British grandma and family

Christmas Dinner Charges: Cardiff Grandma’s Unconventional Tradition

Caroline Duddridge, a 63-year-old woman from Cardiff, has stirred up a unique Christmas tradition by charging her family for the festive dinner she hosts. This unconventional practice has gained attention, especially this year, as Duddridge has increased the fees in response to the rising cost of living. Having followed this tradition for the past seven years, she previously charged £15 per family member but has raised the price for the upcoming Christmas dinner.

The Costly Invitation

Caroline treats Christmas dinner as an exclusive event, requesting her three daughters to contribute approximately $15.21 for a seat at the table, marking an increase from the previous year’s charge of about $12.67. The rationale behind the surge, she candidly revealed, is an attempt to cope with the incessant rise in food costs.

To streamline the process, Duddridge asks her family to transfer the money directly to her account ahead of the dinner. Last year, her two sons were billed £15 each, while her three daughters had to pay £10, with her sons paying more due to full-time employment. Her four grandchildren over five years old contributed £5, and the two three-year-olds paid £2.50.

Despite the adjusted fees, Caroline expresses doubts about covering the expenses entirely, given the escalating costs of basic groceries. Rising food prices have left her baffled, stating, “When you buy a few bits and pieces, it comes to like £30 or £40, and it’s barely a bag full.”

Navigating Criticism and Justification

While Duddridge’s Christmas feast pricing tradition has faced criticism and trolls, she remains steadfast in her belief that the idea, though unconventional, has merit. Acknowledging some calling her a scrooge, she highlights that many appreciate the concept, with some even expressing intentions to adopt it themselves. In a season associated with generosity, Duddridge sparks a conversation about the intersection of familial traditions and economic realities.

As a school teacher, Duddridge also provides food for her parents, recognizing that not everyone may find it feasible to join her for Christmas dinner. Her festive spread, lasting two days after Christmas Eve, includes a buffet of sandwiches, a turkey dinner with trimmings, a nut roast, and a choice of four desserts on December 25, followed by a full buffet on December 26.

_{Repurposed article originally published in ShethePeople}