The phrase “Not My Grandpa” first appeared as a soundbite on TikTok in late October 2024, lifted from an obscure indie holiday short film titled The Third Stocking. The film, which premiered at a small digital festival in Austin, stars young actress Zoey Zimmer as Chloe, a cynical 22-year-old who discovers that her beloved, recently deceased grandfather was not her biological relative.
In the clip that broke the internet, Zimmer’s character stares at an old photograph and whispers to her best friend, “That’s not my grandpa. It never was. So why do I miss him?”
The line was supposed to be a dramatic turning point. Instead, the internet did what it does best: it repurposed the raw emotion for absurdist humor. Within a week, the “Not My Grandpa” sound had been used in over 400,000 videos—ranging from pet owners revealing that their “cat’s real father is the neighbor’s orange tabby” to people discovering their favorite coffee shop switched oat milk brands.
But then, the meme collided with the holidays. And that’s when Zoey Zimmer herself decided to join the fun.
Is Zoey Zimmer destroying Christmas? No. She is aging with it.
The "Not My Grandpa" movement is about recognizing that the rituals we inherited don't have to define the relationships we choose. And "Santa Is Cuffing Season" is about reclaiming the holiday as a time for adult romance, not just childlike waiting.
Zoey sums it up best in her pinned video, where she stands in front of a fireplace, a glass of mulled wine in one hand and a pair of fuzzy red handcuffs in the other.
"Look," she says, leaning into the camera. "I love my grandpa. I’ll see him on the 24th. But on the 25th? Santa is coming down my chimney, and he’s not bringing socks. He’s bringing a prenup. That’s the lifestyle."
Not My Grandpa. Santa Is Cuffing Season. This winter, don’t just survive the holidays. Cuff them.
Follow Zoey Zimmer on all platforms for more lifestyle satire, holiday chaos, and the ongoing saga of "What does Santa actually look like when the beard comes off?" Not My Grandpa - Zoey Zimmer - Santa Cock Is Cu...
Not My Grandpa " is a lively and charming entry in the lifestyle and entertainment space, particularly favored by fans of Zoey Zimmer's witty and relatable storytelling. This work—often associated with the "Santa Is Cutie" series—blends holiday whimsy with modern social dynamics, making it a perfect pick for those who enjoy lighthearted but observant commentary. Core Themes & Atmosphere
The piece excels at capturing the chaotic but heartwarming nature of family gatherings and festive celebrations. Zimmer’s writing style is:
Highly Relatable: She leans into the awkward, funny, and sometimes bizarre moments that occur when different generations collide during the holidays.
Visually Evocative: Her descriptions of settings and "lifestyle" details—from decor to fashion—make the world feel lived-in and festive.
Witty Narrative: The title itself, "Not My Grandpa," sets a tone of playful confusion or secret-keeping that keeps the audience engaged from the start. What Reviewers Love
Character Chemistry: The interaction between the protagonist and the "Santa" figure (often the titular "Cutie") is praised for its humorous and sweet pacing.
Modern Lifestyle Integration: Unlike traditional holiday tales, Zimmer weaves in modern lifestyle elements—social media tropes, contemporary dating, and current entertainment trends—making it feel fresh for a younger audience.
Escapism: It provides a high-quality "cozy" factor, making it ideal for readers or viewers looking to unwind. Final Verdict
"Not My Grandpa" is a standout for anyone who follows Zoey Zimmer’s work or enjoys the "Santa Is Cutie" aesthetic. It manages to be both a satirical look at holiday expectations and a genuine celebration of finding joy in unexpected places. If you are looking for more lifestyle content or books in this genre, you can find curated lists on Goodreads or The StoryGraph. The phrase “Not My Grandpa” first appeared as
"Not My Grandpa" by Zoey Zimmer, featured in Santa Cock Is Coming to Town, uses holiday tropes to explore themes of forbidden romance and the subversion of social taboos. The story centers on a relationship that challenges traditional family dynamics, using the festive season to examine themes of power and desire.
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Content Considerations:
Purchasing or Borrowing:
Not My Grandpa " by Zoey Zimmer is a standout short story within the Santa Cock Is Coming To Town
holiday romance anthology. It leans heavily into the "forbidden" and "taboo" subgenres of contemporary romance, specifically focusing on an age-gap relationship with a holiday twist. Review Summary The Premise:
The story follows a young woman and an older man who is a close family friend. The tension builds during a holiday gathering, leading to a romantic encounter that challenges social boundaries and explores "forbidden" attraction.
Zimmer utilizes "forced proximity" tropes. By setting the story during a festive event, the cozy and high-stakes environment of a family holiday is used to heighten the emotional tension between the characters. Narrative Style:
As part of a specialized romance anthology, the story is direct and high-heat. It targets readers who enjoy significant age-gap dynamics and tropes involving established family connections. Critical Breakdown "Look," she says, leaning into the camera
Given the short story format, the romantic progression is rapid. While those who prefer a slow-burn narrative might find the transition abrupt, the "instant attraction" fits the conventions of the holiday novella genre. Characterization:
Zimmer provides enough history to suggest that the attraction is rooted in long-term yearning. The specific social labels used in the story add a layer of psychological tension that drives the plot forward. Holiday Atmosphere:
The winter setting and holiday themes are used to frame the protagonist's emotional and romantic development, providing a seasonal backdrop for the story's events. Final Verdict Not My Grandpa
is a focused read for fans of transgressive romance. It delivers a spicy holiday escapade centered on age-gap themes. For readers who follow contemporary authors in the taboo romance subgenre, Zimmer’s contribution offers a quick, high-heat narrative.
Readers who enjoy age-gap tropes, "forbidden" social dynamics, and brief, intense holiday-themed romance.
Just when you thought Zoey was anti-festivity, she dropped the sequel that changed the game: "Santa Is Cuffing Season."
In lifestyle parlance, "cuffing season" refers to the time of year (usually late autumn through winter) when single people seek to be "cuffed" or tied down in a relationship to survive the cold, lonely months. Usually, this involves Tinder, Hinge, or a desperate DM slide.
But Zoey proposed a radical, satirical alternative: Why not Santa?
In her most popular skit, dressed in a velvet mini-dress (very not grandma’s Christmas sweater), Zoey sits on a modernized Santa’s lap—this time played by a shirtless, chiseled model with a fake beard and Oakleys. The dialogue reads:
Zoey: "I’ve been a very bad girl this year. I ghosted three situationships in October. What’s my punishment, Santa?" Santa: (Drops the ho-ho-ho for a low growl) "Cuffing season begins now."
The audience lost its collective mind. Zoey Zimmer successfully separated the icon of Santa from the identity of the grandfather. She argued that Santa, as a concept, is the ultimate "cuff."