In many households, a big dinner on Christmas is a cherished tradition, where family and friends gather at one person’s home for all the festivities.
However, it’s not as common to hear of the host charging loved ones for that dinner.
This unusual practice is precisely what a British grandmother, Caroline Duddridge, has been doing for the past five years, sparking both controversy and curiosity.
Caroline, a widow from the UK, has implemented a unique system where she charges her family members for Christmas dinner.
This arrangement includes everyone, even her young grandchildren.
The payment, due every December 1st, covers the entire cost of the meal, including electricity.
This approach, while unconventional, has garnered significant attention and has led to a viral discussion about the norms and expectations of holiday gatherings.
Caroline came up with the idea after losing her husband and her income decreased.
Initially, Caroline tried a more traditional approach, asking family members to save a small amount each month towards the dinner.
However, this method proved ineffective, leading her to the current system.
The pricing structure Caroline has set is meticulous and varies by age.
Adults are charged 15 pounds, teenagers 10 pounds, and there’s a small fee for the younger children and babies.
This tiered system reflects the different consumption rates and needs of her family members.
The amount, when converted to dollars, shows a close parity, making the cost relatively reasonable considering the scale of the meal.
What do the family members get for their money?
Caroline ensures a full experience, starting on Christmas Eve and extending through Boxing Day.
The menu is extensive, featuring a range of meats and traditional Christmas fare.
This comprehensive approach to the holiday meal showcases Caroline’s dedication to providing a memorable experience for her family, albeit at a cost.
Not everyone has been too happy about having to cough up dough for Caroline’s Christmas experience.
The grandmother told Newsweek:
“My daughters occasionally moan about having to pay. They sometimes say it’s not fair and that other people don’t have to contribute to their Christmas dinners, but I just lay out how much it costs and say they’re welcome to host themselves.”
The concept of charging for a family meal, especially during the holidays, is met with mixed reactions.
Some see it as a practical solution to the financial and labor burden that typically falls on one person.
Others view it as a departure from the communal and generous spirit of the season.
Caroline’s family, however, seems to have embraced this system.
Her brother-in-law, Kevin, and neighbor, Dean, express understanding and appreciation for her efforts, acknowledging the cost and labor involved in hosting such a large gathering.
Despite the unconventional approach, Caroline’s method has not faced significant resistance from her family.
They recognize the transparency and fairness in her system.
By outlining the costs involved, she provides a clear rationale for the charges, which her family members seem to accept willingly.
This acceptance indicates a broader understanding and respect for the effort and expense involved in hosting the family for Christmas.
People online have chimed in with comments from both sides of the fence.
Some think it’s a great idea with how expensive hosting can be, while others think she’s being “Grinch-like.”
Caroline shared with Newsweek:
“I know people say: “Grandmothers shouldn’t do that sort of thing”, but I’m not making a profit. What my family pays me is only a fraction of what it actually costs … So, I think it does teach a valuable lesson and I’m sure my children, when they host their own families, will carry that on.”
So, do you think you’d ever charge your family members for Christmas dinner?
Watch the video below to hear Caroline explain it all to WGN News!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
