Thinking about Christmas in June

Money_Bunny

Having spotted my first advert for Christmas parties yesterday I started musing about the big day and thought I'd put my dilema to fellow MSEers.

DH and I aren't big Christmas people and don't have kids. For 15 years we spent the day with DH's stepfather but sadly, last year, he died unexpectedly. We were heartbroken and passed Christmas in a restaurant toasting his memory.

The restaurant experience was ok but this year I was wondering about going away. Problem is we have an impressive list of constraints. We don't like sitting around (quite outdoorsy - husband golf, me running). At the same time, DH has severe reynauds syndrome (poor circulation in the cold) which is very limiting in the winter. We used to like long walks but DH's knees aren't what the used to be.


Thoughts


Country cottage - boring if weather bad

Centreparcs - always wanted to go, never have. Would Christmas be a bad idea for a first timer?

Foreign resort - expensive, not beach people (but sports/ golf resort ok), long flight needed for good weather. Don't suggest Egypt - hell will freeze over before DH agrees to that again (stomach took a month to recover last time).

Foreign city - DH suggested Christmas in New York but would it be (1) expensive (2) cold and (3) shut?

susan42

I personally like america, has everything including the weather. Florida, great golf , plenty of places to run.

Portugal usually nice too, with weather, golf and atmosphere

Or if you want to be kept busy, how about a cruise. Warm in winter, lots of food, good atmosphere. jogging tack and gym and a different country every day. Choose the cruise wisely some formal, some not. Different ones for different people and prices are good at the moment

Money_Bunny

Really good ideas. Portugal sounds interesting. Now I come to think of it, DH mentioned a few years ago he'd like to go there....

Savvybunny2009

We have done Christmas at Center Parcs and it is lovely for the little ones as there are a lot of activities aimed at them so I imagine there will be lots of children there. They turn the village bit into a winter wonderland with fake snow and have reindeer, Santa's grotto and mince pies and mulled wine. They also have a firework display across the lake which is very busy an ice rink etc.

They have lots to do that isn't Christmas based, lots of sports activities on site and taken offsite, plenty to do if the weather is bad and depending on which one you go to they have a wonderful pool area, Longleat have the subtropical swimming paradise which is always warm and slightly humid so you can escape the cold weather.

I think Centre Parcs is best at Christmas but then I'm a bit of Christmas nut lol. The horse drawn carriage ride is lovely during the winter wonderland, very festive

McKneff

I kept seeing the word 'expensive' true but does 'expensive' mean you cant afford it.

You've had first hand experience of unexpected death, life is too short, if you can afford it, do it, next year you or your OH may be on here saying 'I wish we had done that' and maybe looking for a solo holiday.

sefilby

One of neighbours goes to Madeira every year covering Xmas & New year. Her and her OH, they rent an apartment out there.

If I had the money I'd love to spend a xmas in Florida.

Money_Bunny

Thanks all for your comments - still thinking.......