Christmas is the time of giving and sharing with those around us, right? But would you say that extends to Christmas dinner? The dinner of all dinners.
Let's be fair on the meal itself (and the maker) - it's no easy feat. Some people will slave for hours - or days - while others will make Christmas cake months in advance and 'feed' it with alcohol (what I'd do to be a Christmas cake) until the icing process. Could you really be arsed though? I'm sure supermarkets will do a perfectly fine one.
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But all this effort is not always an act of altruistic generosity - as some people reckon their visiting family should pay for their meal.
One mother-in-law has told her family to pay £17 ($21) per head towards Christmas - and it's divided opinion online about whether she's ok hun or a total Grinch.
Some argue £17 isn't the end of the world - and say they would pay it if they were asked. I guess it's cheaper than going for a meal out - especially on Christmas Day
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One person with an opinion waaaaaaay above their station even went as far to compare Christmas dinner to 'just a posh roast' and the fact no one has pulled them up on this is pretty offensive in itself to be honest.
The thread was started initially on Mumsnet with the woman saying: "AIBU [am I being unreasonable] to think you should ask family to pay for their Xmas lunch? My partner has just told me that his mother, who he's having Christmas lunch with, said she wants £17 per head from him!
"I'm going to my family's for lunch so invited him also but he has had it there all his life with his grandparents and siblings too. She said she doesn't want to do It all from scratch and wants to Get it all pre done so it's more money, which I understand but he's gutted and feels like he wants to come to my family now.
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"I can see it from both sides and it's hard work and can be expensive but not like she is financially destitute."
Responses came thick and fast with some people thinking it was absolutely fine, although others were left pretty disgusted by the amount she was asking for - and some offered solutions to the problem at hand.
One said: "I'd allocate a dish to each person but £17 a head sounds a lot. Surely it's just a posh roast dinner! What's she buying?? Is tell your bf to come to yours!"
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Another added: "I think it's fair to be honest; why should she have to cover the cost every year when it's likely to be £100 plus and why should she have to cover the cost of not wanting to do so much cooking.
"Also £17 isn't exactly much; maybe Christmas is breaking her financially and she can't do it all any more."
And a third commented: "OMG! No! Fuck, that is horrible. Cannot think of anything less hospitable than setting the menu and demanding your 'guests' pay for it."
So, we're pretty sure how that final person feels...
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What do you think? Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Food, Christmas, Christmas Dinner, Community