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Original poster

Never Again. Next Christmas we will go on holiday. Where to?

86 replies

MaggieFS · 25/12/2023 21:24

I'm done with a "traditional Christmas".

Weeks of prep and then busting guts today so try and get everything just right to please a zillion requirements. I do get thanks but the dynamics of the family members have made it hard work and taken the shine off it. I can't think of a way not to invite everyone apart from to be on holiday.

I'm sad at the thought because DC are 5 and 3 and have just been so excited today. They've just hit the age where they understand the magic of Christmas. They also love all the family members being round, but they [fortunately] don't pick up on the grumbles and at atmosphere.

So it may not actually happen, but if I were to try and go away next Christmas, DH, DC and me. Where should we go that would be good for all of us?

OP posts:
Radiatorvalves · 25/12/2023 21:28

Years ago the Xmas after my mum died, my dad took brother and me to the Far East. Very different and something I still remember. I quite like trad Xmas but agree it’s exhausting. Kids like being with cousins but 3 times we’ve been skiing over Xmas and it’s been great. I still do the cooking but it’s a posh roast not turkey etc for 12+.

Original poster
MaggieFS · 25/12/2023 21:39

Skiing is a fabulous idea but I doubt we could afford it.

I wouldn't actually mind cooking if I could just do what I want. But certain relatives are quite particular about some items and one always has to bring some of the sides. It really pushes me over the edge trying to cope with the additional dishes plus having someone else trying to do bits in the kitchen at the same time is a nightmare.

But if I put my foot down and said no, then it would "ruin their Christmas" and whilst they don't have to come, they are close family and don't have anywhere else to go. It's just that guilt thought of them being without other people which means we're in the situation we are now. And the only way I can see to break the habit is to literally run away.

OP posts:
Comedycook · 25/12/2023 21:39

Ive never been but apparently Benidorm is meant to be really good fun at Christmas....I read a thread about it on here ages ago. I'm quite tempted!

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Events & celebrations
mnahmnah · 25/12/2023 21:42

How about staying in the UK, but going somewhere like the Lakes, or Scotland in a lovely Airbnb. You can still have your traditional Christmas, but just for yourselves and not everyone else. Go far away from where you live that others won’t try and follow. Don’t tell them where either, just that you are going away.

mynameiscalypso · 25/12/2023 21:46

If money (and family) were no object, I'd be in the Caribbean with a rum punch right now.

Original poster
MaggieFS · 25/12/2023 21:46

Oh my goodness. Thinking of Scotland makes me imagine a cosy cottage in the Highlands. Ideally with a pub within walking distance where we could have Christmas dinner made for us, and with a roaring fire.

We'd probably have to buy a roof box, but yes potentially could take all of the kids stockings and so on.

The kids would probably fight like hell, but the image in my head is blissful.

OP posts:
Original poster
MaggieFS · 25/12/2023 21:48

Oooh fuck. I hadn't thought of leaving Europe. The Caribbean would trump Scotland.

Any family friendly hotels with kids clubs in places with regular (therefore cheaper) flights?

OP posts:
Octavia64 · 25/12/2023 21:49

Caribbean Christmas is amazing.

Highly recommend. We went one year to escape from family and it was lovely.

Sunshineismyfavourite · 25/12/2023 21:52

Go to Mousehole in Cornwall. They have an incredible display of harbour lights at Christmas and you can even take a helicopter ride to see them from the air - it is spectacular. We took our DC's there when they were young a few times it is absolutely magical! We stayed in cottages each time - it's also way cheaper than in the summer. You're also close to Porthleven and places like St Michael's Mount which is also pretty special in winter. They also have a Christmas day service in the chapel on St Michael's Mount and a boat will come and collect you from the beach if the tide is in. We had some of our best Christmases there when our DCs were young.
Edit* I mean, foreign travel is very cool but you really really don't need to spend that much to get away and have a special time.

Lovetotravel123 · 25/12/2023 21:53

Definitely try the Caribbean, or Mauritius. Canaries would also work. There are ways of making it magical even if somewhere sunny! We have been doing this for years and it is so much better.

