People think we are mad taking a young child away on holiday over the Christmas period. What about visiting family on Christmas day, Santa, Christmas dinner, Eastenders Christmas day special, they ask?
The aim of this blog post, is to show anyone considering having Christmas away from home, that it isn’t the end of the world for family back home. Santa can still pay a visit, everywhere we’ve been served food, and there’s always BBC iPlayer to catch up on ‘Who done it?’ .
Where Have We Been
Portugal (Quarteira)/Spain(Seville) – Christmas 2014
Thailand – Christmas 2015
Portugal (Quarteria)/Spain (Seville) – Christmas 2017
Spain(Barcelona)/Andorra – Christmas 2019
Spain(Valencia) – Christmas 2020???
Some tips from our adventures on Christmas day.
Presents from Santa
The most important person to notify of your location is Santa!
Santa leaves Megan a few small presents in the hotel on Christmas morning, and then leaves a note telling her that some of her surprises were too big for the hotel chimney, so he will drop them in Bangor, on his way past.
A holiday in the sun, and not one, but two lots of presents from Santa – not sounding so bad so far is it?!
We still do the traditional things, like leave a carrot for Rudolph, and some coke and cookies for Santa. Last year we brought an elf, who kept a watchful eye on Megan and reported back to Santa each time we moved hotels.. Just so he knew where to find us on Christmas Eve!
Family Back Home
Whatsapp is key here! We bring a few small gifts away from the Grandparents also, then either video them being opened, or do it live via whatsapp- depending on time difference. Make sure your hotel or somewhere nearby has WiFi access, to make those calls home!
Once home Megan then has a ball visiting friends and family opening all her presents. We think this is a much better way for Megan to really see and appreciate what she is being given, and have time to play with them, rather than getting them all at once on Christmas morning.
What To Do On Christmas Day
Relax
Head to the beach
Take a long walk
Put your child and husband to bed, and head to the bar for happy hour! 
Yes all three of those drinks were Nicola’s!
What To Eat
Most hotels will have a Gala dinner on Christmas evening. If yours doesn’t offer this, or you are staying self catering, then you always have the option to go out and eat in a local restaurant. We have found outside of the U.K. most places are open as normal over the Christmas period, but do contact the restaurant to check if a reservation is required.
Once home, we always have a big Christmas dinner the day we get back, so we don’t miss out. We usually get all the extras like mince pies, and Christmas cake reduced in the sale. You’re coming round to the idea of Christmas abroad now aren’t you…
How Much Does It Cost
Hotels are generally cheaper over the Christmas period, than say the summer. Just don’t expect them to be lively with young people.
I have found that we have saved money being away from home. We cut way back on family gift sharing, by telling them in advance, don’t buy us, and we won’t buy you (it isn’t as mean as it sounds – who really needs to exchange one gift voucher for another). We don’t overspend on food and drink for one day (for the price of a turkey – we get a full meal in a restaurant – cooked for us, and NO DISHES!!!), and we don’t spend a fortune on heating to keep warm! You’re sold now aren’t you – GET IT BOOKED!!!
Pets
Geoffrey loves going on his Christmas holidays to Whinney Hill Kennels. He is so well looked after, and gets a big treat when we get home – so he doesn’t miss out either!
Top Tips
1. Book well in advance, the earlier you book the cheaper it is, especially over Christmas.
2. Check out your hotels, some will force you into booking Christmas day dinner, or include it in the price. We have managed to avoid this so far, it’s not our thing. Anywhere we have been there has always been somewhere local open to get a meal from.
3. Don’t be afraid what family will think, just book it, they will get over the initial shock.
4. Get a tan (real or fake). There is nothing better that walking into the office after the Christmas break with a glowing tan. Especially when it has been snowing at home.
5. Prepare your kids, Santa will bring a few small things,and the rest will be waiting at home.
Nice post!