Gran who charges for Christmas lunch

Germanshepherdsmum

Mercenary.

She possibly has the space but not the money - I would be in that position, as I have the space, but no way could I afford a Christmas Dinner shop!

In our family we all supply certain things towards special occasions like I’m going to my youngest for Christmas dinner I’ve prepared a few things her parents also have first year we have done it. Personal I don’t see an issue after all everything is so expensive now. But if you can afford to feed your whole family at Christmas then good for you but not everyone can. It’s the time for giving.

I think it is a great idea. Very good value. I would much rather pay and know what to pay than have to bring a dish. She must put in a lot of work shopping and cooking.. That they are a large family and all come makes me think this is a very happy and loving family.

Unbelievable,we have allthe family for Christmas dinner every year.Wouldn’t dream of charging for the food.We are so glad that the family can all come to us.

I'm curious - who in the family contacted the BBC to inform them about this arrangement?!

And why? She's featured in the article - presumably the BBC sent round a team to interview her.

I'm sure most families make some sort of 'arrangement' about Christmas day food costs among themselves.

It does seem, as GSM said, somewhat mercenary but if you're going to charge I guess bank transfers are the easiest way to do it.

Each to their own, I guess? Anyway, I wish all members here a good and peaceful Christmas, and I've also been thinking about those for whom the day - for various reasons - is just one to be 'got through'. Those TV adverts are enticing but in the real world, I bet there's already quite a few stressed family members.

As Chestnut said we shouldn't judge.

I hope the family demanded an itemised bill.

When we've been invited to Xmas Dinner we always ask if they need anything they want us to bring. If not we turn up with a bottle of wine or box of chocolates.
I think the whole idea of charging money to visit relatives and friends for a meal, Christmas or otherwise, is disgusting. I would definitely decline any invitations like that. Basically if you can't afford it don't do it - that's better than offending people.

Totally agree with Bluebell. Ask them to bring sonething maybe a dessert or starter but sorry charging height of meanness.

I didn't see it like that at all sazz1 I think in these difficult times a lot of people could not afford to feed all the family without financial help. If one family member agrees to host and cook then tells the others how much it will be it's all above board. People are free to decide if they want to participate or not. Personally I would be happy to pay to have it all done for me.

Good grief, what judgemental old bats some of you are! If you look at the picture in the article of the family around the table, it appears they are having a great time!
Merry Xmas everyone 🎅🤶☃️

i have just read the article and i think she is great, she serves food on christmas eve, full christmas dinner and a full buffet on boxing day, and the best is her family are happy to do this as it means they don't have to.....be honest with yourselves, a christmas dinner and a full buffett on boxing day and spending time with your family for £15, i would jump at the chance. so all the people moaning about it, just think before you moan.

nexus63

i have just read the article and i think she is great, she serves food on christmas eve, full christmas dinner and a full buffet on boxing day, and the best is her family are happy to do this as it means they don't have to.....be honest with yourselves, a christmas dinner and a full buffett on boxing day and spending time with your family for £15, i would jump at the chance. so all the people moaning about it, just think before you moan.

Quite

From what I've read, those who charge for Christmas Dinner cite how expensive food is, well of course it is. Hey! What about loyalty points, I traded in nearly £100 of Nectar in Sainsburys the other day, ok didn't cover everything but made a big dent in overall cost. Anyway back to basting the turkey we're still an hour away from serving up.

I have hosted dinner twice in the past for DH's family, mine live at the other side of the country so tend not to be here, and the second time there were 14 and it cost £500 five or 6 years ago. So I can understand why people want a contribution but I would never set a price per person.
We married 5 years ago, we both have been married before, and he said DSIL said she would provide the wine. Consisted of a bottle of wine and a bottle of champagne DH's BiL brought 2 bottles of wine and drank both of them. I'm so glad I insisted we bought a case of wine just in case hence the relatively high price. However, I do think it's good if people contribute but I don't think I have the backbone to ask or maybe that's because it was expected in our family when I was young.

I know my AC and family are delighted not to have to do all the shopping including wine, preparation cooking etc. I'm retired and not time poor.
However, if I felt that the expense was too much, I would explain that this was their Christmas present and not give anything else except maybe a tenner each to teenage GC.

Good grief, what judgemental old bats some of you are!

Kettle. Pot. Black.

Good grief, what judgemental old bats some of you are!

How charming!

FannyFanackerpan

^Good grief, what judgemental old bats some of you are!^

Kettle. Pot. Black.

... ah! I see you got there before me!

wow this thread proves that many grans here are really well off and have no real understanding of poverty.

comments like 'if you can't afford then don't "
talk of offending family by offering to pay !

yes many judgemental old bats

awful that is not the real meaning of xmas at all

#pinkquartz not all of us are well off. We are reasonably comfortable off but the expectation from my DH's side of the family was that they paid when it was them and that we would pay when it was us. Both my SIL's are really well off and DH and I are not particularly. When I told him how much it cost he was appalled. We try to eat healthily and organically, which is expensive on it's own, however we didn't feel it was appropriate to compromise our beliefs to have a cheaper Christmas dinner.

I would rather choke on my food than pay a family member for the privilege regardless of their circumstances, if my family member couldn’t afford the dinner I might just make it at home and take a plateful along to them,

Free of charge

“ judgemental old bat”? Nah, lass, not me. Just don’t agree with this charging malarkey. If you can’t afford it, don’t do it, or ask for help contributing; but for heavens sake, don’t go into the red trying to make a meal with all the trimmings if you can’t afford it - say something, accept support or otherwise, don’t do it.

Not sure what the difference is between charging for dinner or me paying £40 for a fancy ham to bring to dinner. For our dinner today everyone brings something so everyone is still being charged just in a different way. I don't think it has anything to do with affording to host. Maybe she has the biggest space. We usually come to my parents as they have more room than I do.