For many families, Christmas dinner is a beloved tradition, filled with laughter, festive decorations, and a bountiful meal shared among loved ones.
But for one British grandmother, Caroline Duddridge, the holiday season brings a unique twist: her guests pay for their seats at the table.
This unexpected practice has stirred up conversation online, with opinions split over its practicality and holiday spirit.
Caroline, a widow from the UK, has hosted Christmas dinner for years.
But since her husband’s passing and the resulting decrease in household income, she found herself rethinking the cost of the festivities.
Her solution? A structured system requiring all family members—yes, even her grandchildren—to pitch in financially by December 1.
The funds cover the meal’s expenses, including electricity.
Initially, Caroline tried asking family members to save money throughout the year, but this approach didn’t work.
Frustrated by the inefficiency, she decided to adopt a more direct method, charging a fee for Christmas dinner.
This system has now been in place for five years, and while it’s unusual, it has brought clarity and fairness to her hosting duties.
The cost varies by age.
adults are charged £15, teens pay £10, and younger children are asked for smaller contributions, while babies pay the least.
When converted to other currencies, the rates are still reasonable for the elaborate feast Caroline provides.
Her meticulous pricing reflects the different consumption levels among her family members, ensuring fairness.
So, what do guests get for their money?
Caroline ensures the celebration stretches from Christmas Eve through Boxing Day, offering an extensive menu that includes various meats and traditional holiday dishes.
For the family, it’s not just a meal—it’s a full festive experience packed with food, joy, and memories.
While some of her family members, especially her daughters, occasionally grumble about the charges, Caroline stands firm.
She explains the costs transparently, leaving the option for them to host if they prefer.
“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,” Caroline shared in an interview with Newsweek.
Reactions to her practice are mixed.
Some admire Caroline’s practical approach to managing the financial and labor-intensive burdens of hosting a large gathering.
Others argue it runs counter to the spirit of Christmas, which is traditionally about generosity and togetherness.
Regardless, Caroline’s family appears to have embraced her system, understanding the effort and expense she puts into creating a memorable holiday for everyone.
Caroline’s transparency about the costs has earned her the respect of her family and even some outside supporters.
Her brother-in-law, Kevin, and a neighbor, Dean, expressed their appreciation for her efforts, acknowledging how hosting such a large event is no small feat.
Online, the debate rages on, with some people commending Caroline for teaching her family the value of holiday preparations, while others find her approach too transactional for the season.
The grandma addressed these criticisms, stating,
“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, which side of the fence are you on?
Watch the video below to hear Caroline talk about charging her family for Christmas dinner!
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