Has anyone been away for Christmas before?

[Sophie7]

We're going away for the first time ever and I'm beginning to feel a bit weird about it. I always been quite into my Christmas "traditions" and have never had a non-family Christmas. I'm sure it will be lovely, snow is good, DH will be happy and I won't have all the work that christmas really means... but what can I expect? What do the ski companies do that week? We're going with Esprit if that helps at all!

Yeh I worked out in Lapland with Esprit christmas of 2005.
Had just finished my childcare course at college, split up with a long term bf and wanted to get away, felt really weird as hadnt been away from my family at christmas and was going away for 6 weeks alone but meet some lovely people in the same situations as me (being away fron home at xmas) and had the most amazing time, its so magical, words just couldnt explain.
Everyone just made it perfect, all the customers and the locals out there. Seeing all the families and especially the children there enjoying the snow and everything just made it the best for me that if I hadnt settled down with my own daughter now id be there every year!!! something definitly not to miss, cant wait til i can take my bubs

I went to Poland for Christmas. With the inlaws. It was great but mostly because I am not well travelled, I don't come from a background where we have big christmas gatherings and there was loads of snow.

I also don't have children - do you?

My brother organised for all the family to go skiing together one year. Then for various reasons everyone except us dropped out. It was a bit odd and took some getting used to (quite understand you feeling wierd), but we all really enjoyed it & it was fantastic not to have to cook etc. Also a real change for our children to have other kids their age about at xmas (their cousins are much older, so usually they're the only kids) and lovely to have real snow too.

Sorry - should have been more specific. We have two children (3 & 5) and are going to Switzerland. I guess I was just wondering whether the holiday would feel "Christmassy", or whether it would just be a business-as-usual ski holiday. I think I'll miss the festive cheesiness if it's not there!

p.s. Snorkle - thanks, that's v. helpful (and good to know that I'm not alone in feeling a bit weird). I like your point about other kids around to play with though - that will be a v nice change for ours

The chalet we stayed at (in France) was well decorated for xmas & we had a really excellent christmas dinner (for all the family rather than separate childrens tea which they did on other nights). Also had a party & games etc. laid on. Fresh snow outside & alpine wood fires etc. gave it a great christmassy feel too. I think you'll enjoy it.

I'm sure it will be lovely, especially as it will be guaranteed snow! about 6 years ago we went to Israel for Christmas and it was very odd. Obviously very hot but what was weird is that they didn't 'do' christmas at the resort. Very strange. Last year we spent Christmas in the Maldives which was fabulous but still didn't seem quite right. Christmas somewhere cold with snow would be some much better. I'm sure you'll have a lovely time.