To spend this amount of money

[Mindycindy]

Basically I've had the year from Hell. My dog passed away, I had a major health scare and was admitted to hospital, I was diagnosed with a chronic serious illness and then most recently my dad passed away.

I want to do something special this Christmas.

I have been left a small amount by my dad, a few thousand.

I have found a 3 night stay in a really luxury place that includes all food (three courses etc) for Christmas eve Christmas day and boxing day. It really is a special place.

It costs 1800. Is that just a total waste of money? It's over half of what my dad left me and I'd hate to think I'm wasting it. I know its all relative but do you think that's what you'd expect that to cost for 2 people at Christmas time in a luxury place with all food included for 3 nights?

If this is a lot of money to you then don't do it. The service and experience is not going to be that much better than somewhere that's £250 a night and you'll just end up disappointed in my opinion.

That sounds amazing, go for it.

I would splurge on a really good Christmas at home. New heated throw, favourite food, theatre trip maybe and go away somewhere new in the new year. In the meantime how about writing down all your memories of your dad, make a scrapbook. Take time to think about the future. Could you invest some of your inheritance in a course to improve your long term future? For example my neighbour trained to be a dog groomer and now has a good solid business dog sitting and grooming.

If your Christmas plans usually involved your dad then I would do this in a heartbeat. Time to do something different.

I've booked a country air bnb having recently lost both in-laws who came to us every Christmas and Boxing Day for many years. Can't face sitting there in our house without them, it would just be miserable.

The only reason I've booked an air bnb is we have adult children and their partners. If it was just DH and I ... I would 100% book a hotel with all the food included.

I did this one year, it was lovely. But deal was cooked breakfast and two 3 course dinners per day . Went out each day so missed the lunches , but was too much anyway. If you are happy to sit around all day and just eat go for it. Following year went to big London hotel for b and b and booked lavish Xmas dinner on the day, much better. Also not being rude , but your option will be full of pensioners, due to cost issue

I'd go for longer in Jan/Feb. Get more for the money.

It's a LOT and the fact it seems a lot to you makes me think this isn't normally amount of money. Have a cosy Christmas at home, save it for emergencies, address any issues or debts etc

I would do it.

I know that if it was me my parents would be happy that I had spent their gift to me on a proper treat, especially after such a difficult time.

I hope you have a lovely, relaxing trip.

Sounds great,

BUT if the whole time you are doing it you are going to be thinking "I wish I hadn't" then don't do it.

Actually this is a very good idea, I hadn't thought of that.

I think your dad would want you to be happy. So I wouldn't agonise over should I, shouldn't I. I'd think- will this make me happier than another use of the money (buying a swanky sofa, a week abroad, buying a dog, investing the money for future security). If yes then I'd do it. Why not? Life is short and these kind of experiences can be magical. In my opinion with that sum of money in offer the best use is half for something sensible and half for fun.

You need to picture yourself there and think what you'll be getting. A comfy bed in a nicely presented room. A good Christmas dinner. A few hours sitting around in a chair in front of a fire, and some winter walks if it's not tipping it down. If that's worth £1800 to you, then go for it.

I'd worry that it didn't quite live up to your expectations, and having such an emotional connection to the money spent, that might feel disproportionately upsetting and disappointing.
I'd personally want to put it towards a longer break somewhere warm but obviously that's just me and we all have different tastes.

Lots of good and interesting points so thanks all... keep them coming

I do know the place isn't overhyped because I went before for 1 night a couple of years ago for My wedding anniversary and absolutely loved it and vowed I would love to go back one day.

I would normally always choose a holiday abroad, some sun and for a longer length but I honestly don't think for 1800 for 2 people, factoring in food and drink I would get much more than a bog standard place which I normally don't mind but I do that nearly every summer and wanted this to be a bit different. I also don't love the idea of a long journey, this place is an hour away from me by car.

I definitely want to go away for Christmas not in Jan as I'd like to create a new memory this year having now lost both parents.

Am open to other ideas. My dad would definitely be happy that I'm spending the money on something that makes me happy, but I think he would expect 2 weeks in the carribean for that price 🤣

You mention a trip for 2, is the other person not contributing at all?

Spend the money, go on the trip, make memories your dad would be proud of, but don't be paying someone's way.

How about doing it not at Christmas do it's better value? 2 weeks before?

Please don't pay a for a dog!

If you've read the reviews on Tripadvisor and it's all it's cracked up to be then go for it - unless you're going to spend the whole three days worrying that you've spent/wasted too much money.

If you're going to book it you need to go into it feeling really pleased and excited, not stressed, worried and feeling guilty.

You deserve this OP so if you really want it then do it. Christmas is a really expensive time and you could do it cheaper, later - but that's not the same is it?

Ok just seen you've been before so already know it's wonderful, now you only have to start believing you deserve it, believing that your dad would be so happy you're putting yourself first for a minute by doing this and then book it!!!

Do you know what-reading your second post, I’d do it. If you’ve been to somewhere really special and would love to go back, it’s an ideal
opportunity. It’s not coming out of your salary-it’s a gift from someone who you loved very much and every time you remember the occasion, you’ll be remembering your dad and the lovely time he gave you. And it really isn’t the same to go the week before-the hotel will go all out to ensure guests have a special time and you’ll feel really taken care of. Have a wonderful break after you had to deal with difficult times.

You could fly to rovaniemi op, might not be luxury with that budget but it would be magical

Did something similar with DW for our first Christmas married. It cost about 900 pounds in 2014 (a boutique hotel on the river in Chester recommended), a lot for us at the time. But not a single regret about it, it was perfect.

no doubt it is extravagant, but I think it would cheer you up.

I think if you are not sure don't do it. Maybe do something like 1 night away with meal etc for around a third of price . It's been a rough year. Money in the bank might make next year easier / less stressful? Depends on your situation. Whatever you decide to do I hope you enjoy every minute of it, it certainly sounds like you deserve it!

Rescue dogs aren't free. Most centres ask for a substantial donation.

I would do it, I’ve spent about the same to take my ds to Lapland for the DAY!!! later this year, I’m a hca on minimum wage and a single parent so it’s a crazy amount of money to me but money comes and goes memories last forever.

You've had a hard year. If it puts a smile on your face then it's worth doing 🙂

I would prefer a holiday abroad, somewhere warm, there are places that do Christmas, could you do a week over Christmas?