For the first time in years, a British mom has decided to start charging her family members for Christmas dinner. Whitney Ainscough, 32, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, is making $220 this year - double what she charges on Sundays - with an extra $11 as a 'lucky bonus' if everything goes according to plan.
Ainscough's decision comes after she stopped working and was on Universal Credit, unable to afford cooking for her family. The practice started when she realized that the cost of food for herself had doubled, while the amount spent by her extended family remained the same. Now, 12 people from her close-knit circle have agreed to contribute a total of $22 per head - with children paying half that amount.
"I used to think they were using my gas, electricity and watching TV too," Ainscough revealed on social media about when this practice began. According to her, the amount was initially set at $11 per person but has since been increased to $23 for Christmas due to a 'more luxurious and expensive' menu.
Ainscough's decision is backed by her family who are more than happy to pay up for their festive meal in exchange for Ainscough's culinary skills. "Everyone loves my cooking," she explained, emphasizing that everyone sees it as a win-win situation.
While online commentators have been divided on the issue, with some arguing they would never charge their family for Christmas dinner and others suggesting an alternative - where every household contributes to the costs equally - Ainscough is unfazed. "A lot of people are like 'I wouldn't charge my family'," she shared.
Ainscough's decision comes after she stopped working and was on Universal Credit, unable to afford cooking for her family. The practice started when she realized that the cost of food for herself had doubled, while the amount spent by her extended family remained the same. Now, 12 people from her close-knit circle have agreed to contribute a total of $22 per head - with children paying half that amount.
"I used to think they were using my gas, electricity and watching TV too," Ainscough revealed on social media about when this practice began. According to her, the amount was initially set at $11 per person but has since been increased to $23 for Christmas due to a 'more luxurious and expensive' menu.
Ainscough's decision is backed by her family who are more than happy to pay up for their festive meal in exchange for Ainscough's culinary skills. "Everyone loves my cooking," she explained, emphasizing that everyone sees it as a win-win situation.
While online commentators have been divided on the issue, with some arguing they would never charge their family for Christmas dinner and others suggesting an alternative - where every household contributes to the costs equally - Ainscough is unfazed. "A lot of people are like 'I wouldn't charge my family'," she shared.
. I think it's genius that Whitney is making a plan work for herself and her fam - they're all in on the deal and happy to chip in. And let's be real, who doesn't love Whitney's cooking?! 
It's all about fairness and taking care of yourself, you know?
I think it's pretty fair that Whitney charges her fam for Christmas dinner, especially since she can't afford it herself anymore 
. It's not about being heartless or anything, it's more about sharing the load and making sure everyone contributes equally 
. And let's be real, if your fam is going to use your utilities and watch TV while you're cooking up a storm in the kitchen, they should chip in 
. Plus, who doesn't love Whitney's cooking anyway? It sounds like it's become a win-win situation for everyone involved 
.
I get it tho, Whitney's been through some struggles and it's about time fam starts pulling their weight, right? 
I mean, you can't just expect people to give you free food forever, especially if they're not even contributing financially. 
And btw, $220 is a decent amount, don't @ me 
a british mom is charging her fam for christmas dinner and it's actually working out for everyone! 
#ChristmasDinnerForSale #FamilyFinance #MomEntrepreneur
but now they're footing the bill and loving every minute of it 
#FinancialRealism #FamLove #MoneyMatters
#ChristmasMagic #FamFoodie #MomLife
! I mean, think about it, if you're going to have 12 people over for Christmas dinner and then expect everyone else to chip in on their Sunday roast or whatever, that's just not fair. She's basically saying 'if you want my cooking, pay for it' - sounds like a win-win to me!