AITA for charging my sister’s family to stay in my house during Christmas?
Imagine finally buying your dream home after years of hard work—only to have your holiday plans derailed by the chaos that comes with hosting family. In this story, a 31‑year‑old woman recounts her decision to charge her sister’s family to stay in her new house during Christmas. Having experienced the havoc their visit caused last year, she set clear conditions for their stay.
While she wanted to preserve her home and peace of mind, her sister reacted with outrage, accusing her of treating family like “Airbnb guests.” This update explores the tension between familial generosity and personal boundaries during the holiday season.
‘AITA for charging my sister’s family to stay in my house during Christmas?’
Mental health and financial experts agree that setting boundaries in your own home—especially after previous negative experiences—is both reasonable and necessary. Dr. Anna Morales, a family therapist, explains, “When you’ve already experienced significant property damage and emotional stress during a family visit, establishing clear terms for future stays is a healthy way to protect your space and well-being.”
Financial counselor Jason Lee adds, “Your home is a personal investment, and if past visits have led to costly repairs and cleanup, it makes perfect sense to ask for a cleaning fee and contributions toward utilities. It’s not about being greedy; it’s about ensuring that your property is respected and that the burden of potential damage isn’t unfairly placed on you.”
Both experts emphasize that clear communication prior to hosting can help prevent future conflicts. “By laying out these conditions upfront, you’re not only protecting your financial interests but also setting a precedent for mutual respect within the family,” Dr. Morales notes. This proactive approach, while it may seem strict during the holidays, is ultimately a forward-thinking way to balance familial generosity with personal boundaries, ensuring that everyone understands and agrees to their responsibilities.
update here: https://aita.pics/gLcdV
Here’s what Redditors had to say:
Many commenters agree with the OP, arguing that after a disastrous previous visit, it’s entirely fair to ask for a cleaning fee and contributions toward utilities. They point out that this approach protects her investment and prevents future chaos. On the other hand, some feel that charging family—especially during the holidays—diminishes the spirit of togetherness and generosity.
A few suggest that a compromise, such as a lower fee or a one-time deposit, might have been a better solution. Overall, opinions vary based on personal experiences with family dynamics and respect for personal property.
This holiday dilemma highlights the fine balance between family hospitality and protecting personal space. While the OP’s decision to charge a fee might seem cold to some, it was a calculated move to avoid repeating past disasters and to ensure her dream home remains a sanctuary.
What do you think? Is it reasonable to set financial terms for family stays when previous experiences have proven problematic, or does this policy risk undermining familial bonds during the festive season? Share your thoughts and experiences below—let’s discuss how to navigate the complexities of family, money, and holiday traditions.