A week in France or 4 nights in England at Xmas?

[Pluc]

I have ended up being the deciding vote for what to do at Xmas. I initially said I didn’t mind so didn’t vote.

This year at Xmas it will be my sister, her husband, BILs parents and BIL’s sister. Plus my parents, sister and my boyfriend. Plus two dogs who are both chill around each other. The “kids” are all late 20s and get on well.

Originally we were just going to find a big house in England for a few nights.

Someone then suggested booking in France. The advantage of this is that holiday lets are much cheaper. We’re talking a 1/3 of the price for somewhere 2x as nice.

The UK property would be a nice farmhouse in Devon. Still a decent drive away from Londoners and the others in the surrounding areas.

The French property that has been suggested is walking distance to a pub. 15 mins from a small town and 45 mins from a nice-ish city. But obviously it quite a lot of time for a Xmas trip. And a bigger time commitment.

Everyone would get their own bedroom in France.

I would have to cancel plans to make the France option work. Boyfriend and I would probably do our own thing and possibly trek it to Paris for a day or two. France would actually be a lot cheaper as a choice. I don’t necessarily want to drag Xmas out for an entire week though.

My sister and BILs sister would need to share in Devon.

Which way would you vote? Something about having a non-English Xmas doesn’t appeal. What food brands will I know to buy?

I personally think France might end up being stressful with a long drive, possible delays with it being Christmas and dogs have to get passports and extra jabs which would need looking into and may prove difficult at that time of year as I believe you have to visit a vet in France after arriving. I’d also be a bit concerned about food if you’re not happy to have a non- English Christmas dinner as they probably won’t have some things you’re used to. It also depends on the age of those attending if all this would be a bit much and if people go off doing their own thing, will older family members feel left out? Ultimately, it depends on your family but the dog issue would put me off at Christmas and having to find vets.

Would it definitely be cheaper for everyone to go to France with the cost of travel? Flying or ferry?

I’d prefer to go to Devon at that time of year but that’s personal - psychologically feels easier staying in the country.

I’d go for a week in France. Yes, it’s a little bit more effort logistically, but you have plenty of time to plan, and it’s a special one-off. Something a bit different, the opportunity to see different traditions and festivities at play, try out different Christmas foods and meals.

Brands of food - unless you’re particularly wedded to very specific or obscure British brands, French supermarkets will carry a lot of easily recognisable alternatives, and a lot of wonderful meats, cheeses, breads, pastries and sweets.

You don’t have to drag “Christmas” out for the entire week, particularly not if you plan to do your own thing and go to Paris for a couple of days. And I think own rooms for everyone is pretty crucial on an extended family break - particularly once you add in festivities, a bit of winter cabin fever, and the likelihood of people wanting different bedtimes and wake times and the opportunity to chill out in their own space for a bit. I love my SILs, but I’d be less keen to bedroom share with them for more than a night.

It’s seems very first world problems but the cost shared across a big group makes it fairly affordable. Premier Inn level

We would be driving

Surely there is a third option where you all get a bedroom somewhere in the UK? Look at other areas, Devon is pricey for holiday lets because of proximity to the coast and the typical south east beach holiday but it will be winter. What about Norfolk? Or somewhere like Herefordshire?

Just be aware France doesn't really "do" Christmas in the way the UK does..

It varies a bit by region and there might be the odd Christmas market but many people will be working up to and perhaps including Christmas Eve and may well be back at work on the 26th (not a holiday), though some will take the opportunity for a long weekend.

Oh I didn’t know that. I enjoy how special the days leading up to Xmas feel in the shops, pubs etc

French supermarkets and shops will be much calmer that those here, it's all quite low key. What brands or items were you thinking about being able to get?

Christmas Day this year is a Thursday, so a lot of French might take the Friday off as a bridge to a long weekend.