Woman charging family for Christmas dinner for seventh year in a row has upped her prices
Whether you go all out or keep things simple - we know that the festive period can be one of the most expensive times of the year.
From forking out for presents and stocking up the booze cupboard to sorting out travel back home and accumulating an extensive collection of cosy attire - the list of outgoings is pretty much relentless.
So, one 64-year-old woman reckons she's figured out a remedy to save some pennies on the big day after charging her family for their Christmas dinner.
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Caroline Duddridge has been slapping a price-tag on her Crimbo roast for seven years in a row and she's just upped her prices even higher.
In order to reserve your spot at the table on December 25th, every diner - even the grandkids - have to cough up and pay their way.
"If you don't pay by 1 December, you're not coming," she told BBC 5 Live last year.
"Obviously there were a few moans and grumbles saying 'I've got a few children', but at the end of the day that's not my problem really, is it?"
Caroline, who usually hosts about 12 guests for the occasion, outlined her firm stance on late payments and exactly why she demands the upfront payment.
She once told The Sun: "I don't allow late payments and the kids know it.
"Some complain about their bills and other costs, but I simply tell them they'll get uninvited. Everyone pays up."
So - what were her original prices to start off with?
Well, the mum-of-five charges her sons £15 and her daughters £10 as they work part-time, while the cost for the grandchildren varies between £2.50 and £5 depending on age.
But those prices have since gone up, with Caroline announcing she 'put the girls' prices up this year by £2, explaining: "I did get a bit of stick from people saying I was being sexist - not that I listen to public opinion, particularly."
Speaking about the inflation we've all been hit by in supermarkets, Caroline told BBC Radio 5 Live that even though she's increased her prices, she will likely be spending more than their fee will cover due to supermarket prices.
She added: "I'm not sure it will, because when you buy a few bits and pieces 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."
While some may brand £17 for a home-cooked Christmas dinner as unreasonable, Caroline reckons her prices are far from it, claiming her meal is great value for money.
Serving up a proper spread including the likes of a mini sandwich buffet, a turkey roast with all the trimmings, and a load of Christmassy deserts, she explains that her family can take home leftovers in doggy bags that will last them until Boxing Day.
And, on the day itself, the family are treated to yet another feast with a buffet.
She added: "I also do food for my parents and take it round to them - they find it a bit too much coming to mine now."
Acknowledging that some people may dub her a bit of a Grinch, Caroline revealed she actually received quite a bit of support online.
"There were the usual trolls, but some people thought it was really good idea - they even said they were going to adopt it themselves," she said.
Caroline, who says she usually spends about £300 on the festive celebrations from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day, previously told the Sun: "I know many people will criticise charging for the Christmas meal, but I'm not bothered.
"It's not money-grabbing, it just makes budgeting sense and spreads the cost fairly between everyone at the table.
"Expecting one person to pay for the entire meal and prepare it, clean up, have their heating and electricity used is too much.
"The amount I charge for dinner includes electricity. It's a no brainer for me… it's the only way to go."
Topics: Christmas, Food and Drink, Money, Parenting, Real Life
Rhiannon Ingle