When I’m on my deathbed...

[PoptartPoptart]

DH and I have some money in savings. We were discussing how to spend some of it.
He thinks we should redecorate, new carpet for the stairs, repaint etc.
For context, the place could do with a lick of paint and the carpet is a little grubby (no idea what I was thinking putting cream carpet on the stairs) but it’s not that bad and it was only done 5 years ago.
I think we should spend it on a great holiday with the DC. They are growing up fast and we probably don’t have many years left of them wanting to come away with us.
We can’t agree but my reasoning is, when I’m lying on my deathbed I’m not going to think back about my lovely painted walls and new carpet, I’m going to be remembering the good times we spent together as a family.
I think it’s also hit home for me recently about how short and precious life is too. My colleague who was only in her 50’s recently passed away, leaving her husband and two young adult children behind.
I want to enjoy every last minute I can with those I love and create happy memories for us all,
AIBU?

Pretty sure you could manage both.

How could you possibly be pretty sure about that when you don't know how much money they have...?

OP I agree with you - the memories from a holiday will last longer and be more precious than a paint job!

Do both - after all, your deathbed (it the illness leading up to it) might be in that very room, as might obe other memorable encounters of a different nature

And still have the holidays, and the times together.

Just manage your budget

Have the holiday, paint yourself and hire a carpet cleaner?

How old are your DC? If very young I wouldn't bother with the amazing holiday just yet as they probably won't remember any of it.

Because a carpet and lick of paint isn't going to cost the same as 2 weeks on a cruise or similar "big family holiday".

AuntieStella - I hope I’m not on the stairs on my deathbed

It would all depend on the kids ages, but I would do the holiday too. Get a rug doctor for the carpet and paint the walls yourself. Having worked with elderly people at the end of their life there is a lot of looking back and memories. I've never heard one mention their house interior.

Having just lost my FIL, who did absolutely nothing to his house in the 35 years I have been in the family (and beyond) - please maintain your house.

Go and enjoy a holiday or whatever and make some memories!
You and your children aren't going to remember the lovely carpet and paintwork

PaulRuddislush - I’m not talking a “big family holiday”, just a regular one that I hope will be great.
DC are teens.

Depends how old the kids are and how bad the house is looking! 😂

CraftyGin - I do maintain my house! It was only done 5 years ago!!

My eldest two when they talk of the best times it not the expensive holidays but times at home. Also eldest is not planning on dropping out of family holidays anytime soon.

Have a holiday, you're so right that family holidays will soon be a thing of the past.

Didn't realise it was stairs only! Thought it was carpet there and lick of paint/upgrade more generally.

Of course, if you don't replace the stair carpet, any threadbare patches could be the death of you...

You don't say how much you have to spend, but sorting out the most urgent/desirable house things might be possible in addition to the holiday. And you can make some utterly priceless family memories if you attempt DIY together [warped emoticon]

With the weather so lovely at the moment, why not have a camping holiday in the UK - plenty of opportunities to make fabulous memories and an awful lot cheaper than a holiday abroad - spend the rest on paint and a carpet cleaner, job done!

I totally agree with you about the 'on my deathbed' thought, I use that one to make decisions all the time!

AuntieStella - attempting a family DIY project may well PUT me on my deathbed

My vote would be family holiday

I'd say a staycation rather than package holiday. The pools etc are fun but actual bonding time together imo is board games & somewhere you have to make your own fun. If it were me I would book a rural cottage in Autumn for a week somewhere fairly remote where you can have a couple of town day trips & play, cook, drink & indulge yourselves.

Hire a rugdoctor and paint your walls. Buy a new print for the wall and a new front door mat. That’ll cost less than £200.
Then book a holiday!

Meant to say, why not have an adventurous holiday? Those are the type which make the best joint memories. Maybe a road trip or city break? Get everyone to chip in with ideas for location and activities, and if your DC are old enough, get them researching on Tripadvisor.

Tentomidnight - good idea, I might just do that!!

Rug Doctors are amazing miracle workers and can be hired for £25. B&Q Colours paint applies surprisingly well and can be picked up for under a tenner when they have a sale. Repaint, clean the carpets with heavy duty shampoo, maybe get some new curtains and blow the rest on a family holiday. Best of both worlds.

is a genius

Another vote for the Tentomidnight idea. House decoration is vastly over rated.