to want to spend Christmas at Centreparc?

[Kariba29]

Have never been, but would love to go. DD will be 1 on Xmas Eve so thought it will be nice to do. For 5 nights its coming to just under £600 which i have told DH i will pay for and all he has to do is pay for food, activities etc.
Although DH was a bit reluctant he soon changed his tune when he realised he didnt have to pay for the accommodation, so far so good, the problem is the rest of the family, everyone seems to think its too expensive and how we will regret it, how DD should spend her first birthday and xmas surrounded by family.

I just want these firsts for her to be just us three and make it extra special for her so AIBU?

it's lovely there at xmas - sod the family

Your DD is too young to remember one way or the other and I believe that Center parcs is nice around Christmas.

Couldn't you go earlier in December though and still enjoy all the festive aspects and spend some of christmas with your family ?

Did it
Loved it
Would happily do it again
Even took a teeny little tree.

rookiemater i know she is too young but i just want it to be us 3 somewhere nice and make it special, i dont want these firsts to be lost in the mayhem of family gatherings

Yeah do it- I would love to too!

I would do it. My parents spend EVERY Christmas at Butlins, as they leave one year they book the next, saves a whole load of hassle about who is going where each Christmas.. just need to get the inlaws to go too

Enjoy!

Personally I think taking a 1 year old to center parks is a waste as they are too young to make the most of it. If it's what you want then go for it though. I'd probably go for a self catering cottage somewhere so you aren't playing for a load of facilities you will hardly use.
First xmases aren't up to much, they get much more excited as they get older, and the presents get more interesting. Early primary school age is prob best for still believing in the magic of christmas and having presents you can all play with.

YANBU I've already booked up for the 20th - 22nd for the 2 night pre-xmas break

I also think you might be better off in a cottage in a forest - but then I've never been to Centre Parcs and I also don't understand how people manage to keep up this my money/your money thing once they're married with DCs.

You don't think you're DD will miss out on festive time with grandparents/cousins etc then?

Go for it. I am a big fan of involving family etc BUT it's none of their business how much it costs and I think they are selfishly thinking of what they expect you to do. I speak from experience - DON'T set up patterns now that you'll be doing for ever more. Last Christmas was only the second in 13 years we have spent in our own home. The other was because I was 8 months pregnant in 2000 and refused to travel.
If you want to be alone then be alone.

paisleyleaf we do have a joint account for everyday things, but i also have my own personal savings which i have had before i had even met DH which i top up when i can, so i will be taking the holiday money from this, im paying for the holiday with my own money as a 'treat' to my family.

although she might be 'missing out' on time with other family members there will loads of xmas and birthdays in the future but there will only ever be the 1 first xmas and birthday

Go for it Kariba..it'll be great. I wish I'd found Centerparks sooner, and thought of going for Xmas (had our first visit last year and now can't afford it again, sob!)