Gran who charges for Christmas lunch

I agree. Bank transfers so she can chase ‘stragglers’? It’s akin to running a restaurant. I’m amazed she doesn’t ask for a deposit and their credit card details. She looks very pleased with herself in the photo - I would be mortified.

It's newsworthy because it's obviously annoying people and encouraging criticism. It's journalism creating exactly the result it set out to do. I think it's funny and I know that if I did this with my family they'd think it hilarious.

It sounds tight at first but really it's just a fair way if splitting costs across the family, I'm sure plenty do the same only they just phrase it differently. She's right to ask for contributions if she can't afford to pay for it all herself but is happy to host. A loving family wouldn't mind this at all, I'm sure they'd rather contribute than see her struggle with bills or go without so they can all have a free dinner.

I don’t see the problem it’s her effort shopping, cooking, heating and fuel costs. Maybe the others can’t be a***d so for a few pounds they’re onto a good thing.
She may be on a very small income too. As with a few local news items the detail is deliberately sketchy to generate the headline.

Not very hospitable though. We all contribute to our family Christmas dinner. We bring the champagne,wine, Christmas pud and crackers. Others bring, prepare or make the rest. Nobody is left out of pocket or feeling taken advantage of.

I think she's taking the mickey out of all the people getting on their high horse at the prospect of someone 'charging' the family.

I also do food for my parents and take it round to them - they find it a bit too much coming to mine now.

Clever parents….Stay home, she does all the work and you get the food for nothing. 👏👏

No, I think this charging malarkey is mercenary. If you can’t afford to host, don’t host, or you ask everyone attending to bring something, eg the pudding, some veg, a joint, the wine, whatever.
Our niece tried this one a few years ago - we declined the invite.

HousePlantQueen

If the wine is included she would be running at a loss if I was invited.

😂😂😂

I'd happily provide all the food if someone else cooked it

considering she is offering food from News Years Eve until Boxing day I think it's amazingly good value for her family, and they all look perfectly happy.. it's no different from contributing food just very well organised..

Who knows the truth here? She says she came up with the idea when her husband died. It’s possible her income reduced significantly. Maybe she enjoys hosting but couldn’t afford to do so unless everyone chips in financially.

pascal30

considering she is offering food from News Years Eve until Boxing day I think it's amazingly good value for her family, and they all look perfectly happy.. it's no different from contributing food just very well organised..

Did you mean Christmas Eve, pascal?

Otherwise it sounds like a real bargain 😂

Callistemon21

pascal30

considering she is offering food from News Years Eve until Boxing day I think it's amazingly good value for her family, and they all look perfectly happy.. it's no different from contributing food just very well organised..

Did you mean Christmas Eve, pascal?

Otherwise it sounds like a real bargain 😂

yes sorry

don't apologise, it made me tchgrin

What happened?

I can think of nothing more horrendous than hosting my family for several days. I would certainly need to be paid handsomely to do it.

When people ask you to do things for them I have found that the quickest way to end the conversation is to tell them that you are not a charity and your time is not free.

"So we will need to discuss money. Shall I think about it and give you a price?"

Gets rid of scroungers pretty sharpish.

So family = scroungers in your life biglouis?

I do think that's sad.

We share out getting the food between all the adults. Not much different really. Last few Christmases have been difficult with ill health - Covid, norovirus, serious flu in DGS age 9 and DSil involving trips and treatment in hospital on Christmas night at 11pm so praying that this year will be different however DGD age 6 has been ill with strep throat and missed all her parties and school and DM is in hospital with exacerbation of COPD and RSV - still on oxygen and everyone else is coughing so don't hold out much hope 🤷‍♀️

I wouldn't charge my family, and I don't expect to contribute financially when we go to eat at their houses - I'm fairly sure it balances out over the year.

However, if this is how this family chooses to organise things then that's fine; I don't quite understand why we all need to know about it.

Elaine1 hoping you have as illness-free time as you can - there are so many coughing bugs doing the rounds at the moment.

Probably works well for that family! Years ago we used to share the Xmas shop amongst the 3 household's involved, to share the load and the cost, and we would take the items to who ever was hosting. All would help with food prep & clearing up too.
We still organise shared dinner parties regularly- we all like it- good fun& not too onerous on the host!!

Blossoming

Having read the full article I think it’s a great idea for everyone to chip in. She’s feeding them on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. It sounds like a good spread and they all seem to be enjoying themselves in the accompanying photo.

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I agree. She is doing the work, providing the space, the electricity, the oven, the crockery and cutlery etc etc, receiving the family and bringing them all together. It's about getting together. I'm sure the family are quite happy to contribute. Cheaper than eating out.

(I think I ought to read the article now!)

I'm not sure why has this been made public when it's not really anyone else's business. She is feeding the family for 3 days and they all look happy enough, so why should we judge?

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