Contributions for Christmas Food

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Mounting a Christmas dinner needs a budget because it’s not a mac n’ cheese dinner in a student dorm. It is about catering for a number of people who are blood related, but have different needs although they all grew up eating the same food. Time changes. Tastes change, even religion.

Be that as it may, the main meal on 25 December costs money and unless it’s properly funded, it might end up on a sour note. Parents bought the food when we were younger, but expecting pensioners to buy everything when we are grown, and have a full set of teeth is downright selfish. We all know how much things costs these days. That is why we should come to an agreement about who buys what, to avoid duplication.

Unfortunately, all healthy families have little feuds here and there, that erupt at funerals, weddings and religious celebrations. That’s why the Christmas budget must be concluded before the big day. Such feuds are based on seniority, culture, income disparity or plain Scrooge-like behavior. The family Scrooge is not broke, he just doesn’t want to contribute to the collective budget. Other members have a bull horn about being the eldest, but cannot part with a dime.

How is the money collected? It cannot be $200 a piece because fingers are not the same height. It might be chicken change for some members, and an elephant for others. Volunteering is a good compromise because family members that love being close to mothers might volunteer to buy the turkey, veggies and fruit. They will also drive them to bulk food stores, farms for fresh produce and the butchery, just to enjoy their company.  

Someone who loves chilling with a glass of wine or can of beer might raise his hand and commit to buying drinks. He might have a hidden agenda. He wants to control the distribution. These are just examples of why it’s important to decide financial responsibility that will result in an enjoyable few days at home.

Nonqaba waka Msimang

Executive Blogger

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