To say fuck it next year and go away for Christmas

[Deadbudgie]

Me and DH work very hard, we have 6 year old DS and a dog. We all break up on Friday. Sat afternoon we are driving 3 hours to visit in laws, they’ve got rid of their spare room - use it for something else so have to stay in a shitty travel lodge so we can have the dog. Next day 3 hour drive home. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at home the Boxing Day up to my parents for 2 days 1.5 hours drive Again, despite having a 4bed house no spare room so have to stay in another shitty travel lodge 8 miles away. We then have to travel further 2 hours away to visit more friends/family then finally home. I’m pissed off there’s always reasons we have to travel not them. Next year considering saying - fuck it and booking a cottage for a week over Christmas so we don’t spend Christmas traversing the country and can have a week chilling Aibu?

Book it nice and early so you have all year to look forward to it. And for your families to have all year to get used to the idea!

Or just stay at home.
If they want to see you thar badly then they can make the effort.

Do it OP and don't tell them where you are going ! I am so over Christmas this year - ungrateful Family Members, Whinging Old Folk, Gloating Neighours - screw it, next year we are going abroad!!

Stash at home. Invite them to yours if you want to, but stay at home. Or go away if you want. No Christmas plans are set in stone forever and ever. You’re adults, do your own thing.

Up to you but don't you want to see your parents and your in laws? You have Christmas Day itself at home.

Stay not stash.

Don't book anything just say you aren't spending another Xmas on the road.

Announce (this Christmas) that you are staying at home next Christmas. Offer each a day when they can visit you if they want to see you over Christmas. Maybe put it in writing for the avoidance of doubt.

Another saying that you should do it.

We've booked to go to a restaurant for Christmas Lunch this year but are considering going away for Christmas week next year.

It is just logistically difficult for everyone to get together whether it is time, travel, space or money - I want a year off next year, but for us its not the travelling its the hosting (and I bet those I host want a year off from coming - but its the only way we can all see both parents at christmas). I get you OP. Can you talk to both sides and see if anyone has any ideas about doing it differently?

I'll definitely go away or stay home. We are going to see mil on Saturday but we aren't staying 7 hour round trip but there isn't a spare bedroom and we refuse to stay in a hotel.
Christmas is supposed to be relaxing and fun but by accommodating inconsiderate family members turns to be an ordeal.
Just make sure you book nice and early.
I can't believe you take the dog too. Poor you.

I do want to see everyone - it’s just always us driving round the country staying in yet another hotel. It always ends up that I don’t get to enjoy getting ready for Christmas with DS. Alwaysrushing to buy in food etc. We have to take the dog - firstly she is very much part of the family and secondly cos apart from dog boarders no one to look after her

Ye go away for sure, but somewhere you can take your dog! I wouldn't leave mine at xmas.

Do it OP. It sounds like a fab idea.

Were away for the 2nd time it’s bloody class we’ve not had to go into the loft for decorations I haven’t been near a shop since Halloween I’m dreading the day we stay home for Xmas

Makehouse - absolutely, it would break my heart to do that, I was thinking somewhere with nice beaches we could all go for a walk on Christmas Day (when the dog haters have handed back the beach😂)

I was thinking somewhere with nice beaches we could all go for a walk on Christmas Day

That sounds so nice!!