A grandma who hosts Christmas dinner for 12 members of her family has defended her decision to charge them all - including the children - for the meal, even though some have criticised her as a "Scrooge".
Caroline Duddridge, 63, recently revealed she charges adults in her family between £10 and £15 depending on their income, while her grandchildren are charged based on their age, with a 12-year-old and three nine-year-olds paying £5 each and two three-year-olds having to part with £2.50.
The grandma, from Cardiff, has now said that while some people have told her she's being unfair with her payment plan, she still believes it's a "good idea" and doesn't plan on changing any time soon.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, she said: "There's a few out there who think I'm a bit of a Scrooge but my friends think it's quite a good idea. I'm hoping that people won't think it's a terrible thing and think 'hmm that is a good idea'.
"It's very fair. I'm not out to make a profit, I'm doing it just to have a bit of help with the cost of it."
Caroline's idea first came about in 2015 when her husband passed away, as the toll his death took on her income meant that she couldn't afford to put on the full Christmas spread she usually would without a little help from her family.
The grandma admitted that at first there were "a few moans and grumbles" from her children, but the payment plan has now become part of their Christmas routine.
Paying for their dinner also means that her family don't bring any dishes with them, which helps save on food waste as Caroline can buy exactly what she needs instead of ending up with far too many sausage rolls.
She added: "At least this way I've got a bit of autonomy over what I can buy. It saves on food waste which is another important thing."
Meanwhile, Caroline previously revealed she sets a strict payment deadline of December 1 for each of her family members, as this ensures she has plenty of time to do the Christmas food shopping ahead of the big day.
Caroline's guests all get a say in the menu, which typically includes wine, soft drinks, Christmas dinner, pudding, Christmas crackers, and a selection of nuts and cheese.
The get-together is a bring-your-own-beer affair, but she goes all out on everything else, meaning the family can enjoy as much as they can eat.
The gran added that she is not bothered if people criticise her for charging for Christmas dinner, as she said: "I know some mums feel guilty if they don't do it all and provide a huge meal with no one else paying but I am practical."
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