In an era where holiday expenses continue to soar, one grandmother from the UK is taking matters into her own hands. Caroline Duddridge, a resourceful matriarch with a heart of gold, is making headlines as she raises the bar for the annual Christmas feast price tag.
Caroline, a 63-year-old resident of Cardiff, has been hosting her family’s Christmas gatherings since 2015, following the passing of her husband. In recent years, she’s introduced a novel approach to ensure the financial stability of this cherished tradition: charging her loved ones for their seats at the festive table.
This year, Caroline is implementing a slight increase in her rates, an adjustment she attributes to the ever-increasing inflation and the relentless surge in the cost of living. She’s asking her three daughters to contribute approximately $15.21 per person for the privilege of joining in on the yuletide festivities. It’s a modest uptick from the $12.67 they paid the previous year.
Caroline’s reasoning for the change? Practicality. With the escalating prices of groceries, even the modest additional funds might barely cover the expenses of creating a scrumptious Christmas feast. “When you buy a few bits and pieces,” she muses, “it comes to like £30 or £40, and it’s barely a bag full. This is not Christmas stuff either, but just general shopping – it’s just horrifying, and you wonder where it’s all going to end.”
But Caroline isn’t just concerned with her daughters. She’s also mindful of her two sons and grandchildren. Her sons, who work full-time jobs, are asked to contribute approximately $19 each, reflecting their financial capacity. In contrast, her grandchildren, who are spared the price hike, only have to chip in around $3.15 to partake in the festive revelry.
When questioned about the price difference between her daughters and sons, Caroline candidly explains, “I have put the girls’ prices up [this year] by £2 because I did get a bit of stick from people saying I was being sexist – not that I listen to public opinion, particularly.” Her pragmatic approach ensures fairness while considering the financial circumstances of her family members.
Despite the fee, Caroline emphasizes that the value of what her family receives in return is well worth it. The sumptuous spread, spanning from Christmas Eve through Boxing Day, offers a tantalizing glimpse into Caroline’s culinary prowess. In past years, the family has feasted on a mini sandwich buffet, succulent turkey dinners with an array of delectable sides, nut roasts, and an astonishing assortment of four desserts. On December 26, the celebration continues with a lavish buffet to keep spirits high.
Caroline’s devotion to her family knows no bounds. In addition to hosting the festivities at her own home, she prepares food for her parents and delivers it to their doorstep to ensure they can still partake in the festivities, even if visiting is a bit too strenuous.
What sets Caroline apart is her commitment to transparency. Rather than collecting cash in person, attendees transfer their contributions directly into her bank account. This meticulous record-keeping allows her to keep tabs on any stragglers, ensuring that everyone plays their part in making the holiday celebration a success.
Caroline acknowledges that her approach has drawn both praise and criticism. Some have labeled her a Grinch for introducing fees during the season of giving, but she remains unfazed. “There were the usual trolls, but some people thought it was a really good idea – they even said they were going to adopt it themselves,” she proudly reveals.
In a world where the cost of living continues to rise, Caroline Duddridge’s creative approach to funding her family’s festive traditions is a testament to her resourcefulness and determination to keep the spirit of Christmas alive. As she adapts to the changing times, her family can count on a holiday filled with love, laughter, and a table brimming with delectable treats.
