers to the forefront of people’s minds.
Cue all the poor souls sending their exes ill-advised holiday texts.
Apparently, these toxic holiday texts are so common that scores of Twitter users made them into memes. It all started around Thanksgiving of 2019, when people started mocking “I miss you” texts from ex-boyfriends. The meme texts ranged from assertive to sappy, and they all featured an image of the rapper Future, who had an infamously messy relationship with fellow musical artist Ciara.
“Happy Thanksgiving,” one Twitter user wrote. “I just wanna let you know I’m thankful for you & all the times we had. Tell your mom too. Miss you.”
Others joined in, crafting fake Thanksgiving texts with varying degrees of detail.
“Happy Thanksgiving, hope you’re well. I just wanted to say I’m thankful for everything you are. You a blessing, even when I couldn’t see that. I miss us but I see you’re happy with your new man. If you ever need a friend I’m always here. You don’t have to respond, just be well” pic.twitter.com/JmpNyhxfaZ
— Cinco (@BlvkKing) November 28, 2019
“Bitch I know you seen my Thanksgiving text. Quit fuckin playin wit me. Tell ya momma I said Merry Christmas and save me a plate.” pic.twitter.com/9JfhZITdwZ
— Cognac Papí (@Seaux5O4) December 25, 2019
“I know I’m a day late but I hope you had a happy Thanksgiving. We haven’t talked in a while but wanted to tell you that you’re one of the lessons I’m most grateful for this year. I know we lost our spark but you always in my heart, you don’t have to respond just wanted to say.” pic.twitter.com/GjHsQVdCbZ
— Costa (@BillyBobSanderz) November 29, 2019
Then, on Christmas day, Twitter users brought back the format—Future and all. Holiday text memes flourished in earnest as people made fun of ex-boyfriends who play the family card in an attempt to reconnect. Cousins, moms, sons—it’s no secret that toxic exes will use anyone as a tool to tug some heartstrings.
https://twitter.com/EazyyyEl/status/1209680882807844870?s=20
“I saw a Paw Patrol commercial this morning and it made me think of lil man. Hope you was able to get him everything he wanted. You’re an amazing mother so I know you made it happen. Merry Christmas to you and tell lil man I said Merry Christmas.” pic.twitter.com/1v52Bu3zEl
— somebody son (@Briggz_Kid) December 25, 2019
https://twitter.com/tez_brooks/status/1209828819240177664?s=20
https://twitter.com/DevDeDude/status/1209869849079533573?s=20
“I know I just posted a picture of me, my fiancée and our newborn son in matching pajamas this morning but I still wish it was you 🖤 Merry Christmas. Tell mama Cheryl she still got the best potato salad in the game. Love y’all forever 🎄.” pic.twitter.com/m0HlML7dt3
— Mel (@TheBaddestMitch) December 25, 2019
Other holiday texts poked fun at exes’ more melodramatic, self-deprecating Christmas messages. One person even referenced North Korea threatening the U.S. with a “Christmas gift,” combining two memes into one.
“Merry Christmas, I know we haven’t spoken in a while,” the Twitter user wrote. “I just want you know that if North Korea gives us that Christmas gift and wipes out 38% of the US population. I miss you.”
Similar tweets showcased the angst of this classic guilt-tripping technique.
"I know I'm the last person you want to talk to, but I still wanted to be the first to wish you a merry Christmas" pic.twitter.com/IU1Cmh8yFY
— happy hour honcho (@Dee_Ar_Jay) December 25, 2019
https://twitter.com/Nikhil_Dhanoo/status/1209911109794316295?s=20
Eventually, the meme evolved as people began tweeting ‘ex-girlfriend’ versions of the toxic holiday texts. Twitter users replaced pictures of Future with those of his rumored girlfriend, Lori Harvey. These ex-girlfriend counterparts featured the best aspects of the memes that came before them.
“Damn. Today would’ve been our son’s second Christmas. I know you wanted to keep him but I just wasn’t ready. I am now. I know you probably hate me 😔😔😔 but I hope you enjoy your Christmas. Praying for you and the fam ❤️” pic.twitter.com/khga1gGGeV
— Mel (@TheBaddestMitch) December 25, 2019
https://twitter.com/TheRealMarkitta/status/1209821756199882752?s=20
https://twitter.com/JE55ICAFANT/status/1209873788319490049?s=20
Whether you’ve been on the sending or the receiving end of holiday texts like these, one thing is certain: Be careful about the way you handle your exes. You just might end up being ridiculed by all of Twitter at once.
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