Have you ever gone away for Christmas?

I've always wondered what it would be like to go away for Christmas... I've never done it, not even to visit family since most of them have always been within an hour's drive from wherever I was living at the time. My husband's family lives quite far away and, since we've been married (3 years this coming January), we haven't been to visit them yet. I feel bad for him but he also doesn't seem to have much interest in leaving our area for the holidays. We really do love being in our own home with our kids, our tree, our presents... you know what I mean? I've sometimes thought it would be great to forego all the headaches of Christmas shopping and put the money I would normally spend towards a trip. Seriously, the four of us could go somewhere nice for the amount that gets spent to fill up the floor space under that tree!! My kids did go away on a cruise with my ex and his girlfriend a few years back, leaving the day after Christmas and coming home after New Year's. They had a great time, of course, but said they would have preferred to do such a trip with me and their step-dad. When I actually suggested the idea, then they told me that they still like getting Christmas presents and they would really miss that if we just went on a vacation instead. So I guess I have to wait until I can afford BOTH the trip AND the presents??? LOL I do feel bad for all of those grounded at Heathrow. What a lousy start to their holiday! Hopefully, it won't be long until they're winging their way to the sun. So, if you *could* or *did* decide to take a Christmas trip... where would be your dream destination?

Not yet, I'd love to take my boys to Norway or somewhere to see the Real Santa but it's quite expensive. I usually visit relatives for Christmas dinner, don't really want to but Shrek likes to spend the afternoon with his family so if I have to go they have to feed me. I like to spend the day at home and let them all visit me but it's only happened once.

ya...