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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To go away at Christmas

20 replies

Releaseasongbird · 04/10/2015 20:05

For a myriad of reasons, I don't really like Christmas at home - the day itself, I rather enjoy the lights and markets of December - and remember happy family holidays at Christmas time.

So I am thinking of going away (me and DC) for a week over Christmas including the day itself. We'd be home for new year.

However it would be instead of a lot of presents - would mean DC get one present each and probably not anything massively extravagant.

This is normal to me: was how we celebrated Christmas as children so I am happy but I wondered if others think I'm UR. (Asking on here as asking on the Christmas board would cause uproar and I want balanced views!) :)

OP posts:

Phoenix0x0 · 04/10/2015 20:10

I would and I have DC...prior to DC we actually went away often over this period.

We tried to book something but it got very expensive.

So instead we are going slightly after

Where are you planning on going?

Jenijena · 04/10/2015 20:13

Sounds great. Not sure if you're thinking up or abroad, but I've heard travelling on Christmas Day is very cheap...

Original poster

Releaseasongbird · 04/10/2015 20:16

It would be abroad, yes :) probably to France. I just feel a change of scene would be just what the doctor ordered, so to speak!

OP posts:

ilovechristmas123 · 04/10/2015 20:20

i have with my 3 and a friend and her 3

would love to do it again,didnt even put the tree up at home

wish i could do it this year but cant

go go go for it

TimeToMuskUp · 04/10/2015 20:23

YANBU at all. We went to Lapland last Christmas and it was just gorgeous. DCs couldn't care less that they recieved fewer presents, in fact I don't think it even occurred to them. Have a wonderful time away.

ClashCityRocker · 04/10/2015 20:24

I think it sounds lovely - however, what do your dc think? I know when I was a child the thought of doing something different for christmas would have upset me especially if it meant less presents but I was quite a highly strung kid anyway!

Original poster

Releaseasongbird · 04/10/2015 20:26

This is largely why I am asking on here - I think the children are young enough for this to be the 'tradition' and I'm not stingy with presents throughout the year but some people do feel strongly Christmas should be spent at home and I suppose I wondered about that and the reasoning behind it.

OP posts:

ClashCityRocker · 04/10/2015 20:30

In that case,do it now whilst they are young enough to not know any different!

There's no law that says christmas must be spent at home.

gobbynorthernbird · 04/10/2015 20:33

I've been to France for Xmas a few times. I loved it, DC loved it. If I could afford it this year we'd be going away again.

Bambambini · 04/10/2015 20:33

We have flown out twice on christmas day. First was christmas evening so we had usual christmas day stuff. Then christmas morning so we swapped christmas a day early and did the whole christmas thing on the 24th. Went a few days pre christmas last year and it was nice but a bit strange and different. One child said they wanted to be home this year.

gobbynorthernbird · 04/10/2015 20:34

Posted too soon! I'd really recommend it. You'll have a fab time.

ilovesooty · 04/10/2015 20:37

Go and have a lovely time.

I'm flying to Amsterdam on Christmas morning.

DrDreReturns · 04/10/2015 20:41

I've never done it but I would love to, so I say go for it. Christmas is always a monumental pain in the ass for me, family always getting upset over who's going where etc

MrsLupo · 04/10/2015 20:41

Sounds great. I'd do it without hesitation.

There's a Christmas board??

BackforGood · 04/10/2015 20:42

I think you make your own family traditions - dc grow up knowing what's 'normal for them'. If they are little still then they won't know different and will think what you do is very normal.

Personally, I like being at home (or in the home of a close relation) but that will be because that is my tradition - it won't be for your dc

clippityclop · 04/10/2015 20:43

It sounds wonderful.. We have elderly relatives to think of so it's something for the future for us. I'd go somewhere snowy, take everyone shopping with a set budget for one special gift on Christmas Eve followed by a lovely dinner, perhaps a Church service. There'd be stockings to open in the morning, another great meal, perhaps a walk, games etc. Go for it!

OhBigHairyBollocks · 04/10/2015 20:47

Do it, we went away last year and it was great!

Original poster

Releaseasongbird · 04/10/2015 21:00

Thank you :) Sooty, I am very jealous - love Amsterdam, though have never been at Christmas. Will absolutely be going there when DC are older - think they are a little young to enjoy at present :) I hope you have a wonderful time.

OP posts:

ilovesooty · 04/10/2015 21:50

Release

OctoberCupcake · 04/10/2015 22:00

Don't worry about 'tradition' if your children are young; make your own traditions!!

Everyone is different anyway - my best friend wouldn't dream of not being with her parents & sister at Christmas. I've only spent 3 christmases in 12 years with my family. It's just not a 'thing' for me to have to be at home at christmas (even though I love the time of year).

When DH & I got married we took it as an opportunity to start our own traditions, and now we don't see either set of parents/family on the day itself & will carve our own traditions as and when children arrive :)

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