I always host a Christmas dinner here as we have dietary concerns, however most people want to bring something and because they are aware of our diet restrictions and that I would have to prepare everything for my family to eat, this year they all volunteered to give money as they would have spent what they gave on food to bring anyway. I didn’t ask, but it certainly was a help with the seafood costs. So I don’t disagree with this lady at all.

Nope! If you want to host a meal at your house then suck it up. I totally get asking each guest to bring a plate to lighten the burden but charging your family to spend time together is ridiculous. I’d never do it

Well the people attending must be happy with what they receive otherwise they would not pay, so how can people say it is a bad thing to do when the people attending are making the choice whether to go or not.

Maybe you could just ask if they would like to bring something?

This is disgraceful. Never charge family or friends for Christmas. Yes everyone bring a plate or desserts, but flat out setting a price is disgusting. If she can’t afford to then don’t host. Christmas is expensive, which is y most people will bring a plate, salad, dessert etc – it’s not about $$ for her own benefit. It’s not just family either as she says nurse friends drop in too – do they pay $55 for dropping in before or after their shift?
Totally not Christmas spirit. She also happily admits she makes a profit on what she charges and spends it on herself. That makes me so angry.
I’d be going elsewhere for sure.

That’s strange for me… if u invite people over u supply the food if u can’t afford it ask people to bring a dish each I think that’s nicer than asking people to pay per head

It’s a lot of pressure to host christmas dinner but she is doing for 10 years and happy to put time and effort to make perfect day. looks like a rich family that happy to pay $55 each.
Everyone offers to bring something anyway and planning , shopping before makes easy so you don’t have to charge someone to eat.

We ask everyone to cook something and bring We have been offered money to put towards the food as well, Christmas is expensive

I don’t think it’s insulting. In the last few years my mother has finally taken a step back and now we all bring a plate which we talk about prior so we don’t all turn up with something similar and I am glad we do this. For years mum would do everything which not only means preparing for everyone but also paying and groceries these days aren’t cheap so if it wasn’t for us all pitchingini would happily pay if she asked.

I tend to think it would have been better if everyone just bought a plate along. However people do what they like nowadays and if people pay then they are enabling that type of Christmas lunch.

She chooses to cook then she chooses to pay. Others may be disappointed that they can’t host
They pay $55 and that means they are buying their own Christmas pressie with no choice what they are spending their money on. Very rude of her she would have one less to cater for as I wouldn’t be going

Even with severe allergies in the family we take turns and cater for each other, or each bring a dish that we are known for (my cousin does the best pavlova, my sister trifle and my nannas seafood salad, it wouldn’t be christmas without them). Sometimes friends drop in and have something to eat, but we have never considered charging each other for the privilege of sharing a meal. Yes it takes time, effort and a budget, but we work with what we have.

I can understand why she charges especially with a child that has severe allergies, but seriously, just rotate who has to put on the Christmas feast each year. We have someone in our family who is allergic to pretty much everything and we always make sure we cook a roast that she can eat and she just brings her own salad/side dish.

I can see both sides for sure. She is doing it for her son and that’s a number one priority. But I wouldnt want to pay to see my own family on Christmas day either.

If she cant manage to arrange the dinner than its better to not invite anyone rather than charging them I feel it is insulting and if my family member charge me to have lunch/dinner at their place I will feel myself a burden and wont bother them.

Defeats the whole purpose and essence of christmas in my opinion. Although, it does open thd door for lonely people to have somewhere to spend christmas i guess. Id be too embarrassed to ask for anything

It really depends upon the person having to do all the work. For some it would be worth it as you do pay to go to a lunch/dinner in other places. Me though no I do not like it as it means having to put the works on.

I guess it depends on the guests. If they don’t attend, she wont have as much to prepare.

I think it is a bit insulting personally I would never, but I do kind of understand if you do host it every year and many people come it won’t be cheap so I can see that side of it.

Yeah we share the cooking load… no way would i charge my own family or friends for that matter