A mother from Rotherham has sparked controversy online after revealing she charges her family members to attend her Christmas dinner, citing the ongoing cost of living crisis as her primary motivation.
The Festive Fee Structure
Whitney Marie, who shares content on TikTok under the username @itsmebadmom, disclosed that she charges adults £20 and children £10 to partake in the Christmas feast she prepares. Despite hosting at her mother's house due to space constraints, Whitney purchases all ingredients and handles all cooking responsibilities herself.
She justified the charges by emphasising the quality and extent of the meal she provides. 'I've come to this conclusion because you're gonna have a luxury dinner, made by me,' Whitney explained in her video. Her elaborate spread includes multiple meats, various vegetables, and all the traditional trimmings expected of a British Christmas dinner.
Family Reactions and Online Debate
According to Whitney, her family understands that her cooking is 'worth paying for' given the considerable time and effort she invests on Christmas Day. She reiterated that she finds the arrangement fair, allowing guests to relax while she prepares what she describes as a 'beautiful, amazing dinner.'
The online response, however, has been sharply divided. Critical comments ranged from accusations of greed to questions about why someone would offer to host if they couldn't afford it. One detractor remarked, 'I don't think even Scrooge himself would charge people for a Christmas dinner,' while another simply stated, 'Greed is a terrible thing.'
A Growing Trend Amid Financial Pressure
Despite the criticism, Whitney found support from others who face similar financial pressures. Several commenters shared that they've implemented similar charging schemes for their own family gatherings. One 18-year-old revealed they charge £20 per head to host 12 family members, while another mentioned charging a flat £20 fee covering multiple holiday events.
This practice highlights the difficult choices many UK households are making as they navigate the cost of living crisis while attempting to maintain family traditions. The debate raises broader questions about changing social norms surrounding hospitality and financial responsibility during expensive holiday periods.
As families across Britain plan their own festive celebrations, Whitney's approach demonstrates one pragmatic solution to managing December's financial burden, even as it challenges conventional expectations about festive hospitality.
