To go away for Christmas?

[aredrosegrewup]

To cut a long story short. DH and I both have strained relationships with our families and have very recently cut all contact with MIL (for legitimate reasons, won't get into detail). I work Christmas every other year and I am off this year. I have Xmas eve, day and boxing day off.

We've always said we will go away one year and this year seems like a good opportunity (A shit couple of years, including ongoing infertility etc...).

We have 3 dogs so would need to be in the UK. Any ideas of where to go? Will it be depressing? Please make the decision for me! 😂

Do it! We have a similar family dynamic and I can’t tell you how much better being away at Christmas feels!

Absolutely go away and enjoy yourselves.

Snowdon Cabins accept dogs and are advertising availability.

This is what we're hoping for!

Ah I'll have a look, thank you!

We have great relationships with our family but still went away for Xmas last year and it's our favourite Xmas to date! We had our 20month old and I was pregnant. Went with another family with DC and honestly, best time ever. Do it you won't regret it x

I’ve longed to do this the last couple of years - like you, complicated family dynamics - but my children hated the idea! I think it would be wonderful to hunker down with just us, somewhere scenic, and avoid all the expectation (and expense!) of fulfilling everyone else’s idea of their perfect Christmas…

Where did you go? If you don't mind me asking.

Yes, I'm thinking of a lovely cabin somewhere, nice walks, books, no expectations!

I'm in the NE and we only drove 1.5hrs away to a more rural part of Northumberland. We stayed in a huge holiday house with outdoor hot tub and play area, fenced off garden for dogs etc. It was unbelievable. I think it had about 6 bedrooms. I mean it's double the price for this year than it was last year 🤦🏻‍♀️ but it was right on a little river/stream and by 9am Xmas morning we were out for a walk all together, beautiful x

I'll try to find the link and attach it x

Scotland is where I would go.

Another poster saying Do It! We don’t have particularly stressful families but trying to fit them in was becoming a struggle so a few years ago we decided to go away and it was great. No stress, just a completely different type of Christmas.
Loved it so much we started doing it every other year (have stopped for now as we have a 3yo but will resume when he’s old enough).

I would have a look in areas a couple of hours away from where you are and just go for it (I don’t think I can help with location as aside from Mull we spent our away Christmas’s abroad chasing cold and snow).

DP and I love going away for Xmas. We don't have brilliant family relationships, plus it's the one time of year when work quietens down a bit for us both.

UK Xmas holidays can be lovely. I agree a cabin with nice walks and books/films/radio etc is the way to go. We've enjoyed seaside Xmas hols the best. I'd recommend Northumberland (wild coastal walks and views) and Mousehole in Cornwall for the famous lights.

We're doing the same with the dogs and going to Northumberland 😊

Have look on Airbnb and search using the filter which lets you put how many pets you have.

We live in Northumberland which is a shame really because it's a perfect Christmas getway 😂

We live in Northumberland and often fall back on Scotland. Cornwall would be lovely but I've only got the 3 days off so probably would need to be a bit closer.

You're all convincing me 😁

Down the coast a bit to North Yorkshire? Or across to the fells/Lakes?

We're Northumberland already, granted we could go more North. Lake district might be a good option too.

Yeah, I was just thinking Lakes could be nice!

The north Norfolk coast is very dog friendly.

The Lakes are brilliant in winter (as long as you're not too worried about the likely rain). No crowds!
How about the Peak District?

Oh no 😆How about the Lake District? Or North Yorkshire? Whitby? Christmas by the sea 😍

We usually rent a cottage near the sea and go for a walk on the prom on Christmas Day. You can book Xmas lunch in a pub. We don’t bother and have pizza and all the sides. One Christmas we spent the day binge watching Criminal Minds. Going away is the best!

As you are in Northumberland , I suggest you head West Cumbria way , you will still have beaches (assume your dogs as used to them ) but also the Western fells / lakes if you want to get them on there .
I suggest the Keswick area ( very dog friendly in regard to eating out , cafes etc )
But you might have to look quickly / struggle to get somewhere to stay .
Before we moved here , we'd book our accommodation in January .