Christmas Is Magical…
For many of us though, the thought of doing Christmas away from home feels somewhat underwhelming. After all, for many of us the best part of Christmas is not leaving the house, just being altogether in your family home.
But for others, Christmas away from home makes perfect sense. Whether it’s spending the festive season cosying up in a cottage in the country, or staying with us in our seaside apartments; jetting off to spend Christmas away from the ‘normal routines’ is what can make.
Trudi and Mike and their two children do just that, and we ask them what it is that they love about…
‘Being away For Christmas’
“It’s a well earned break away after a long year. We both have jobs that mean throughout the year we get very little time off altogether. Throughout the year we have to take alternate holidays to cover child care, so Christmas really is the only ‘real’ time all four of us have as one.
We never go to the ends of the earth, it’s always an hour or two away in the car, but for us it makes all the difference. We aim to be away for a day or two before Christmas Eve and then return home a day or two after Boxing Day.
Once there, we still have a tree, great food, songs and Christmas films; we FaceTime or Skype family scattered around the world on Christmas Day and we explore wherever we are on Christmas Eve. We wander around and look at the Christmas Lights and try and find Carol Services and a Panto.
When you are away from Christmas you are more focused on the people you are with, rather than things. For us it’s just how we like it and our very own, unique tradition.”
Our Tips For Having A Magical Christmas Away From Home…
Stay Connected:
When staying away from home, make sure you remember your chargers!! It may sound basic, but packing for a Christmas Road Trip can make you forget the most basic of things, write a list and check it twice!
Check that wherever you are staying has reliable Wi-Fi. It may be freezing outside; but you want to avoid screen freeze inside on Christmas Day when you are trying to Skype Aunt Mable!
Dec The Halls:
Check that the accommodation are happy with you putting up a tree and decorations. We are, but we have heard that some places prefer you not to decorate. They may suggest that you sign a waiver or give a larger deposit. That would be in case you caused any tinsel damage!
Local charity shops are great for decoration bargains, that you can then donate back – this saves lots of room in the car, perhaps just take a few items that are sentimental to take. Choosing them, filling up the basket together is great fun, what’s more, you can kit you home away from home up for less than £10!
Being Local:
You can find a lot out about the city/town you are visiting by following your accommodation provider on social media. Like us, many will share news and events. But also things like where and when local chemists are open over Christmas. Useful, local information.
Father Christmas:
If you have young children, a really nice idea is to send ahead a letter from Santa. The staff can have waiting on the pillow of their bed. It’s a magical way of them knowing straight away that he has the right address. We love getting involved and helping to make memories and often do these kinds of touches.
You could go one step further and wrap everyone matching pyjamas! It could be a welcome present or Christmas Eve gift. Why not post that ahead too. It could be there waiting for you when you arrive!
From Us To YOU:
Whatever you do, be you at home or away, we all wish you the most magical of Christmases. And a VERY Happy New Year.
