We’ve toyed with the idea of going away at Christmas for years but always ended up rejecting it. While the kids are young, it just felt more magical to stay at home. But honestly, that time after Christmas is so boring and crap, I felt like we needed a change this year. So, we found a middle ground: we flew out to Tenerife on Boxing Day with my side of the family. This way, we could still enjoy the magic at home but also
escape that dead time after Christmas.
Where We Went:
My family had already booked somewhere, so we just went with it. We stayed at the Labranda Villa Apartments in Adeje, Tenerife. For a 3-star place, it was surprisingly good. It’s all-inclusive, the food more than does the job, there are three lovely pools, and the apartments are a great size. Granted, the decor is very Fred Flintstone chic, but it worked for six days (although I might need a chiropractor after those beds).
We stayed somewhere much fancier when we went to Lanzarote in October, but honestly, for the kids, this place was slightly better during the day. It had a nice vibe—not too fancy, not too basic.
Pros:
- Weather: Incredible. It was mid-20s every day, and for the six days we were there, it was sunny 90% of the time. The evenings were a nice temperature too, so you could wear what you wanted without sweating buckets, unlike in July. I knew it would be decent weather, but I was pleasantly surprised by just how perfect it was.
- Buzzing Atmosphere: Adeje had a great vibe. Busy enough to feel alive but not so packed that you’re elbowing people like it’s Glastonbury. Loads of restaurant options, and you can still get a table. There’s something extra satisfying about being abroad in the sun when it’s miserable and grey back home.
- So Much for Kids: The kids were in their element. The pools were fantastic, but what really stole the show was this giant bouncy ride they found down on the main strip. I swear they spent half the trip stuck on it. It was very difficult for them to get bored there.
- Something Different: Sunbathing in December felt surreal but amazing. Walking around in just trunks under a blazing sun, spending proper quality time with the family instead of eating stale pigs & blankets in someone’s living room—this was such a refreshing change.
- Entertainment: The entertainment in the hotel was a laugh too. A bit cringey at times, but the kids absolutely loved the disco. Seeing them dance like lunatics while I nursed my 15th beer was worth it.
Cons:
- Missed Boxing Day: The 4 ½-hour flight meant Boxing Day was basically all travel. I tried to get into the spirit with a few wines on the plane, but it was a slog. By the time we reached the hotel around 8 pm, I was ready to collapse. The rest of my family wanted to party, so I felt like a right boring bastard. As Ian Beale would say, I had “nothing left.”
- It Felt Expensive: Tenerife itself is pretty cheap for food and drinks, but the trip cost about £4.5k for six days for a family of four (well, four full days with two spent traveling). That said, this was all in, and we ate out most nights too. You could definitely do it cheaper if you stuck to the all-inclusive food.
- It Felt Manic: The chaos of Christmas, followed immediately by packing up and traveling with kids, was a lot. Because we only went for a few days, it felt like we were constantly on the go—definitely more hectic than relaxing. Probably didn’t help that I woke up on Boxing Day with a stinking hangover from too much rum. Flying on a hangover? Absolutely not the one.
- Watching West Ham Lose: I had to sit in an Irish bar full of scousers and watch West Ham lose 5-0 to Liverpool. I blame my dad for making me support this shit show.
Would I Do It Again?
Absolutely. I loved going away at this time of year. In an ideal world, though, I’d stay for a couple more days next time. Just as we started to settle, it was time to leave. Also, because it was such a short trip, we smashed the booze and my liver was crying for me to stop. Next time, I’d pace myself better.
But honestly, it was such a nice change to make the most of that time after Christmas. The weather, the beaches, and the vibe made it unforgettable, and the kids had an absolute blast.
So, if you're wondering whether sunbathing in December beats stale mince pies—it absolutely does. Add a little sunshine to your Christmas season. You won’t regret it.
