Hosting at Christmas is not only time-consuming but can prove very expensive when you're catering for a large family. One grandmother who welcomes 12 guests for Christmas has worked out how to cut costs - by making her family pay for their festive dinner. Her demands have caused some controversy, but she stands by them.
Caroline Duddridge, 63, charges everyone who attends, including her three-year-old grandchildren, according to Fabulous.
While the pensioner knows the idea won't be popular with everyone, she stands by her money-saving plan, which she calls a "no brainer".
"It’s not money grabbing, it just makes budgeting sense and spreads the cost fairly between everyone at the table," she said.
The widower and mum-of-five first asked her family to help with costs in 2016, the year after her husband passed away. The plan has since become an annual tradition - and she works out how much everyone contribute toward food, heating, and electricity costs.
The adults pay £15 or £10, depending if they work full-time or part-time and if they have families to support. Meanwhile, her grandchildren are charged depending on their age, with a 12-year-old and three nine-year-olds paying £5 each and two three-year-olds paying £2.50.
Money-savvy Caroline makes sure everyone pays what they owe weeks out from the big day, as she sets a deadline of December 1 and does not allow late payments.
"Some complain about their bills and other costs, but I simply tell them they’ll get uninvited," she explained. The nan-of-six added that everyone pays up.
Caroline's guests all get a say in the menu, which typically includes wine, soft drinks, Christmas dinner, pudding, Christmas crackers, and a selection of nuts and cheese.
It is bring your own beer, but she goes all out on everything else, meaning the family can enjoy as much as they can eat.
The gran added that she is not bothered if people criticise her for charging for Christmas dinner. "I know some mums feel guilty if they don't do it all and provide a huge meal with no one else paying but I am practical."
She also thinks Christmas should only be celebrated twice a decade, as she argues people would appreciate the occasion more.
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