help m me plan a tiny Christmas

[crochetmonkey74]

I will only be with my one sibling (no other family)
Some friends but most will be with their own families - we need to decide between going away to a nice hotel or staying at home . It's always tinged with sadness as we miss those we have lost - so we need to work out a 'rebrand'
Definitely not a sun holiday- would likely be a UK break - but again not an isolated or quiet place as this can tip to being a little depressing

any ideas?

I'd go away. It depends where you're based but a city break to London at Christmas would be great.

Other cities like Edinburgh, York, Oxford etc would also be festive and have enough going on to keep you distracted.

I'd find a lovely hotel in the Yorkshire Dales with log fires and lots of walking.

Depends on your budget. If you can afford a luxe hotel or really great holiday rental then go away. If not then do a day at home with new traditions to those you grew up with. Different food / dress code / viewing / activities to ring the changes.

Unless you plan to go away every year I'd try and form new traditions for yourself and your sibling . There's two of you so same number as a couple spending Christmas together.
Stockings / coffee / pastries
Beach / woods / countryside walk with a flask and mince pies .
Home / shower / into comfies
Movies / jigsaws / Lego / music / read , whatever to relax
Nice late afternoon / evening meal of whatever you'd like .
Maybe local pub for drink afterwards .

I was going to suggest something very similar to this

HF Holidays usually have some singing holidays over Christmas, if a bit of choir action appeals.

I would definitely find a nice country spa hotel that does 3 day Christmas packages, get your nails done, have a swim, meals in the restaurant and sitting by a fire somewhere for conversation and card games.

Do you like your sibling?
Do you like joining in activities with other people?
Do you want to be able to cook your own Christmas meal or do you want it laid on?
Do you want your own socialising space (eg a sitting room in an apartment or similar) or are you happy to just have a bedroom and communal socialising space?
What do you like to do?

Yes we get on really well- i think a city break suits us best

Although I live in London I'd never spent Christmas here until lockdown. It was great! Borough Market on Christmas eve for mulled wine and to pick up some nice nibbly bits. on Christmas morning walked in the sunshine to a church service (Westminster Abbey, St Paul's will have
christmas day services) and back again, ensuing walking through the west end with no people!
Stopped off for a wander In the park with a coffee and pastry, then home for drinks, dinner and telly.
There will be theatre, panto and ballet, and concerts and Carol services. There will be plenty of people around and some restaurant open (certainly in hotels).

In fairness it helped that lots of friends were around but even if you don't know anyone there will be things happening.

I'd do a hotel break in london, Christmas markets, shopping, the hustle and bustle, a nice Christmas dinner cooked for you.

I'd go away. We're planning to go to Hampshire a holiday village called sandy Balls. We're going to start the festive season off however they do Christmas breaks. Now obviously I don't know ur budget and obviously prices varey. I got an absolutly amazing deal. Cabin with private hot tub, there are activities going throughout Christmas including Xmas day. It's in the great wood so perfect for walks, indoor pool spa. Might be worth a look. Whatever you end up doing it will be lovely as your taking the time to plan now. Another thought would be to go out for dinner if you don't go away. Somewhere with music and festive cheer xx

Sounds lovely

I think it depends on budget. Some hotels do a package where meals and optional Christmas activities are included (watergate bay for an example) but they’re not always cheap.

I'd go to London. Do some sightseeing and have some nice food and go to a show.