Going Away for Christmas?

[Deleted]

I broached to H the other day the idea of maybe going away for Christmas like to Leavenworth or somewhere that would feel festive. We never went away because we didn't want his parents to be home alone but tbh, the last 2 years I didn't feel Christmasy (last year was pretty awful for me and I never got in the "holiday spirit").  This will be the first year without either of his parents and considering how hard the last two years were, I'm already not looking forward to it so i thought maybe going away would be nice. Somewhat of a catch is that it's our massive busy season so taking more than a day off isn't really feasible for me. 

Anyway, I know that @lauralynne usually runs away at this time and wanted to know who else has/does and what suggestions you might have, not just Leavenworth but anywhere that's not a terribly far distance to drive. I've looked a bit at lodging in Leavenworth and my top two picks are already completely booked. I also don't know what's open in terms of meals, etc. I'd like to find somewhere that at least is all decorated and feels festive.

[spa]

We used to rent a house in the New Year time frame for Glacier/Baker, Snoqualmie, Crystal or White Pass because we would get drunk and ski/board with friends.

Glacier is more small town... like real small I guess it depends on how you guys plan to celebrate x-mas, but if you go over the new year it might be cheaper

I liked having the time to get away for a few days in the snow, and Leavenworth is so cool during the holidays. Did you see if there are any private rentals that are not crazy expensive still available? Dang I looked and a lot of them are like 400+ a night. There were 2 that were from 285 for 2 people a night.

[monsterz]

We have started a tradition of traveling over Christams, but we go someplace warm. First year we did San Diego, last year a cruise and this year we are going back to Southern California.

[dana86]

Yeah, Leavenworth at christmas fills up fast because of the lights and christmas atmosphere. Just like october in Leavenworth.

What about Whistler? I haven't been but here theres a bunch to do there besides just skiing. And odds are good for a little snow to solidify the winter feeling.

[piffka]

I am sorry that you are worrying about having a "bad" Christmas. If you really only have a day, it is going to be super hard to go anywhere AND most places will require 2-3 nights rental for holidays. Here's an idea... make the whole damn season fun by planning so much stuff to do that you don't have time to feel mopey. First... plan on making whatever presents you want to give, get them done and wrap them early. Same with your cards -- don't write a lot, just make it from the heart and send them early. That will relieve a lot of stress. Go up to Mt. Rainier and chop your own tree. Make a new tradition of having friends and neighbors over for a festive cocktail party. Go to Leavenworth, but go early in the month... on the train maybe? You might be able to find reservations for one of the earlier weekends when they will also have the lighting ceremony. Check out one of our favorite lodges, Natapoc, but you'll need a car as it's just outside L'worth, in Plain. You can get on one of their waiting lists if they don't have anything available. Make plans to go to the Nutcracker with friends or family or just the two of you. Or, if you love ballet, go to every Nutcracker in the Seattle-Tacoma area. Go to one of the Seattle Men's Chorus concerts. Check out the candle-lit concerts at St. Mark's Cathedral. Maybe go to Portland for an overnight, or Vancouver, or Victoria. If you only have one day and definitely want to get away for the actual 24th/25th, take the train to Portland or Vancouver and have an overnight at a hotel there. Also, consider finding one thing to do where you are giving time... at a soup kitchen, wrapping presents for foster kids... something where you feel the yearnings of the season. Do you like to sing? Go to every sing-a-long you can find or go to a caroling event. Get tickets for Tacoma's Puget Sound Revels. Go on one of those boat tours. Get a little crazy... think of something new and fun and outrageous and do it -- maybe a S'mores Party on the beach at Alki? Be on the lookout to buy yourself something that only you know you want and wish yourself a Happy Christmas. And make a plan for right after Christmas so it doesn't feel like it is all downhill after the big day... maybe that's when you can go to Leavenworth?

Here's something to get you started: www.events12.com/seattle/december/

[Deleted]

Thanks piffka. The problem is more just that I want to avoid Christmas, don't want to feel guilty for not decorating, etc. It will be the first Christmas since both of H's parents have died and going away is something that might feel festive (for H's sake) without the stress (for my sake).

[jennlin]

hi! decided to randomly click here for a day.

h and i leave every year for christmas..usually to see family, but not always. this year we are going to europe, but we're taking the long route..we are flying into philadelphia and staying there for a night and spending christmas eve/christmas in a fancy ritzy hotel before we continue our destination.