2 years ago we were lucky enough to spend the Christmas break at Center Parcs. We had been 4 times around the Christmas period for their Winter Wonderland, but never for Christmas Day itself. We only booked the break at the beginning of December, and after deliberating about it for weeks, a stressful day at work for my hubby gave me the YES love you can book it.
The next few weeks were a blur of excitement and mild panic. Panic from my daughter as to how Father Christmas would find us. As we were booked to see Father Christmas on Christmas Eve, I suggested we let him know our lodge number. Panic number 2, how an earth do you transport all the presents without the kids seeing anything. Luckily we had a HUGE suitcase which did the trick. And panic number 3, how would we fit everything in the car including our own Christmas tree which we were taking.
Thankfully everything fitted in, including the kids and the all important Christmas booze, and we were soon heading off up to The Lakes to visit wonderful Whinfell. We were soon checked in and found our lodge, which was behind the Sports Plaza. The tree was soon up and we were off to our night time swim which we always do on the first night.
The next day was Christmas Eve and we were off to see Father Christmas at 4pm. This was so magical seeing the man himself before he set off on his travels around the world clocks off until next year. Bedtime came for the kids, and I remember putting all the presents under the tree and settling down to a large baileys in front of the roaring fire. I was beyond happy.
Christmas Day was spent opening presents, watching the kids play with their new toys, and a ride around the forest on their new scooters. All this whilst being enveloped by the beautiful forest. We had the traditional Christmas Day dinner, and in the evening we went to the main centre where there was a disco. My best friend was also staying, and it was great to meet up with her family.
The rest of the break was spent relaxing, eating, drinking and walking around the forest. It really was a perfect Christmas break, and we are so glad we did it.
Do you prefer to spend Christmas at home or get away and enjoy it ?
I prefer to be at home – well at one of the grandparents homes. We take it in turns going to one set then the other set the next year.
Aww it sounds great. We have never been away at Christmas – afterwards we have but not on the day. xxx
I would love to go away for Christmas! Sounds fab!
Sounds like you had a lovely time. We love having Christmas at home so not sure we’d ever be brave enough to go away for it. New Year is a completely different story, I’d go away every new year if we could afford it!
Sounds fun. It’s a Christmas adventure. We’ve never been away for Xmas but maybe one day we’ll change our minds. It’s nice to change things once in a while : )