It’s not insulting, and I guess it’s one way to get rsvp’s, but I’d handle it differently.

i wouldn’t charge money but i might ask for people to bring a dish is needed but my preparations start a long time in advance so I don’t notice the cost

If it’s costing her so much to host the event maybe she could ask guests to bring food or drinks or contribute in another way. As for the presents, she doesn’t have to give any out, that’s her choice she shouldn’t be charging anything. I’m not going to judge though because her guests don’t seem to mind or they would not attend.

If u cant afford it dont invite guest or just make it smaller

I can understand her position, but on the other side having to pay that money for a menu that guests can’t even choose, doesn’t seem fair either. Don’t know.

Isn’t Christmas about giving so I don’t think it’s right to charge

I can understand the allergies thing, that’s fair enough. I think $55 is a bit much, iF that was us being charged that’s $275 for us as a family of five to have Christmas lunch.

We all bring something towards the lunch/ dinner but I can understand the costs being a bit much for one person only.

My family don’t charge, we all bring things to contribute. Although as a busy mum id be happy to pay the fee instead of having to make anything!

Bring plate is always a nice option too

I understand it’s costly but it’ takes away from the spirit of it

She has been doing it for ten years and it sounds like an all day event so, if her guests her happy, why not! I always take a plate or gift wherever I am invited over Christmas!

We don’t charge. Everyone offers to bring something to contribute

If her friends are happy with it, then why not? Sounds like it’s a long drawn out affair and she has been doing it a long time. Perhaps her friends suggested it as they might have been feeling guilty after 10 years of being treated.

I was raised to bring a dish or something when we were invited anywhere for a meal.

In this case it sounds fair to charge .. she has an open house and is entertaining all day. Good for her !

Many cannot afford to feed a huge group of relatives and can’t rely on them bringing a variety of food. I know of one damily who do it every year as they have the only house big enough to fit everybody. They have a mutual agreement that people attending pay a small fee and the family hosting the Christmas meal provide the meal and drinks, but they still pay their share + more.

The spirit of Christmas is giving and as such we should be happy to give and not take. Maybe she should consider not hosting every year to ensure other family members take their turn in the costs associated with the dinner/day ….

We have never charged our family and friends for coming over for Christmas dinner. They usually bring something to the table and each year it is at another family members house. To each his own though

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  • • mom93821 replied
    • 04 Dec 2017 , 8:34 am

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  We have the same system and it always works out well and there is never any differences about Christmas Day and the costs involved with supplying and hosting Christmas lunch.

We have never charged any family or friends a fee for Christmas lunch; however, people have however at times, offered money to go towards the cost of Christmas lunch. Others have bought along flowers for centrepieces and presents and food. If her guests are happy to pay and she is happy to provide the lunch then I do not see a problem. This system appears to work for them.