Would you go on holiday just before Christmas

[BluePeterNot]

As title suggests - Would you go on holiday (abroad) with your other half just before Christmas?
Leaving the kids (5 & 7) with grandparent for three nights? Get back early morning Xmas Eve?
It seems like a lovely idea (his) for a big birthday but so close to Christmas I can’t help but feel guilty!!?

Why feel guilty? You’re back Xmas eve in time for santas arrival and the big day. Prep everything prior so you’re not leaving too much for g’parents to do. Sounds like a lovely treat!

Depends if you are cooking Christmas lunch and need any prep and shopping time close to the day

Personally I wouldn’t with children that age which is peak Christmas excitement.

But I also wouldn’t judge anyone else who did. Go have fun!

No I never would ….I loved the build up to Christmas with my 2 so would never have done this…..have been away a lot without my kids but not near Christmas…..but if it suits you I certainly wouldn’t judge

It would depend where. If flying or ferry were involved that could be cancelled or delayed, then not cutting it that fine. If staying on the same landmass so a different route home could be sought if a car broke down / train was cancelled then probably.

Assuming they enjoy staying with Grandparents and Grandparents are up for dealing with 2 hugely excited DC of course.

I used to go away early December prices were rock bottom ..

but yes so long as kids and grandparents are happy

As much as it sounds lovely, I think I would spend the time away worrying about everything being ready for Christmas, making sure the stockings etc were ready. Like a pp said, I would be scared that travel could be affected that time of year, bad weather etc. I think there’s too much at stake to risk missing Christmas with such young children. And the lead up to Christmas Day is so magical. Could you go away just after Christmas/new year instead?

No, not abroad. Every year there seems to be airport chaos or bad weather causing flights to be delayed.
I'd maybe go on a short break in the UK where you know you'll definitely make it home.

You know your children best, and obviously they have loving and caring GP. But my DS would not like it if I missed any of the Christmas cheer. Its pretty much the favourite season for all many kids. You also don't have many years where it's 'magical'...and I am saying that as someone who believes Christmas is far too commercialised. I would dig my eyeballs out with a spoon before I spent money on Christmas Pyjamas or Christmas eve boxes.

Your partner is an adult, he can get an IOU holiday for his birthday and you can go away when it isn't such an important time for your children.

No I wouldn't. But only because every time I've gone away in December I've had problems with cancelled flights due to weather.

My DD does a mid December break. Pick carefully and you shouldn't get delayed flights. Tbh if it was my GC I'd do a Christmassy trip or days out while you are gone.

Thank you all for your responses, some very valid points here!
The possibility of a flight cancellation or delay is one of my main concerns, as well as missing the few days between end of school and Xmas excitement.
I think we will delay until spring, but I feel bad as it was meant to be a surprise, but my husband couldn’t find the credit card by himself…

I got married 5 days before Christmas - it was epic!! Very posh honeymoon in Birmingham for a few days after that 😆 😂 😆

We did. My parents had the children and they had a wonderful time. DH and I had a magical trip.

It was followed by a lovely family Christmas

Probably not but when mine were that age it was loads of fun and they’re only small for a short period of time and I wouldn’t have wanted to have missed it. Plus the risks of travel delays for all manner of reasons.
No judgements here though, dh and I have gone on holidays without the dc and loved it every time but for me with this being so close to Christmas I would just be nervous of getting stranded. Plus for such a short duration I wouldn’t think it was worth the risk.
Oh, and we host for 20 on Christmas Day so there’s too much to do anyway 😂

I would go; I think Christmas is totally over hyped and usually a let down. Too much money splashed about and too much time spent ‘getting ready’. If the GPs are up for a few days childminding then go for it.

Personally no I wouldn’t want to at that time
spring is much better

We’ve gone away several times the week before Christmas, returning 23th. Only had one flight cancelled that I recall (and we were able to get on a different flight instead).

We’ve taken the kids too though and it’s only possible because others are kindly hosting us for Christmas- if we were hosting I wouldn’t do it.

For a child free 3 night break I think I’d want to go at another time of year when I could go somewhere sunny but close by.

I probably wouldn't risk the chance of planes getting delayed or cancelled and missing Christmas Day. You never know what will happen with the weather (or strikes!), but I would go a week or so earlier if possible!

I’d save it for Jan/ Feb
christmas especially for those ages is wonderful, flies by, and is all December really leading up to the big day

be fabulous to have a grown up break planned for miserable Jan/ Feb