There’s no denying that this time of year is a bit crazy. If you’re not rushing around trying to find the right present, you’re rushing around trying to fit in all the kids activities that happen around now, nativities, discos, carol services, the list is endless! That’s not even factoring in family visits at weekends! I’m sure I’m not alone in thinking the whole of December passes in a blur, and before you know it, it’s January, miserable and back to non twinkling normal!

Don’t get me wrong, I love it all! From wrapping paper to cracker jokes, there’s not a bit of Xmas I don’t love! (Sprouts, I lie, I hate sprouts) but sometimes I do wonder what it would be like to escape off somewhere and let other people do the cooking or washing up! I don’t think I could go anywhere hot for Xmas, it just wouldn’t be right! I know people who have moved to Oz and their FaceBook updates always say things like BBQ’s on the beach, while we’re all trying to cram on as many layers as possible, but a warm Xmas isn’t right. Not when you’re British anyway! Obviously I would love to take the kids to lapland, (I’m using the kids as an excuse but to be honest I’d probably want to go even if I didn’t have kids!) but that’s on the other end of the expensive scale, one that we can’t quite afford yet! The other options are cheap UK holidays, close enough to be near home so you can be around for as many festivities as possible, but seemingly far away enough to make it feel like a rest, which, let’s be honest, doesn’t really happen for anyone at this time of year! I know we’re all meant to play Santa but it’s more like being an Elf working and running around like lunatics!

Wouldn’t it be lovely to escape for a few days in the lead up? Or even after, in between Xmas & New Year, a little battery recharge never hurt anyone! Butlins Holiday Parks could be the perfect answer. Entertainment for the kids, relaxation for the parents, and plenty of locations to choose from, pretty damn good if you ask me! We’ve never been to a Butlins resort, but I always imagine those types of places to really go all out at Xmas, making it special for the kids, which is what it’s all about really.

Have you ever escaped for Xmas? On the day or before or after? Would you ever?