Nan explains why she makes her family pay to come round for Christmas dinner
A gran from Cardiff has explained why she charges her family to attend her Christmas dinner has raised her prices for the second time.
Times are tough out here, and food isn’t cheap.
But is it right to charge your family for their Christmas scran?
One grandmother thinks it’s only right.
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For the past seven years, Caroline Duddridge has been getting her guests to cover the costs of the family Christmas dinner, and now they’re going to pay even more.
Speaking to BBC 5 Live in 2022, she said: "If you don't pay by 1 December, you're not coming.
"Obviously there were a few moans and grumbles saying 'I've got a few children', but at the end of the day that's not my problem really, is it?"
That same year, the bill for her two sons was £15 and her three daughters had to fork out £10. The cost for her grandchildren then was around £2.50 to £5 depending on age.
Now, because of the cost of living crisis, the 65-year-old increased her charge.
This year, Caroline said she's increasing the price from £10 to £15 this year.
This will cover the cost of food and preparation, which isn’t as cheap as it used to be.
But, while the nan-of-six has upped her rates for the family dinner, she still expects to be paying more than their fee covers due to inflated supermarket prices.
She told BBC 5 Live: "I'm not sure it will, because when you buy a few bits and pieces it comes to like £30 or £40 and it's barely a bag full. This is not Christmas stuff either but just general shopping - it's just horrifying and you wonder where it's all going to end."
Caroline faced a lot of stick when the news of her Christmas dinner tax went viral the other year, but she says it's great value.
Each year, Caroline serves a mini sandwich buffet, turkey roast with all the trimmings, and a plethora of yule-tide desserts. And, each family member takes home a doggy bag of treats that'll last them through Boxing Day.
"I also do food for my parents and take it round to them," she said. "They find it a bit too much coming to mine now."
But, while she acknowledges how some people might consider her a Scrooge, Caroline has received support from others online who say it's a great idea.
"There were the usual trolls, but some people thought it was really good idea - they even said they were going to adopt it themselves."
For those online, they’re split.
One person wrote: “I would never charge any of my own family if I offer then I pay.”
Another said: “Straight in a home for you nan then!”
Someone else shared: “If she buys the whole lot and cooks the whole lot it’s fair that people chip in. If you don’t offer then you’re the problem.”
To be honest, the last person has a point.
Topics: Food And Drink, Money, Christmas
Britt Jones