alternative Christmas ideas

[georgedawes]

We don't have any extended family to spend Christmas with this year, and it got me thinking that we could do anything we wanted, we don't necessarily have to have the day at home. Obviously most places are closed however!

Any ideas for different thing we could do as a family? I did think about going to the seaside but obviously that is weather dependent.

Well...whose in your immediate family? What ages?

Just DH and DD (9)

To be honest, I think that unless you're planning to stay somewhere...such as a lovely cottage or posh hotel, then you might as well stay home and be comfortable.

Going somewhere just for lunch is a risk as you never know how decent it will be.

Could you go for a few days? Somewhere like a cottage or maybe an atmospheric old hotel?

Yes we could although budget wouldn't stretch to a posh hotel unfortunately! A cottage maybe, although presumably Christmas prices are increased.

I'd love to go and stay somewhere stormy on the west coast of Scotland for xmas.

Well I couldn't afford a posh hotel either...I was hoping you could so I could vicariously book for you!

Cottages do go up a lot over Christmas..a hotel somewhere not SO posh then? Chester or York? Somewhere atmospheric and pretty.

Do you specifically want ideas for things away from home?

How about a walk around your town/suburb (or a new/different one!) late afternoon to look at Xmas lights? You could taje some mulled wine in a flask.

Is there a skating rink near you that might be open part of Xmas day?

Geocaching could work well. No one around to wonder what you're up to!

If it rains you're stuck playing board games I think you could try an escape room board game if you think DD would like it.

Volunteering as a family? I did Crisis at Christmas one year and it remains my favourite xmas ever.

This would be much more interesting a thread Henny if I had a decent budget to attach to it

I don't know if I'm asking for ideas near or far DNA..helpful I know! I love geocaching but DD isn't as keen. But you're right, a lot depends on the weather!

I did think of something like that Essential but selfishly speaking, it's kind of what I do year round so don't want to on Christmas day, if that doesn't sound too awful. (I suspect it does!).

My ideal day would be to see the Northern lights but budget definitely doesn't stretch to that, nor could you guarantee it. DD's would be something to do with animals I think. If there was a dog cafe open that would be her idea of heaven!

Oh and potted the west coast of Scotland is my favourite place in the world but I definitely prefer Spring to winter there! Been in to many storms in the past I think

Canal barge? You can hire them for a day or two...that's different!

Camper van

I'd love a canal barge! Going to google that right now :) Maybe a camper van too, although I don't know I'd fancy a campsite at Xmas. Not sure why when I think about it though!!

Last Christmas my parents came with us to a holiday cottage for 4 nights. We had walks, hot chocolate, played board games, the Sainsbury's van dropped off loads of food when we arrived, there was a log fire and we did treasure hunts for choc coins etc. It was really nice to get away and very cosy.

That sounds lovely Bluewaves - can I ask was it much more expensive than normal?

No, not expensive but we knew the owners so we had a discount.

That definitely helps! Sounds lovely though.