Christmas at Butlins.....

[AutumnGlory]

Has anyone done Christmas at Butlins? We always spend Christmas with my Dh's family as mine are miles away in my home country. Our homes are too small for everybody so every year is very uncomfortable, and my DD (5) is the only child at Christmas so it is a bit lonely for her. I suggested next year we go to Butlins. No cooking/cleaning, everybody comfortable at the hotels and plenty of activities (instead of boring TV in-laws love and I hate so much), plus children around for dd to play with. AIBU?

I'd rather shit in my hands and clap loudly than go anywhere near Butlins

Christmas or otherwise

Butlins is great for kids. Not sure what they have on at Christmas though.

Im with Worra.

Even if you were in a situation like mine Worra? And yes, we are working class. Cozy, at Christmas they have themed shows, panto, fake snow, grotto and mini Lapland, pantomime and Christmas food.

I don't 'do' class so have no idea what working/middle etc actually is really

I think Butlins is like Marmite really...some love it and some hate it.

I hate it with a passion - yet my favourite sort of holidays are in the UK on caravan sites.

For me, it's generally over crowded, very expensive, often dirty accommodation and packed to the rafters with uncontrollable children.

I have to admit though, I've only been twice...but that was 2 times too many for me.

My aim is for DD actually have fun and me/dh not to worry about cook/cleaning and do things as a family instead of sitting in front of the fucking TV. Dh will have to cook regardless Christmas is at ours or in-laws and I will have to clean at mine or help at theirs. Plus I want to be comfortable, hate feeling like a fucking sardine.

if you and your family will enjoy it then go for it

though personally id prefer Christmas at centre parcs

Sorry but the thought of transporting family and presents and staying in poorly equipped flatlet and eating canteen standard food at Christmas fills me with horror. I'm shitting in my hands with the others - sorry

Oh god I forgot about the food

And the mortgage needed to pay for it....

I'd also rather shit in my hands.

I've been once and hated every minute of it. I hated Centre Parcs as well.

I'd rather all chip in for a big holiday cottage, if there's enough of you it usually works out quite cheap

I have been once Worra and I didn't think it was that bad, certainly less crowded than my place or my in-laws at Christmas. The one close to me has brand new hotels where I want to stay because I do agree some of them are outdated and dirty. But is only for few days anyway so it doesn't matter that much. I agree is expensive...I see as an incentive for me to save more and In laws to cut on tat meaningless spend over the period too.

OP take notice of the haters. I don't think its a bad idea at all if you've been to Butlins before and enjoyed it. But I also wouldn't worry about DD too much ...they dont need other kids around them at Christmas...it's magical anyway!

It might be an idea to Google independent reviews on Christmas at your local Butlins then and see what people are saying maybe?

I mean start Googling in January, to see what the consensus was on this Christmas.

Thing is OP - if it's what YOU want to do then go ahead and do it - for you and your family. I'd truly rather pan fry my own gizzards in squirrel fat and suck them down with a nice glass of warm armadillo piss!!

If you like it there and you know the one by you is good then do it

But the fucking TV and nothing else to do...drives me insane. Center Parc is much further...cottage doesn't solve the cooking/cleaning problem. I would rather just stay at my home the 3 of us but Inlaws will heartbrokes, dd is the only dranddauter and will remain like this. Can't go to my country is too far away...Is going abroad a good idea? Still expensive innit?

At least with Center parcs there's 'extra' delights on offer

i would just go, if you don't enjoy it just put it down to a bad christmas and there will always be another one

Butlins and Christmas combined - can't think of anything worse personally!

I'm going to say YANBU though, you've obviously thought about what you and your family would enjoyand if Butlins is it then go for it.

I'd rather bleach my gussets with my tongue

If you've been before OP and liked it, I'm sure you'd have a lovely time. However, I'd check with your DD as she may be overwhelmed at the idea and may miss home!

What cooking and cleaning problem?

Surely if you all chip in, it's no different to cooking a Sunday dinner and washing up afterwards?

But if you like it and your family do too, then YANBU...go for it.

my butlins experiences are from the 1960s chalet sites and it was a kind of hell i never want to experience again.

however, my parents have more recently (1990s?) stayed in their hotels more than once and found them clean, comfortable, decent food and helpful staff. they are picky, and the fact that they would go back suggested that they really found the places ok.

i think its a great idea. as much entertainment as you want, you can opt out, and everything on hand.

Christmas at Butlins? FFS, please don't, you'll be ab;e to book a decent size self catering cottage somewhere (anywhere) because if they aren't already booked they'd be cheap, and much nicer.

peaceandlove did your parents go during the school hols though?

I think that's probably a deciding factor...for me anyway.