If you've been to the grocery store lately, you've probably noticed that prices have skyrocketed. Simple things such as a gallon of milk or a loaf of bread take up much more of our grocery budgets than they used to. With Christmas coming and many family gatherings on the horizon, one grandma has devised a plan to keep her finances in check while still getting to enjoy Christmas dinner with her family.
For her, it's pretty simple: She charges everyone to come. Not a flat fee either — she charges per person, based on how much she thinks they'll eat.
This tradition is not new for her.
Since 2016, 63-year-old Caroline Duddridge has had her family pony up for Christmas dinner. They are used to it by now, she told The Sun. Duddridge expects payment for the December meal in November so she can adequately budget and make purchases wisely.
"I'm spending dozens of hours finding the cheapest prices, best bargains and timing supermarket trips to get the pick of cut-price yellow label items," she said.
In fairness, Duddridge is shopping for a lot of people. Her five children are 37, 34, 32, 29, and 24. She also has six grandchildren. Planning and budgeting for all those people — and their partners — is a big task.
Prices are based on a sliding scale.
Duddridge charges for the meal based on the person's age. She understands that adults eat more than kids, so she gives a price break for the little ones. This year, she is charging adults up to $18, the 9- to 12-year-old grandkids come in about $6 each, but the 3-year-olds get the best deal. They only pay $3 for dinner, according to the New York Post which converted the pricing to dollars from pounds, as Duddridge lives in England.
Duddridge faithfully begins to check her bank account in November.
When November rolls around, Duddridge said, she checks her "naughty and nice" list to see who has paid their bill. Those who are delinquent will get a gentle reminder that she must receive their payments by December 1. The kids are used to it, but it doesn't mean they don't have the occasional excuse.
"It's a phone call my five grown children aged 37, 34, 32, 29 and 24 are used to. I know some will moan and I will get excuses like 'my pay hasn't gone in' or 'my bank account is frozen' and 'can I leave it another week?' but I will eventually receive cash from them for the meal," she told The Sun.
If you don't pay, you can't come.
Duddridge isn't playing around, and she's very bluntly asserted that she would not accept a late payment.
"I don't allow late payments and the kids know it. Some complain about their bills and other costs, but I simply tell them they'll get uninvited. Everyone pays up," she explained.
She knows a lot of people think it's unreasonable for her to charge her family for the meal, but she doesn't care. They can call her a Grinch if they want to.
"I know many people will criticise charging for the Christmas meal, but I'm not bothered," she shared.
Her idea makes sense to a lot of people.
When Duddridge explained her reasoning for making her family pay, it's clear she's not totally crazy. She's a widow who receives $1500 in government assistance per month. A meal for her entire family would take up a considerable part of the budget. She also said it isn't just the food — there are other factors to consider.
"Expecting one person to pay for the entire meal and prepare it, clean up, have their heating and electricity used is too much," she said.
"The amount I charge for dinner includes electricity. It's a no brainer for me … it's the only way to go," she added.
And don't forget gifts; Duddridge has to budget for those too. She's right — this time of year can be pretty overwhelming, especially when you're on a fixed income.
The Sun did a poll and the results were interesting. More than half, 58%, agreed with charging for Christmas dinner, although 21% were against it, and the remaining 21% couldn't decide.
Duddridge has no plans to change her ways.
Her family has become accustomed to their unique Christmas tradition, and Duddridge intends to keep it that way. She enjoys having her family come together, and getting everyone to chip in makes it easier for her.
"I love the joy of Christmas and all the family together, but it's now become so commercial. People get overwhelmed and it's too much," she told The Sun. "A nice family meal and a gift made with love is all I need."
