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Christmas

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Original poster

I can’t face 2 weeks with 3DC over Christmas totally on my own - so, where shall I go?

67 replies

whatatanker · 04/12/2022 11:54

Right, the situation is as follows. DH works and will not have any time off over the Christmas break except for Christmas Day itself and he can go to his parents.

I don’t have any close family - am low contact with my parents due to their treatment of me when I was younger.

I’m so tempted to take the children away somewhere - they are 7,4 and 2. What to do and where to go?

Would consider abroad/break in the UK too
Would need to be somewhere safe
Good budget
Would love somewhere with a tiny bit of childcare so I could have an hour or so to myself each day

OP posts:
getoutof · 04/12/2022 11:57

Could you go Boxing Day so the kids are at home for Christmas Day and see your husband? I'd look for a nice hotel with a kids club

Justhereforthechristmasthreads · 04/12/2022 12:06

This is a bit sad. Why on earth would you not want a family christmas with the 5 of you on Christmas Day if that is the only day your husband is off and not send him off to his parents

They are your family - time to make new christmas memories

As for the other days over christmas hols what would you normally do when eldest is on school hols?

SuperCamp · 04/12/2022 12:09

Would his parents take them for 24 hours?

toomuchlaundry · 04/12/2022 12:11

How long is the oldest one off school, you must have time before or after Christmas to go away so you can have Christmas Day with DH. Wouldn’t he want that day with his DC?

Does he work away or would still be home in the evenings over the Christmas period? Does he not get any of the bank holidays?

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 04/12/2022 12:11

Even with no time off what hours does he work?

AriettyHomily · 04/12/2022 12:17

Why can't you have a Christmas at home the five of you and go somewhere on Boxing Day? Do you want abroad or uk?

Original poster
whatatanker · 04/12/2022 12:18

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 04/12/2022 12:11

Even with no time off what hours does he work?

About 08:00 - 20:00 I’m normally doing/ finishing bedtime when he gets home.

Sundays he has a few hours off.

OP posts:
CaptainMerica · 04/12/2022 12:19

I found a great deal at a UK holiday resort - the sort of place with log cabins with hot tubs, and kids activities, for the first week in Jan. With the schools here not back until the 9th, that first week is really cheap for school holiday dates. So I'd go in Jan, and spend xmas at home.

Original poster
whatatanker · 04/12/2022 12:20

toomuchlaundry · 04/12/2022 12:11

How long is the oldest one off school, you must have time before or after Christmas to go away so you can have Christmas Day with DH. Wouldn’t he want that day with his DC?

Does he work away or would still be home in the evenings over the Christmas period? Does he not get any of the bank holidays?

He’ll be working on the bank holidays.

Eldest has 2 weeks off school.

OP posts:
Threeboysandadog · 04/12/2022 12:24

It’s a few years since I’ve been but very child friendly, swimming pool, cinema and good childcare on site and lots of things to do in the area.

Aviemore

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 04/12/2022 12:30

honestly I’d find a holiday club- I wouldn’t travel with kids by myself if the intention is to get a break.

Wiloswisp · 04/12/2022 12:31

Try looking at The Manor and Ashbury hotels in Oakhampton in Devon.

toomuchlaundry · 04/12/2022 12:38

If you look at those hotels choose the Manor rather than Ashbury, as the Ashbury is mainly golf.

lemmity · 04/12/2022 12:44

Getting a temporary nanny with their own transport might work better? They can take the kids out or watch them at home a couple of hours a day to give you a break.

CarefreeMe · 04/12/2022 13:16

I think it will be more stressful going away and having to sort all that out than just having a couple weeks at home relaxing and going out for walks.

If your DC are particularly difficult for some reason then why not get a babysitter for a couple hours a week.

Why is this any different when DH isn’t working away?

Do you usually work a lot so don’t have as much responsibility with the children?

Christmasnero · 04/12/2022 13:19

I think using the holiday money to pay for a nanny or a club would be more beneficial for you!

Chuntypops · 04/12/2022 13:19

Justhereforthechristmasthreads · 04/12/2022 12:06

This is a bit sad. Why on earth would you not want a family christmas with the 5 of you on Christmas Day if that is the only day your husband is off and not send him off to his parents

They are your family - time to make new christmas memories

As for the other days over christmas hols what would you normally do when eldest is on school hols?

God almighty she’s going to be knackered. All this “for the memories” is bullshit.

MeMyCatsAndMyBooks · 04/12/2022 13:21

I would book a hotel with a swimming pool for a few nights, the other days hoilday school club or a nanny but might be a bit late notice for a nanny now.

CarefreeMe · 04/12/2022 13:24

God almighty she’s going to be knackered. All this “for the memories” is bullshit.

Huh!

Why would she be knackered?
It’s looking after your own kids.

imaditto · 04/12/2022 13:28

lemmity · 04/12/2022 12:44

Getting a temporary nanny with their own transport might work better? They can take the kids out or watch them at home a couple of hours a day to give you a break.

That is a great idea

MKDmumofflash · 04/12/2022 13:41

I get it OP, DH is a farmer so will be working every day inc christmas. Its not so much the being at home with the kids that gets me, it's that everyone else has plans with friends /family and it feels a bit lonely (too remote for extra help too).

I'm taking the kids away on boxing day this year to the south coast. Premier Inn but tourist area so things to do and hopefully better weather. We come back just before it gets really expensive at New Year. Could you look at something similar?

Gives me a good excuse not to cook a huge christmas dinner too as DP isn't great at leftovers.

2bazookas · 04/12/2022 13:43

Wherever you take the DC, you will be totally on your own with full responsibility and zero back-up. Exactly what you "can't do". Plus, the stress of travelling alone with three.

In your shoes I'd sooner stay in the comfort of my own home where they and you have all their stuff.

Dinoteeth · 04/12/2022 13:52

Op I think it would be easier to stay home where you can have some play dates. And kids will be entertained with their new toys.

Although Id tempted to look at any gyms near you who have creche facilities

Chuntypops · 04/12/2022 13:54

CarefreeMe · 04/12/2022 13:24

God almighty she’s going to be knackered. All this “for the memories” is bullshit.

Huh!

Why would she be knackered?
It’s looking after your own kids.

Cos she’s doing it on her own!!! How could she not be? Weird post.