A case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is described in a postmenopausal woman admitted for suspected recent myocardial infarction, triggered by significant social stress during a family Christmas dinner. Coronary angiography showed no significant lesions. Acute echocardiography demonstrated apical ballooning and an ejection fraction of 30%. The clinical course was uneventful and after one month, echocardiography showed complete resolution of the apical ballooning and recovery of left ventricular systolic function.