The last minute countdown to Christmas is officially on with many of us spending the next few days ensuring everything is ready to go for the big day on Sunday. One man, who throws an annual Christmas party, has found himself in a sticky situation after being branded 'selfish' by his friends for introducing a new rule that would help save him and his partner some cash.
The man took to Reddit to explain that he and his wife throw an annual Christmas party at their home for all of their family and close friends, the Mirror reports. They usually provide all the food for the event which in previous years came to around $500 (£410) for around 20-25 guests - but this year the couple are a little more strapped for cash and cannot afford to fork out on the occasion.
Although they are still happy to host the party, the man has asked all of the guests to bring one dish with them to contribute to the costs - but the request has left some fuming. The man posted: "Quick post, just trying to get opinions as my wife and I have gotten a lot of backlash over our annual holiday party.
"Every year, we hold a little soiree-type gathering at our house - there are usually 20-25 people who come. Nothing crazy. It's a mix of coworkers, family, and friends.
"Normally, we do all the cooking for 25 people, and it sets us back about $500-$600 (£410-£490) at the grocery store. This year, with money being a bit tighter, we've added some 'stipulations' to attending the party.
"On the invites that we mailed out, we added that guests need to bring a dish with them to the party if they'd like to attend. We listed some potential dishes that they can bring, or they can bring their own creation.
"If not bringing a dish, the alternative would be paying $20 (£16) per guest, to help offset food costs. Out of the 27 people we invited this year, there were 6 people (friends of my wife and me) who had an issue with this in particular.
"None of them ended up RSVPing and when my wife reached out, they said that it was selfish to expect a dish from guests, and not considerate." However, while some Reddit users were quick to side with the man for his new rules, others added that he would have to come to terms with the fact that not everyone would be willing to attend as a result.
One person responded: "I wouldn't have asked for the money. That turns a fun get-together into an event with an entrance fee.
"Just changing the name from 'Holiday Party' to 'Holiday Potluck' and asking guests to bring a dish would have been enough." While another suggested: "You were clear upfront with the requirements to attend.
"So provided you aren't upset when people choose not to attend or upset when someone brings a bucket of KFC and not what you suggested then you are not the a**hole. It does get tacky that you phoned and asked why people weren't attending. You can ask and they can decline."
A third warned: "Just don't get angry if people don't want to come."
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