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Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

I'm going away for Christmas for the first time. I'm a bit unsure, so reassure me!

11 replies

ladeluge · 02/11/2023 20:16

OK, my brother has a lovely apartment in San Pedro on Costa del Sol. It is vacant all over Christmas and most of January for the first time in years as it is usually occupied by his friends who can't make it this year. He has offered it to me and DP if we want it.

We are young retired, don't have kids and just said YES! Without thinking or changing my mind I booked tickets today. 18th December to 9th January. OMG what have I done??

Brother is very generous with the apartment and we have all used it at various times during the year, so we know the place quite well. However no one has ever gone over Christmas.

I'm sure it will be fine, and we will enjoy it, but I am a bit hot and cold about being away for Christmas for the first time in my life. Tell me how you love being away for Christmas. Our families all encouraged us to take the offer, and we will host a dinner/Christmas gathering for them before we go.

What's the problem you ask. Well there is none, just my nerves!

OP posts:
Octavia64 · 02/11/2023 20:17

We did Christmas in the carribean one year.

It was lovely.

So nice to have some sun.

Original poster
ladeluge · 02/11/2023 20:27

Octavia64 · 02/11/2023 20:17

We did Christmas in the carribean one year.

It was lovely.

So nice to have some sun.

Sounds lovely. Sun is not guaranteed for us, but it is usually warmer than home and we may get lucky. It is very inexpensive to eat out and have drinks etc, plus it is a change of scenery.

I suppose we are right to give it a shot, and if we enjoy being away at Christmas we could do it again further afield, but if we don't enjoy it, well..... we will stay home next time!

OP posts:
crumpet · 02/11/2023 20:35

If it doesn’t work out it won’t be the end of the world - one Christmas out of many, and it might be really enjoyable. Worth a go.

YNK · 02/11/2023 20:35

I've toured in Spain over xmas.
It's far nicer to be able to see the sights without crowds, especially the beaches.
It will be wonderful to have a base from which to explore - you will absolutely love it.

Tulips78 · 02/11/2023 20:36

Lucky you. Sounds ideal. I'd do anything to have a winter holiday after not being abroad for 5 years and a couple of UK short breaks in the rain!

Original poster
ladeluge · 02/11/2023 20:40

Aw thanks everyone. Yes I know we are very fortunate, and are very grateful to dear Bro who is a diamond to us all.

Great to hear that it will be ok and that you enjoyed your Christmases away from home.

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Ddcg12 · 02/11/2023 20:40

Don't over think on it just do what you want on the day and what makes you happy ! If you want to have a Cocktail and Eat some tapas then do it !! Sometimes change is good being in the sun relaxing making new memories it's only one year after all sounds amazing. Don't feel guilty or pressure to be Christmassy ! Me and my DP have been away to Florida and Thailand over Xmas it was great we went to a Hard Rock Cafe on Xmas day in Singapore because we could and enjoyed it. Sunshine makes everything better !!

Retrievemysanity · 02/11/2023 20:43

We (me, DH and the kids) went to Lapland over Christmas a few years ago. It was ace. Nice to spend the time doing exactly what we wanted. I’m sure you’ll have a great time.

Original poster
ladeluge · 02/11/2023 20:43

Yes @Ddcg12 you are right, I am overthinking things. So we will just go and hopefully get a bit of sun (if he's got his hat on), and enjoy it. My DP is really looking forward to it, so I better not show any hesitation lol 😂

OP posts:
Ddcg12 · 02/11/2023 21:01

ladeluge · 02/11/2023 20:43

Yes @Ddcg12 you are right, I am overthinking things. So we will just go and hopefully get a bit of sun (if he's got his hat on), and enjoy it. My DP is really looking forward to it, so I better not show any hesitation lol 😂

Amazing I'm sure you will have a great time!!

We have booked to goto London l this year ( we live in the north ) I'm excited it will be very different for us we have a 10 month old now so didn't wanna do a long flight, we have booked a Indian restraint on Xmas day but will do Christmas things also-with family before. Im looking forward to no stress and good memories. Some of my friends think it's strange going away but we see family all year round and it's down time for my DP who was hard all year.

My mum passed away suddenly on Boxing Day last year at 55 so definitely makes you think life is way to short and need to make the most of breaks with loved ones!

Original poster
ladeluge · 02/11/2023 21:10

Ddcg12 · 02/11/2023 21:01

Amazing I'm sure you will have a great time!!

We have booked to goto London l this year ( we live in the north ) I'm excited it will be very different for us we have a 10 month old now so didn't wanna do a long flight, we have booked a Indian restraint on Xmas day but will do Christmas things also-with family before. Im looking forward to no stress and good memories. Some of my friends think it's strange going away but we see family all year round and it's down time for my DP who was hard all year.

My mum passed away suddenly on Boxing Day last year at 55 so definitely makes you think life is way to short and need to make the most of breaks with loved ones!

Show quote history

So sorry to hear about your dear Mum, may she rest in peace. Similar here, my youngest sister who I was very close to died at age 49 from ovarian cancer, and she had so many travel and other plans, but it was not to be. So yes, life is short and while I can walk and talk at the same time I will do my best to DO THINGS.

I hope you have wonderful time in London, and I am sure you will, with those you love around you.

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