A British woman has ignited a fierce online debate after revealing she asks her family members to contribute financially towards their Christmas dinner at her home.
The Festive Bill That Divided Opinion
Social media user Abi, who goes by the handle @abilourichards, explained that she hosted eight adult relatives for three full days of festive feasting over Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. Faced with a substantial grocery bill, she decided to split the cost.
After a major shopping trip to Aldi and Tesco, which totalled £233.35, Abi did the maths. Dividing the sum between the eight adults, and noting that children "eat barely anything," she arrived at a figure of just under £30 per person.
"I actually don't really think that's bad for three days worth of eating," she remarked in a TikTok video. In the end, she rounded the amount down and requested £25 from each adult to cover the food.
Public Reaction: Fair or Faux Pas?
The revelation prompted a torrent of mixed responses, sharply dividing public opinion on the etiquette of festive hosting.
Many commentators were firmly against the idea. One person stated, "My mum fed me all my life into adulthood. I'm not charging her a penny." Another insisted, "Definitely not if I've invited you to my house then I cover the cost." A third added a cultural jab, saying, "Only in England would anyone consider charging to eat."
However, others saw Abi's approach as perfectly reasonable. "Charging is the wrong word, but I don't see why everyone can't contribute, why should 1 person be responsible for all the cost," argued one supporter. Another said, "Honestly I would happily pay even more if someone cooked and planned everything! £25 each is nothing."
Alternative Approaches to Festive Costs
The discussion also highlighted popular alternatives to direct cash requests. To avoid awkwardness, many families opt for a contribution in kind.
One commenter outlined their family's system: "Me and my sister are bringing the cheese board, meats etc. Auntie and grandma are doing the meat. Mum is doing the veg. My other sisters are doing desserts and table decorations."
This pot-luck style approach appears to be a widely accepted middle ground, allowing costs and labour to be shared without the formal exchange of money. The debate underscores the wider pressures of festive spending in the UK, where the cost-of-living crisis has made hosting a significant financial burden for many.
