What is it like going away for Xmas? (Within UK)

[Wenchelda]

I love the run up to Xmas. All the anticipation and excitement. However the actual day, not so much. We always stay home for Xmas day, usually with just my mum & Nan joining us (used to be a much bigger affair with all the in-law/cousins/siblings etc but now siblings all have families of their own so we don't all get together in the same way)

I've stumbled across the idea of going away for Xmas. This has never occurred or appealed to me before but I'm feeling increasingly drawn to the idea. Thinking like a holiday park of some kind where there is entertainment, play areas for the dcs, lovely indoor pool etc. Though preferably staying in a lodge or chalet rather than a caravan.

Has anyone done this and can recommend somewhere that doesn't cost the earth? We are in the midlands so fairly central to everywhere. Would be DH and I, plus DCs who are 9 & 7.

Or more generally, can anyone share their experience of actually being away for Xmas? Does it make it less stressful, or more so? (Logistically I'm
Not sure how it would work with taking presents etc)

Just interested to hear peoples experiences really, whilst I ponder the idea for Xmas 2020!

[Saucery]

It’s fantastic and I never intend to spend a hectic Christmas at home again

Obviously, where to go is dependent on age of dc and what you like to do, as there are the days around Christmas where you’ll need to be out and about doing stuff.

As far as logistics go, keep presents small, do a weekly/Christmas shop when you get there and don’t attempt to take everything you’ll need food-wise for the week. I quite enjoy missing out on the Last Minute Rush, because my LMR has to take place the day before we go.

[Dozer]

We did this lots with the in law family before Dc, holiday cottages in nice locations, got on with the people but didn’t enjoy much largely due to the hassle of self catering for Christmas, everything had to be brought or ordered online and kitchens often had minimal equipment. Had to pay extra for xmas, decorations etc.

It got way too much hassle after DC.

[Dozer]

In small places food shopping v close to xmas was tricky, fine if people are flexible, but not if they want specific stuff!

[NeedAnExpert]

We go away most xmases. Usually Scotland, have done Devon too. Usually go with like minded friends (who also can’t be arsed with all the Xmas shite). We do what we want, when we want, eat too much, drink too much, kids play together etc. Usually get a hot tub and real fire. Never spent more than £1k per family for a week including everything.

[Caramel78]

Centre parcs is great at Xmas. They have loads of Christmassy entertainment for the kids and there’s a pool and spa etc plus restaurants and other things like bowling etc

[sallyjuliet]

We do it most years. About 14 of us all together including 3 children. We tend to rent a nice holiday cottage with lots of space but split between us all it’s very reasonable. We do an online shop that we get delivered on the day we arrive and each couple/family decides on a meal they’ll be cooking in advance. It means the pressure to cook and host doesn’t fall on one person.

[sallyjuliet]

I’d definitely recommend it! :)

[GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER]

Have only done it once in UK. 12 extended family inc.2:tinies, so booked a big place in Devon - a converted pub in a small village near the sea - with a nice pub just around the corner!
Had to book for a week, so we stayed the whole time, others came later and left earlier.,
It worked very well, but we had to be incredibly organised about bringing everything we were going to need, since even if they’d been open there were no shops nearby.
Don’t think I’d ever want to stay in a hotel for Christmas, though.

[Elle7rose]

We have done it for three years- we stay in self-catering places in Scotland (we live close to Wales). I would say it's probably slightly more stressful than Christmas at home but then you get to do far more interesting things! We love beach walks and stay close to a major city so last-minute shopping can be done if necessary. We order M&S Christmas food to collect so that covers the meal and the day itself we stick to our normal Christmas day routine pretty much!

Honestly I slightly prefer relaxed Christmases at home because there is a lot of organization, packing, travelling etc. involved but equally I think these Christmases away are more memorable!

[GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER]

Would just add, that some of our ‘away’ party suggested ordering everything online and having it delivered, but having heard of substitutions/ missing items, I didn’t want to risk it, esp. with no shops nearby. I hate shopping anyway so didn’t want to have to do any while away.
We allocated meals/drink among ourselves, so someone bringing breakfast items, etc.
I made exhaustive lists - our car was so laden! - but it wasn’t really a big deal at all.

[theweebleshavelanded]

centerparcs is great! indoor pool etc...

not cheap though!

[Leflic]

It’s great! We rent somewhere near to whichever family and personally I find it less stressful.
You do all the usual endless fussing about food, gifts etc but once you are there you can’t do anything about it..you just get on with what you have. Takes the pressure off “popping in to town” to find the last bits or the Amazon order that hasn’t arrived.. Everyone us in the same boat.
You can just make the most of being together.

[Wenchelda]

Thanks all. I'm definitely going to look into this more