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

[MaggieFS]

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?

@MaggieFS you want to be in a cabin in Aviemore with your own little family and take your dog if you have one too.
You'll have a log fire burning and beautiful highlands to look at. You'll probably get snow and there's lots of places to take walks. Pubs and eating out places within walking distance, supermarkets if you need one but likely little phone reception
Pure bliss

We're heading there on the 3rd for a few days and I can't wait. It is my happy and quiet place

Not quite Xmas but we went to Seville one new year. I was blown away and the weather was lovely.

Friends on a two week carribbean cruise.

Budapest was amazing. Christmas markets, the basilica, ice skating, hot spring baths.

We had quite a few Christmases in a town in Spain about half an hour north of Benidorm called Javea, and they were brilliant. Fairly cheap, warmish, a beach to play on, and not quite as manic as Benidorm. Plus children are welcome everywhere which made it a lot easier. It always felt very Christmassy without being tacky, and more a place where people live rather than a tourist hotspot.

I’m in exact same position. I’ve had a shit Christmas because of other people and we are booking somewhere in Ireland for next Christmas and not telling anyone until we go

I've had xmas in Goa, Prague and Lorrette de Mar - each fabulous in it's own way.

For children though, I would opt for Spain. The xmas in the hotel I stayed in was all geared up to provide a really magical xmas for Spanish families.

I just love Christmas, the tree, presents, decorations. So going on the 22nd or so to somewhere with no Christmas = absolutely not.

We once went over Christmas to my PIL who I love dearly and DH didn‘t want to get a tree. On the day before flying out I bought a tree and decorated it. The idea of coming back to a non-Christmas decorate house was horrifying for me.

Hence the thought to go on the 26th. Still enough time for 10 days somewhere different.

We are in Center Parcs at the moment with our 5 and 3 year olds. It has been really lovely. Very magical, but can do a Christmas swim, go bowling etc on Cmas day. The kitchen isn’t big enough to do a proper roast so it’s just party food for the duration.

I’m thinking about Lapland for DD and me next year or one after. We fancy some snow ❄️

I’ve stayed at Centre Parcs twice for Christmas and had a lovely holiday. I booked lots of Christmas activities there and even had a Christmas tree waiting to be decorated. I remember my DC decorating it as we unpacked the car.
We went swimming in the dark and the whole park was very beautifully decorated.

@reluctantbrit, you've missed the point - OP doesn't want to be here for Xmas next year, despite how much you love it...