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A Christmas escape or don't be a fool?

68 replies

OrangeFlowersAreLovely · 06/09/2022 09:03

I really hope this doesn't piss anyone off given the current financial crisis... and I'm sorry if it does. Please don't jammie dodger me! Trust me, money aside nobody would want the last two years I've had mentally and now I'm genuinely in between "go for it" and "don't be an irresponsible twat". I am 38 and live alone, no kids. Just me. The past two Christmases have been absolutely shit. I spent the last one trying to cheer both myself and someone else up from a really depressing situation and the one before that was at the start of a very ugly breakdown. I lost almost 3 stone in weight. Details irrelevant but I wouldn't want to go through it again for all the tea in China. This year I have started to feel better but I really don't want to be at home for Christmas, I know I'll just get depressed again. I'm already dreading it and it's not even Halloween. Yes people will say "please come and spend it with us" but I don't want to be the spare prick in someone else's home despite how welcome I will be. So I just want to jump on a plane and go somewhere new and escape it all. It's going to cost probably just shy of £2k for what I'm aiming for including spending money, everything, even the airport taxi. This will be around 15% of my savings, which I do try to increase each month. My total bills at the moment (obviously this will increase) come to around 40% of my take home pay. The rest goes on food, petrol, living and then saving whatever is left. I'm really not wealthy by any means (especially compared to some of the high earners on here) but I have a relatively small mortgage and I don't usually live a very expensive lifestyle. Of course deciding not to have children has impacted this. Spending this much on a solo getaway is NEVER something I have previously contemplated. But this year I want to just forget the festivities and lie on a warm beach with a good book and a few cocktails. I'm also starting a new job next month so there's always the worry they will hate me and give me the sack! If you were in my position would you go for it? It would be cheaper to stay in the UK of course but this is the point - I want nice weather, a positive environment and to just turn my back on December altogether.

OP posts:
IchbineinBerlinerin · 06/09/2022 18:41

In your shoes, I'd be off!

OldTinHat · 06/09/2022 18:43

Absolutely do it and enjoy every moment!

Ilikewinter · 06/09/2022 18:43

Nice one, hope you have a throughly fab time!

Always4Brenner · 06/09/2022 18:46

My next Christmas not this one will be luxury everything for one I’ll save like mad for it as well anything I want I’ll have and that will include new iPad,

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 06/09/2022 18:46

You cannot escape Christmas in Tenerife though , we went a few years ago in the October half term.
There was a shopping centre across the road from our hotel with a giant Father Christmas , lights and decorations ............. before Hallowe'en.
(I was most impressed though, I am a Christmas Fan)

Roserunner · 06/09/2022 18:52

Definitely go for it! We are tempted to as well to avoid all the aggro of trying to please both sides of our family whilst ending up just getting ourselves stressed out!

We prob won't as it seems to be stupidly expensive for all of us but in your position I would go! It'll be brilliant for your mental health as instead of getting depressed everytime a Christmas advert comes on TV, you can get excited about your trip!! Have an amazing time x

Flubber88 · 06/09/2022 19:02

Sounds exciting and a great adventure - enjoy!

Itwasntright · 06/09/2022 19:03

It sounds amazing, get it booked! What's the point in working hard if you never let yourself have any fun?

TheChosenTwo · 06/09/2022 19:11

Go go go!!! And yes, choose something that you’ve always wanted to do or go where you’ve always fancied - that way, you won’t specifically be going away to ‘avoid Christmas’ - Christmas happens in one way shape or form in many countries - go because you’ve always wanted to and Christmas is then best time to go as you don’t already have a lot of other commitments. And have a bloody wonderful time. 🥳

Will0wtree · 06/09/2022 19:19

Sounds wonderful! What a great idea, hope you have a really enjoyable time. Now you can properly look forward to Christmas as it's going to be exactly how you'd like to spend it.

Justwanttobebythesea · 06/09/2022 19:25

We were in Tenerife between Christmas and NY. Whilst I can't speak for Christmas Day as we arrived on Boxing Day there was a nod to Christmas but it was not full on like the UK (just some odd decs here and there). The weather was amazing and it was light til about 6pm.

Wish we could go back again but for us this year it's not affordable. Go for it and have a lovely time in the sun!

Pawpatrolwereonaroll · 06/09/2022 19:25

Be wary of Heathrow though. I’ve heard the current delays and flight cancellations are worse there than elsewhere. Don’t take my word for it but do check it out….

OrangeFlowersAreLovely · 06/09/2022 19:29

netflixfan · 06/09/2022 18:27

You dont need anyones permission. Just go and save your mental health and hopefully have a lovely time. I really dont know what kind of horrible person would criticise you for that.

You know what some people can be like on here, they'll find ammunition 🙄 x

OP posts:
SophieJo · 06/09/2022 19:31

Just go for it! Have a great time.

OrangeFlowersAreLovely · 06/09/2022 19:34

My new job is office based, closes between Christmas and NY and I've been told "book away!" ☀️

OP posts:
LucyLoopyLu · 06/09/2022 19:49

Why do you feel guilty about doing something nice for yourself?
You only live once, spend your money however you like. Anyone who doesn't like it - well, it's none of their business.

LouLou198 · 06/09/2022 19:53

Book it. Life is short. It sounds perfect!

FourChimneys · 06/09/2022 20:01

Absolutely go. It sounds like bliss. Each autumn I fantasise about going away and missing Christmas but family pressures get in the way.

I used to have a colleague who worked in education and therefore had a couple of weeks off each year. He only 'did' Christmas once every three years (to see his mum when it wasn't his sibling's turn) and instead went to far flung places to climb mountains, scuba dive, paraglide etc.

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