Christmas 2021- help me build it

[crochetmonkey74]

I have just broken up from DP and one of my first thoughts was how am I going to cope with Christmas? I know its early, and anything can happen before next Christmas but I am going to go from his large family Christmas to just me and my lovely sister (that's my entire family)
We have thought about going all out and having 2 or 3 nights at The Savoy or somewhere amazing, and having the full London Christmas experience- including treating each other to some high end, beautiful gifts in a lovely stocking. Or we could rent an Airbnb and hunker down. What you lovely Christmasistas do in my new (sad ) position?

Covid aside, and fingers crossed it won't matter anyway this Christmas, maybe a trip away somewhere snowy, the alps or similar. Still feels Christmassy but different enough to avoid comparisons.

Otherwise, a trip to somewhere else - Hong Kong for example?

If you want to stay in the UK then a swanky hotel is a good shout. I don't have one to recommend but I'm sure there are several around the country. I don't know about holing up in an air bnb, I can see that going either way. But equally you might well be feeling quite different by then. Central London would be awesome, to walk around all those sites on Christmas Day when they're deserted would be pretty cool.

Yes London definitely appeals! Hadn't considered somewhere snowy but will definitely investigate

Sorry to hear about your breakup OP. In your situation I would definitely love to fly off somewhere snowy, rent a log cabin but will all the mod cons and hole up somewhere with a gorgeous view of the mountains! I’d stay in and have loads of food/drink/champagne and some favourite dvds/books/games and just spend actual Xmas day doing whatever you want. Mind you, London at Christmas does look amazing so I’d maybe do that with all the touristy stuff... or New York! Argh so many choices haha. Hopefully you can plan something amazing and it can go ahead

I would go all out, really treat yourselves. Do something very very Christmassy but make it completely different to past Christmases. Make it something to look forward to. I think I'd go for swanky spa hotel so you don't have to cook. My preference would be by the sea but a city break in somewhere historic would be great too. Buy each other really nice treats and do some things you enjoy together.
I'd be tempted to buy myself a set of nice gifts and wrap them up now so I've got time to forget a bit about them, then unwrap one a day over the Christmas period.

I would stay in a lovely London hotel. We stayed at The Savoy for NYE a few years ago. Lovely afternoon tea just before check in, I had a same day Net a Porter delivery with beautiful dress, shoes and handbag delivered to reception and then we had dinner and drinks at The Grill and watched the Thames fireworks from our room. Such a wonderful memory.

I’m not sure I’d want to do a few nights at The Savoy though, as it isn’t the best location for where I like to walk. Instead, I’d stay at The Ham Yard Hotel (request a room with a balcony) or The Connaught, as there are so many options for walking and exploring nearby. Both very different hotels, but both wonderful.

The christmas you have planned with your DSis in London sounds amazing! Agree with PP about looking at maybe jetting off to somewhere snowy if restrictions have lifted enough by christmas (I see no reason why not!) That's always been a dream of mine 😅 also treat yourself to plenty of nice food, treats, wine, new pyjamas and fluffy socks for the holidays 😃

What did your sister usually do on her own while you were at your big family Christmas? Would she prefer to do that again this year?

Also, if you enjoyed the busy Christmas vibe, how about volunteering at one of the dinners for homeless people?

We have stayed in London a few times- it is a bit boring. Lots of places not open on Christmas Day to eat- you need to book and quite a few not open on Boxing Day.

Where do you live? Great country house hotel with spa like Rudding Park?

Not sure how feasible it would be with Covid but I went to Cape Town the first Christmas my children went to my ex & had an amazing time. It would have even better to have a sister i got on with to travel with!
Everything was open, everyone was in good spirits and out on the streets/beaches/ restaurants etc.
I don't find Southern hemisphere Christmases very Christmassy - was in Perth one year in 40° heat - but they are something totally different and a lot of fun!

Your London Christmas plan sounds fantastic! Would be great to plan for a few outings if you can - maybe a few spa treatments, festive afternoon tea at the Ritz, ice skating (if it is still on) at Somerset House and a visit to the theatre.

How often do you get to hole up in an opulent hotel, snug as a bug, with a delicious Christmas dinner laid on, room service on speed dial and a big cosy hotel bed for catnaps?

I do echo a PP - what did your DSis do previously for Christmas? Is she in a similar position to you (relationship ending etc)?

I'd hunker down

Oh that sounds lovely. A bit random but I caught a documentary on YouTube the other day about christmas at the savoy, might be worth a browse is you want a sneak peak at what they do.

I think certainly a nice meal somewhere where you don't have to cook is always a win. Try and pamper yourselves as well either with a spa treatment or just taking things yourselves like facemasks etc.

You don't always have to go out and about sometimes it's nice just to chill at the hotel with room service, films and games x