Would you / could you. ?

A woman who charges her family £30 per head to come round to her house for Christmas dinner has sparked a lively debate about the spirit of Christmas.

Mum-of-four Gemma Andrews hosts Christmas dinner for her family every year, cooking for up to 16 people, but said on This Morning that the costs of food, drink and other preparations were leaving her too far out of pocket.


http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/...amily-13975392

Re: Would you / could you. ?

My missus cooks for the whole family every Christmas day Nom, I just showed her that link, her reply was short “Miserable bitch, does she give them a wrap up going home?

Re: Would you / could you. ?

I would give £30 not to go to anyone's house for Christmas dinner I don't eat it.

Re: Would you / could you. ?

I saw her being interviewed on telly the other day Nom, and viewers were emailing in calling her everything.
She still stood by her decision though. She said it was her in-laws suggestion originally, and she's been doing it for years I believe. She puts her prices up as food cost go up too.

I'll do your Christmas dinner this year Nomkins, you come to Auntie Mups.

Re: Would you / could you. ?

I can see both sides to this. As someone who is always providing the food I know how expensive it is to find Christmas fare, including the drink. It is not only the providing either it is the thinking what to have and the cooking of it and the worry about whether everyone will enjoy it all. If everybody does actually "muck in" by bringing things and contributing a dish or plonk then that is different, but to have to do it all out of a single household budget can make quite a dent in it and seems a bit unfair, especially if it is every year. That's aside from being chained to the kitchen cooking and acting host, which means a day's work and not much relaxing looking after other folk. This lady did also say that she provides for her ex and his family - not sure I would want to do that. Perhaps she should suggest that every family goes on a rota and they take it in turns each year to host Christmas Day. If they don't come forward to take a turn, I don't think I would be happy doing it year on year, especially if nobody brings anything. Bah humbug - see I am feeling the pressure of our lot descending on me already - and its only 2nd December.

Re: Would you / could you. ?

Didn't we read this story last year?

Re: Would you / could you. ?

I cant find it in me to condemn her, in these days money can be tight for many, so she has to feed and entertain 16 that quickly mounts up.

If it was me i would possibly ask folks to contribute to the day perhaps helping with something for the meal or drinks but is that as mercenary as asking for cash.

Im now free from such events now, so cater for myself only these days, and have Chistmas down to a fine art of self indulgent behavior, just try to provide something to the homeless charities that cater for those on the streets.

Sorry Mups but i will be in an alcholic stupor over Christmas, wrapped up in me onsie

Re: Would you / could you. ?

And very fetching you look too, Nom.

Seeing as you have turned my generous offer down in order to over-indulge, I shall send you only a cold sausage sandwich now instead!

Re: Would you / could you. ?

I have had to do it for years, and I buy a couple of saving stamps every week when I do the shopping. By the time I do the Christmas shop I have just over £100 on the card saved. Makes it so much easier and no Ouchie at the till....

Re: Would you / could you. ?

I can understand her doing it especially for 16 people with all the pressies, food and trimmings etc - not saying it's right or wrong. If anyone objects, they can always sling their hook

There again, if she thinks that way, perhaps she should give up doing it and hope she gets invited to someone else's house

I read once about a mother who charged some kids parents that didn't attend her child's birthday party... she charged them expenses or something.

Money, money, money....

BTW Nom, you need to put on some weight, that onsie's a bit loose