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

[whatatanker]

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

What is a “good” budget??! Means nothing!

Maybe…..

Ah, yes. Ref: budget 3K, so not massive at all. Rules out skiing and long haul destinations for sure.

Maybe a UK hotel with childcare for a few days is best.

I'd check there was definitely childcare available over the holidays.

Do you want a change of scene or a break from cooking and childcare?

Do you want to go away for the whole two weeks? New Year will be expensive.

Driving distance from where?

An interesting question.

I think we’re fine, although it can get overwhelming at times. It feels as though we’re helping each other out and working together for the family. That probably sounds trite, but we are happy.

If you an afford it, I'd book into a really nice hotel with kids club and fully catered for a mini break.

I'm curious how come his job is taking him away for so much of the holidays - maybe I'm reading too much into your posts but I get the impression he's not around much general. Is it a lifestyle choice or necessity? I assume it's not a low paid job if you're planning a Xmas break and it just seems so sad that you won't spend any time together whilst he's busy making money for the family he never sees. Apologies if I'm projecting - I grew up wanting for nothing except to see my dad occasionally. He worked so hard to provide this wonderful life for us but it was meaningless as we never bloody saw him

Center parcs? I’m not sure how relaxing that is but they would love it. I know mine would! If it’s within a couple of hours drive then dh can drive up on Christmas Eve for the night and spend the day with you on Christmas Day before going back for work on Boxing Day. He can then bring all of the presents.

I personally don’t think it’s going to be any less stressful/sad/lonely being away from home. Holidaying with kids is never a real rest. I’m a single parent of 5 and have no grandparents for them. Our Xmas is THE family Xmas now and even the older ones come home for it. We make our own traditions and memories. Imagine Xmas night being able to have a drink and chocolates on your own sofa in new PJ’s and dressing gown watching whatever YOU want to watch! Does your DH realise how you feel? Could he book AL for next Xmas so you know it’s only this year. I genuinely feel like it’s going to be way harder on you being away for Xmas. I’ve done so many Xmas’s alone. I’ve been that one person without a single present under the tree for many years, it’s really what you make of it. I really hope you can find some Xmas Joy OP. 💐

So their father- your DH - doesn't get to spend Christmas Day with his family? Very odd, especially as he doesn't get to see them much normally. Wouldn't it be easier to stay home and share the load for at least one day?

Centerparcs! We've just come back and it was magical... Beautifully decked out for Christmas and such a lovely relaxed vibe. AND that was with two late teen DCs as well as elderly parents (all of whom usually manage to stress me out at some point). I have more post CP blues than I did after our summer holiday o/s.

Decent one? Zero availability

I'm going to a European Center Parcs with my daughter for the first week. It was pretty cheap when I booked it, 350 EUR for a week plus ferry.

I just had a quick look at the prices and for 2 weeks over xmas and new year and the prices start at 1709 EUR for a 2 bedroom cottage.

How much time does he spend with the family normally? Why does he work 7 days a week?

Could you maybe go somewhere like centre parks for the week before Christmas? Or 5
days or something?
I used to take my 3 smalls away for a 5 day break once a year when the eldest got to reception and beyond. Dh couldn’t always afford time off during the holidays so I’d book something for the 4 of us and he’d stay home and work. Just broke up the time.
It wasn’t hard, just packed plenty of clothes and they all chose some of their favourite toys, I packed a couple of new craft kits etc. most of the time we just went for walks, tried out new parks, ice creams, just some difference scenery but mostly did what we’d have done at home. Didn’t go for beach locations until they got older, taking 3 under 5 to the beach on your own is a bit much. Doable but not much fun.
In your shoes I’d book something for 5 days leading up to Christmas, be home for Christmas Day with your dh and then the week after you can chill for a bit knowing that they’ve had a nice busy week, you might be appreciative to just be at home.

Op are you the same the rest of the year?

I'd seriously look at a gym membership which has lots of clubs and childcare for your kids. So it's not just Christmas that your getting a break but the rest of the year too.

Are there any pre-Christmas holiday clubs in your area to take the older 2 for a couple of days so you can have a break?