Parsley1234 · 25/12/2023 21:54

My son and I flew to the Maldives Christmas Day last year god it was amazing ! No prep no pressure no presents just amazing I couldn’t afford it this year but next year definitely

Original poster
MaggieFS · 25/12/2023 21:57

Overall I was looking forward to this Christmas - mainly because of the DC's excitement and it hasn't been all bad, but honestly the thought of Caribbean, Canaries, Scotland or Cornwall (probably in that order!) is making me smile from ear to ear.

Even if it's a one off and we revert thereafter, or alternate, I'm definitely going to price up options.

OP posts:
mynameiscalypso · 25/12/2023 22:05

Back in the day, when my brother and I were 7 and 3, we went to Australia for one Christmas to stay with my dad's best friend. It was a one off as we spent every other Christmas with family. But I have such fond memories of having a barbie for Christmas lunch and going to the beach on Christmas Day. We had a 'family' Christmas with the grandparents etc before we left. I absolutely remember it as being the best Christmas ever - and this was back in 1990! Not saying you have to go to Australia but just that the kids may love it just as much, if not more!

TheRealKatnissEverdeen · 25/12/2023 22:07

I am 100% taking the boys away next year for Christmas. Cape Verde, Gambia or Caribbean.

themusingsofaninsomniac · 25/12/2023 22:07

I'm been considering Lapland or Austria today!

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 25/12/2023 22:15

Friends of ours are in Caoe Verde. Looks amazing.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 25/12/2023 22:17

I love Scotland, spend a lot of time there, but my concern about Christmas in Scotland is the high potential for rain.

Random30 · 25/12/2023 22:18

MaggieFS · 25/12/2023 21:39

Skiing is a fabulous idea but I doubt we could afford it.

I wouldn't actually mind cooking if I could just do what I want. But certain relatives are quite particular about some items and one always has to bring some of the sides. It really pushes me over the edge trying to cope with the additional dishes plus having someone else trying to do bits in the kitchen at the same time is a nightmare.

But if I put my foot down and said no, then it would "ruin their Christmas" and whilst they don't have to come, they are close family and don't have anywhere else to go. It's just that guilt thought of them being without other people which means we're in the situation we are now. And the only way I can see to break the habit is to literally run away.

Can you simplify instead? Why does it get overwhelming? Can you organize the help better so that you aren’t being shafted?

Soontobe60 · 25/12/2023 22:20

We went to Thailand one year - it was amazing! The place we went to was very European in that lots of Swiss, Swedish, Norwegian people were there in holiday.

Original poster
MaggieFS · 25/12/2023 22:21

Dammit. The BA sale dates don't extend to next December yet.

OP posts:
echt · 25/12/2023 22:22

We went to Goa with DD one Christmas.

SausageAndEggSandwich · 25/12/2023 22:23

I'm currently in Marrakech and it is AMAZING

I've done Xmas in Christian countries & stuff shuts and you have 2/3 days of relative boredom if you want to go out and see sights.

Since then we've learned & only go where the majority religion doesn't celebrate Christmas.

The exception might be skiing, but I'm not a skier.

Anyway - all the tourist sites are open - we went to Majorelle Gardens this morning while it was cool, by 11am it's definitely sunbathing weather. Recommend.

Original poster
MaggieFS · 25/12/2023 22:23

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 25/12/2023 22:17

I love Scotland, spend a lot of time there, but my concern about Christmas in Scotland is the high potential for rain.

I have spent countless wet Hogmanays in various parts of Scotland so that would be my concern too. With my DC being relatively young, we do need to be doing things, so much as I love Scotland, it's probably not the right time of year to be able to make the most of a holiday there.

I'll keep that in the bank for when they'd be happy/able to sit still and watch family movies in bad weather.

OP posts:
keely79 · 25/12/2023 22:23

We are in the Caribbean right now (Tobago). Bit different for me as I have family here but a Christmas swim, lunch by the beach, plenty of rum and sunshine have been fantastic (though perhaps a little less trad Christmas).

Mrscouldron · 25/12/2023 22:24

I’ve got 2 sen kids and Christmas has been absolutely shit. They cannot cope at all with it. I’ve just booked to spend next Christmas in Jamaica. No more trying to force traditional Christmases.

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