To think this is what we should do re Christmas?

[fieldgold]

OK, just looking for impartial thoughts.

We have no children and can't now, and dare I say it are reasonably comfortable financially at last now!

Every Christmas Day we go visit Mum in her Nursing Home (she has dementia but is very calm and often funny even if she is on another planet!). The whole family gathers with her in the morning, we all exchange gifts and it is lovely.

Then we all go our separate ways and each member of the family do their Christmas their way. We are always invited but they understand that we are not into big family things with kids and stuff. No problems. The arrangement suits us all. So there is Darby and Joan ha ha, but we like it that way too.

So, this year my friend's lovely apartment in Andalucia is free all over Christmas and she and her husband have offered it to us for two weeks if we want to use it.

We both think it would be great. But...... I feel this might be Mum's last Christmas. My siblings say go, Mum doesn't know what day it is. DH is looking forward to missing all the fuss of Christmas/New Year at home. It would be the very first time either of us were away for Christmas ever! I suppose I am using this thread as a means of setting down my thoughts.

Would you go?

I am sure we will, but there is some nagging doubt at the back of my mind, and I cannot figure out what it is. Selfish maybe? Help me decide please.

Go. You can always Skype on Xmas morning.

Yes, go. See her before you go.
I will always be grateful to my lovely mother, who said to me once, when the SIL was demanding we did a 500 mile trip every weekend to visit FIL, "Don't ever worry about us, we have lived as we wanted , put your family first" I remembered that when DF had dementia and I felt guilty because I could only get there about every 6 weeks.

Go. Honestly, my mil is also into her ‘could be her last Christmas dementia’ thing, she kind of recognises us, but is also off on another planet most of the time.

I would go on boxing day. Or even leave after the Xmas day morning.

Go for it!

Just in case anyone is still watching, we booked the outward flights earlier. £42 each. OMG what a bargain!

Will hold off on the return for a few days. What a bargain that outward flight was, included priority boarding and seat selection too! Must be a sign.....

Was going to say go, but seen your last post and glad you've made the decision. Have ana amazing time.

Go and enjoy Christmas away with your DH. Your family will be with her on Christmas Day, you can see her before/after you go for your own Christmas with her. Sometimes we have to invest in our relationship with our OH rather than constantly worrying "if it will be the last" with our parents.