Mum-of-two Abi Richards has attracted controversy after revealing she bills her guests for their home-cooked Christmas dinner, but she says her family wouldn’t have it any other way
Video Unavailable
Mum charges family for Christmas dinner
A mum has explained why exactly she’ll be charging family members to attend her homecooked Christmas dinner.
After spending £233 on food and drink for the festive period, Abi Richards, 35, now has to cook for and host 10 family members. She’s decided to charge them £25 per head, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
This marks the fourth Christmas in a row that Hampshire-based Abi has hosted, and each year, her family has “chipped in” on the shopping bill.
This time around, Abi, who has saved the receipts, has “worked it out fairly” – billing eight of the adult guests for their share of the food and beverages.
According to Abi, it’s “easier” to do it this way, and it means that her family members “don’t have to worry” about bringing anything along with them ahead of the festivities. Her family is said to be more than happy to make a contribution, and in fact, it was they who “insisted” on doing so from her very first year of hosting.
Mum-of-two Abi revealed: “We’ve always split the cost. I didn’t initiate doing it – my family suggested it to me. Every year, I gave a rough estimate for them to chip in. I never like to ask for too much or too little. This is the first year I kept the receipts and worked it out fairly. It’s funny – I’ve never thought it was a big deal.
“We’re in a cost-of-living crisis, so some people really struggle with it. Everyone is very willing to contribute. It’s whatever works for you and your family – this works for us.”
However, her “controversial” idea has attracted mixed reviews from social media followers—with some “praising” the setup, while others brand it “disgusting.” After posting a video detailing the situation, which has clocked up 19.6k views, Abi was “shocked” by the response.
She shared: “The clip was quite controversial –but it was mostly positive feedback. People say they do it in some form, bringing food or bits. Others have said it’s ‘disgusting’ and they would never let their family contribute. It’s not for everyone, but this is what’s always worked for us.”
Content creator Abi lives with husband Ross, 37, who works in a bank, and their two young children Teddy, five, and two-year-old Emmie. She hosts the family, which includes her mum, mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister and her partner, and her niece – for a three-day period.
In preparation for the festivities, Abi spent £172 on food and drink at Aldi, before spending an additional £61 in Tesco when picking up any remaining items. She said: “Some years, my family have brought things with them. But this way, it’s all here when they arrive, and they don’t have to worry about getting anything.
“Breakfast, lunch, dinner and all drinks are sorted. I do check and see if there’s anything they want, but I’ve hosted a few years now, and I know what everyone likes.”
On Christmas Eve, Abi will prepare a traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings before serving up festive leftovers buffet-style on Christmas Day. She’ll then rustle up another meal on Boxing Day. Abi continued: “This is the first year we’re doing the roast on Christmas Eve.
“I’m the only one with young kids, and I feel bad I don’t get to spend as much time with them on Christmas Day because I’m cooking. I enjoy cooking and hosting, and everyone is more than happy to chip in. It’s just the way we’ve always done it.”
Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com
