Christmas Away

[storminabuttercup]

Always fancied being 'away' for Christmas, last year we realised that even with restrictions it wasn't really that different as we hardly see family anyway and if we do we are waiting around for when they see fit to pop in or are happy for us to go there. So we booked a cottage for this year, looks beautiful, in the Yorkshire dales, hot tub, real fire etc, but I'm now getting the jitters, it's just me, DP and DC11, has anyone done this at Xmas? Did you enjoy it?

We actually arrive 5 days before Xmas so will need to sort shopping etc locally

That sounds absolutely gorgeous! If I could do that I absolutely would. Enjoy! 🎄

With regards to the shopping, when we've been away for Christmas, we've just had a grocery shop delivered to wherever we're staying rather than negotiate the local supermarkets!

We had similar issues with ILs and decided it would be better to go away - so we did. It was wonderful. Admittedly we went to some sun which did make a difference but we did what we wanted, when we wanted and weren't waiting on others 'to make our Christmas joyful'. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Take some things (games etc) that you enjoy doing together. If there are food items/wine that you especially enjoy take them so you don't have to worry about shopping/ deliveries

We once spent Christmas in Grand Canaria and it was bliss. Came home for new year's and caught up with family then. Would highly recommend!

We've done it loads of times, together with other family members - renting big cottages/houses in the UK countryside. Loads more space than our own homes, big fires, nice big kitchens. We always order the turkey/ham from local butchers in advance, also a supermarket delivery, and bring lots of booze and goodies, plus all the presents for kids. It's always been fab and memorable.

We've also done other options - beach, skiing - also fantastic but we didn't take presents etc. so a very different vibe. Considering going away this year if we can.

Sounds lovely! We've always fancied going away for Christmas but somewhere hot and probably only Florida 😁

If I was you I wouldn't buy a proper turkey in case the oven is crap (if you're planning the proper dinner anyway) but something that comes in its own tray & boneless (not all holiday rentals have decent oven trays)

I think what would bother me, is "can I create the Christmas we like in a place I don't know, in 5 days"

If yes, go for it. For me, I love our tree and that wouldn't be there. I know my oven, for children dinner. I don't have to lug 3 children's presents somehow without them seeing, crammed in the car with said children, me DH, and all the luggage the family needs for a week (or more?) away.

If it was our holiday home, and I could get there in advance, get a tree up, pre stash presents, non perishables, so everything was set up ready for us, then perhaps. Otherwise it would all feel too frantic and wouldn't be much of a holiday.

Thanks for the reassuring comments.
I was thinking I may do an M&S Xmas, just order it all to collect, certainly don't fancy doing any thing too complicated.

The cottage itself will be decorated and I've seen pics, much classier than I do at home 😀

I'd go away every Xmas if I could afford it. You wont regret it.

I would love to do that this year as we haven't been away at all since COVID struck and am craving a change of scenery, however, as we had to cancel having my mum and dad over last Christmas I will be hosting them this year instead. Absolutely will be going away next Christmas, I fancy a cosy cottage in the Peak District and already have it all planned in my head.

You'll have a lovely time I'm sure🎄

We're trying to plan Christmas away. DS is going away with his partner.
We just don't know where to go. I'd love to go somewhere hot, but only want to go for a week, so nothing long haul.

@StiggyZardust

We're trying to plan Christmas away. DS is going away with his partner. We just don't know where to go. I'd love to go somewhere hot, but only want to go for a week, so nothing long haul.

One of the Canary Islands would be perfect.