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Christmas

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Grandparents going on holiday over Christmas

122 replies

Raspberryberet67 · 23/12/2025 23:40

I’d appreciate thoughts on grandparents going on holiday when grandchildren are young. We’re second marriage- grandchildren on my husband’s side, primary school and nursery age. Son-in-law not impressed that we’re away this Christmas. In past years it’s been difficult to see them due to elderly parents. Are we bad grandparents??

OP posts:
Solo222 · 24/12/2025 16:55

JulietBravo999 · 23/12/2025 23:49

After decades of doing the dutiful at Christmas and being stuck in quite a rigid routine, I can’t wait to be able to jet off somewhere warm in years to come. YANBU.

This 100%

Tryagain26 · 24/12/2025 17:04

Of course you are not being selfish , you have a right to go on holiday whenever you want

Tryagain26 · 24/12/2025 17:09

YellowCherry · 24/12/2025 07:20

Sorry if I've got this wrong. Do you mean that last year you didn't see the grandchildren at all despite wanting to (because it wasn't "your turn"), and this year it would have been your turn to spend Christmas with them but you're going away instead? If so, that does seem a little odd. Couldn't you have timed it so that you're away when you don't see them and at home when you do?

Why on earth should they arrange their holidays around her son in-laws Christmas plans?

Lavenderandbrown · 24/12/2025 17:19

I think someone is difficult in this situationship op..your son in law? I would go on this trip and then revisit plans for next year in the summer or early fall specifically with whoever it is who is making the decisions. If this is second marrriage and this is DH family he needs to be present for the chat.

I think it’s very very unfair to tell anyone it’s not their year. DGD love equally and enjoy seeing both sets of DGP on Christmas. That’s an adult talking again…son in law?

enjoy your trip…dress up drink a lovely cocktail made by someone else and eat something lush and special while enjoying each other.

Merry Christmas 🎄

Raspberryberet67 · 24/12/2025 17:31

Tryagain26 · 24/12/2025 17:09

Why on earth should they arrange their holidays around her son in-laws Christmas plans?

We weren’t invited this year and didn’t know it was our “turn” but frankly, now it’s Christmas Eve I’m done with the whole thing! Thanks for your comments and enjoy your Christmas celebrations

OP posts:
YellowCherry · 24/12/2025 17:55

Tryagain26 · 24/12/2025 17:09

Why on earth should they arrange their holidays around her son in-laws Christmas plans?

Because it's wonderful to spend Christmas with family, especially when the children are at the age to get really excited.

StCuntyMcCunterson · 24/12/2025 17:57

He sounds intolerable

AnotherForumUser · 24/12/2025 17:58

Raspberryberet67 · 24/12/2025 17:31

We weren’t invited this year and didn’t know it was our “turn” but frankly, now it’s Christmas Eve I’m done with the whole thing! Thanks for your comments and enjoy your Christmas celebrations

Oh dear. It looks like your not so DSIL believes that simply because he's made plans in his head all of the supporting cast must know when to enter and exit his performance - without even having the manners to invite you. Screw him. It's time this pompous asshole learnt the earth does not revolve around him. If he wanted you there this Christmas he should have 'used his words'. What a pity he has got to his age without learning that.

mildlysweaty · 24/12/2025 18:00

Absolutely do not carry any guilt for this!! I’d choose a beach anytime. Also wish my MIL had decided to go on holiday then she wouldn’t be on her way here for three nights 😭

SVR16 · 24/12/2025 18:04

If I were you I’d go away every Christmas. I’ve probably spent more Christmas days abroad than at home since I was an adult. It’s great. I much prefer it compared with staying at home and feeling obliged to do all the extended family nonsense.

bigsoftcocks · 24/12/2025 18:05

Op this is shit for you…go on your holiday and enjoy it !

they can’t have it every which way… sounds like you are better off out of the drama

FrodisCapering · 24/12/2025 18:08

I'd feel liberated!

TwistedWonder · 24/12/2025 18:11

I would have had no problem at all if my parents had decided to go away for Christmas when my DS was young. It’s one day - presents and visits can take place on another day.

FunnyOrca · 24/12/2025 18:58

FrodisCapering · 24/12/2025 18:08

I'd feel liberated!

Same! My parents have been pretty miserable about Christmas as long as I can remember. About 8pm every 25th of December my dad announces they should go on holiday for Christmas next year. They never do. They really should try it!

Mcdhotchoc · 24/12/2025 19:47

Lol. I had a hilarious convo with my eldest.
Her" we are taking it in turns, so middle daughter is with you this year, we are doing next year"
Me "the moment I am free from 30 years of having my mother every feckin year, we are going to somewhere hot and sunny and just us"

Btowngirl · 24/12/2025 20:24

No issue whatsoever - I’d love either of my parents to go away for Christmas if that’s what they wanted. My children are 1 and 4 fwiw.

Clarehandaust · 24/12/2025 20:26

Yes, but clearly that doesn’t matter so I don’t know what you want from us validation ? Why do you care?

Radionowhere · 24/12/2025 21:06

EvangelicalAboutButteredToast · 24/12/2025 09:12

Who gets to decide it’s ’your year’ FFS? Like hell will I be playing that game with my kids when I age. I’d be like the OP and going off on my hols. Excellent idea.

My sister in law by marriage. She dictated when the inlaws would be with them, we had to have them when it didn't suit her and my parents had to fit in with it all. Awful.
Have a lovely time OP

Rednotdead · 25/12/2025 12:46

Enjoy your holiday

TrickyD · 25/12/2025 13:19

I’ve just been trimming enough Brussels Sprouts for 11. DH reminded me that I had suggested a cruise for Christmas next year. Seems like a better idea every day.

Raspberryberet67 · 26/12/2025 17:16

Thanks to each and every one of you for your comments. We don’t feel like we’re bad people now 😄 Hope you all had a fabulous Christmas

OP posts:
Sparklesandspandexgallore · 28/12/2025 09:39

Nah go on holiday op, enjoy. Leave your son in law to sort out his own kids.

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