We all know that the festive period can be an expensive time, no matter how you spend it.
First there’s the presents, then the Christmas parties, and of course, the all-important food. And that’s all before you even THOUGHT about New Year’s eve. We’re coming out in a cold sweat just thinking about it!
But one mum left viewers aghast when she confessed her controversial money-saving tip live on This Morning recently.
The mum-of-four revealed that she charges her family for their annual Christmas dinner at her house, sparking a huge debate among viewers.
Gemma Andrews admitted that one particularly disastrous Christmas sparked the unusual tradition.
She told Holly and Phil, “The very first year I opened my house to everybody on Christmas Eve, I got let down by five people and I had so much excess food.”
So she confessed her thoughts that charging for Christmas dinner would be a better option to help save money.
She continued, “The year after, I tried ‘bring a dish’. Come Christmas Eve, people said: ‘Oh I forgot to get it’ and I’m running around trying to find a bag of prawns. It’s more stressful.”
However, she did clarify that, “I don’t charge for the children.”
Following the admission, host Philip pointed out that some may think she’s treating Christmas more like a business than a special family get-together.
But Gemma defended the choice but stating that the family don’t have to come over if they’d rather not pay.
“They don’t have to come. My grandparents-in-law come every year without fail – and, if they didn’t come, they’d be sat at home on their own. They pay it in November.”
And some fans were left in utter shock over the surprising method of doing Christmas, with some even branding the move ‘disgusting’.
One fan wrote, ‘charging your own FAMILY for Christmas dinner is absolutely disgusting, using Christmas day as a chance to make money is greedy anyway never mind from your own family #ThisMorning’
charging your own FAMILY for Christmas dinner is absolutely disgusting, using Christmas day as a chance to make money is greedy anyway never mind from your own family #ThisMorning
— Charlotte Moores 🎅🏻 (@charlottemoorsy) November 29, 2017
While another said, ‘If I wanted to pay for Christmas dinner I’d eat in a restaurant #thismorning’
No way would I make someone pay for Christmas dinner round my house! 😳😳 #ThisMorning
— ℒ𝒆𝓪𝓱 🖤 (@LeaBob_) November 29, 2017
£30 to have Christmas dinner with your family are you crazy!!#ThisMorning
— IM_DAN (@22_Dan_) November 29, 2017
£30 a head to go to someone's Christmas dinner? Is she having a laugh? #ThisMorning This woman is making nearly £500 from her family; how unpleasant.
— CeCe 🍂🌧️🦃😺☕ (@_Ce_Ce__) November 29, 2017
NO it is never okay to charge your family for Christmas dinner Christmas is a time for family and giving.. What has happened to the world #ThisMorning
— 🌵🔮 (@slayslutt) November 29, 2017
While others pointed out that Gemma may well be overcharging…
£30 a head? £360 for 12 what a greedy mare. It doesn’t cost that to do a Christmas dinner #ThisMorning
— Sara Mason (@piglet2602) November 29, 2017
However, other viewers on Twitter seemed to agree with her tactic, saying they’d happily pay for someone’s effort if it meant they could sit back and relax.
Agree with Gemma, charging for Christmas dinner. She does it every year, all food & alcohol included, it’s bloody expensive #thismorning
— ZoLo (@ItsZoeMaria) November 29, 2017
@thismorning I wouldn’t charge for Christmas dinner however it’s polite to offer to contribute and bring alcohol. I host because I have the space. But don’t take me for granted and expect me to fork out for everything every year. #ThisMorning
— sam bramwell (@bumfluffboo) November 29, 2017
#ThisMorning as question other way around, would you pay a relative £30 to enjoy all inclusive Christmas Dinner without the hassle? I would!
— Noel Gray O'Connor (@Fitzyman_2000) November 29, 2017
I think £30 for Christmas dinner is a pretty good deal and you probably get more than you would in a restaurant, merry Christmas 👍#ThisMorning
— MickyCuth (@fatstig61) November 29, 2017