In a move that’s stirred up quite a bit of controversy, a British woman has decided to charge her family members to attend her Christmas dinner, a decision that’s sparked a broader conversation about holiday traditions and family dynamics.
Carla Bellucci, already a well-known figure in the UK for her previous exploits in the public eye, is no stranger to controversy. Her decision comes at a time when the cost of living in the UK has seen a significant rise, a point Bellucci uses to justify her unusual approach to hosting the festive meal.
Bellucci, who faced public backlash in 2019 after admitting to manipulating the healthcare system to get a free cosmetic surgery, explained that each guest would need to pay £150 (approximately $200) to partake in the Christmas feast. This fee, she claims, is meant to cover the costs and labor involved in preparing the meal, which includes turkey and a glass of champagne. Additional drinks, however, would be on the guests’ dime as they are encouraged to bring their own bottles if they wish more than the provided glass of bubbly.
The 42-year-old host plans to entertain around fifteen guests—nine family members and six close friends. According to Bellucci, the fee ensures that the quality of the meal is maintained without putting financial strain on her. “Feeding people isn’t cheap, and it takes a lot of time to cook a good meal,” Bellucci was quoted saying in an interview. She adds a pragmatic touch to her controversial plan by noting, “If you want quality, you have to pay for it.”
Reaction to Bellucci’s plan has been mixed, with some family members reportedly planning to decline the invitation due to the cost. The evening is scheduled to start at 2 PM, with festivities wrapping up sharply at 10 PM, and Bellucci intends to have the television on in the background, possibly as a casual addition to the evening’s entertainment.
This situation opens up a debate on the changing dynamics of family gatherings during the holidays, especially under financial strains. Bellucci’s approach, while untraditional, underscores a larger dialogue about the expectations of hosting and attending family events without financial contribution in times of economic uncertainty. Whether this will set a precedent or remain an outlier remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: this Christmas dinner is set to be as frosty as the winter season.
