Our Top Tips for spending Christmas away from home
This year we celebrated Christmas away from home at Coombe Mill in Cornwall.
We first visited Coombe Mill for Christmas 2013 and loved it so much we headed back again in 2014. Sadly due to work commitments we were unable to return, but this year we found ourselves back in their biggest property – Tree Roots.
I actually find spending Christmas away from home less stressful, as there is less pressure to make it perfect, however, it is not without its challenges, especially in the build up to the break.
Our Top Tips for spending Christmas away from home
Pick somewhere family friendly to stay
Coombe Mill know how to make any family holiday special, but there is something magical about their Christmas holidays and the first thing on our plan was to decorate the tree they provided.
Coombe Mill is a working farm and every morning at 9am (10am on Christmas Day) you get to join in with the feed run. Each child gets a chance to drive the tractor, accompanied by Farmer Nick, meet and feed the animals, which include a herd of Fallow deer and hopefully collect some eggs for breakfast.
In the afternoons there is the chance to ride on their miniature train and on Christmas Eve, there is a special guest in the tunnel with presents for the children.
There is also craft hour, where the kids get to make something special for the Christmas table, an invitation to the Christingle Service in nearby village St Tudy, where the service is not only beautiful, but the whole village gathers outside the church afterwards for a mince pie, mulled wine and a gift from Father Christmas and a Christmas Eve party in the Games Room to enjoy afterwards.
Of course, there is their properties too. Coombe Mill was originally a 16th Century water mill, but has been transformed into a beautiful and secluded hamlet of picturesque holiday cottages, Scandinavian and riverside lodges set amidst an idyllic 30 acre private estate between Bodmin Moor and the Beach, all of which come equipped with everything you need, including playrooms for the kids, filled with toys.
Order your shopping online
The last thing you want to do, is go shopping when you get to your destination, so my best advice is to order your shopping to arrive. Christmas shopping slots open early December, so make sure you book your slot. All supermarkets now allow you to update your orders up to midnight the night before your delivery slot, allowing for any last minute needs.
Book Christmas Days Out in advance
Christmas days out, particularly those to see Father Christmas, book up early, so ensure that get your days out booked as early as possible.
We enjoyed the Santa Specials Train Ride at Lappa Valley near Newquay, for our day out, where we got to remind him that we were staying at Coombe Mill for Christmas.
Car Jenga is real!
The real challenge of spending Christmas away from home, is getting everything where it needs to be.
We had to take two cars and even then we still struggled with room. Some places allow you to send big items up early, but remember you need to get them back home again too. We just took presents from us and then had family presents when we got back home.
Don’t forget loved ones back home
Spending Christmas away from home is an adventure, but don’t forget the ones that are still at home. Modern technology is great and we all enjoyed a video chat with Callan, who sadly stayed at home as he had to work and the kids spoke to their grandparents on the phone too.
Be prepared for the weather
Our first Christmas at Coombe Mill was very chilly, whilst the 2nd was what could only be described at wet! This year was mild and damp, so all my thermals stayed unloved in the suitcase, however, the waterproofs and wellies were a godsend.
Explore your surroundings
There was lots to do on the farm with play areas and a games room, but finding out the locals’ recommendations for days out can lead to some real gems and we had lots of fun exploring the local beaches to work off all that Christmas food.
Have you ever spent Christmas away from home – what do you recommend?
Rachel
We have spent Christmas away from home twice and the best thing for me was always getting someone else to cook and wash up!
Emma @ Adventures of a London Kiwi
Oooooooooh, this sounds so cosy and lovely (out of the mud that is!) I must suggest this to my husband & his family for next year!
Kim Carberry
We spent Christmas away from home for the first time this year and it was wonderful.
It looks like you had a fab time. Coombe Mill looks such an amazing place to stay at any time of year but it must be so special at Christmas x
Alexandra
What lovely photos! It looks so lovely and relaxing (and much less stressful as you say than being at home!) I hope you all had a great time. I must confess to never having been away from home at Christmas – but it would be a great experience to try sometime.
Thank you for your tips 🙂
JL
nawww Christmas is my most favorite time of year.
Lisa
I always spend Christmas away from home, and so appreciate these tips! Thank you!
Rebecca | AAUBlog
with family all over we have spent Christmas away from home a number of times. Planning what you’re going to do ahead of time really helps, as well as packing as light as we can!
Tiffany Barry
Great tips! Can I just say that his elf beanie is beyond adorable? I just can’t get over how cute it is!!
Hola Cheska
I was thinking in going to an Hotel here in my island to spend new years eve. Having a good trip in a holiday can be challenging (because of family) but should be very good to spend it with strangers and meeting new people. After all, you are always doing the same thing year after year.
Sincerely Miss J
I have never spent Christmas away from home. So thank you for these tips! Thank you! You guys looked like you had a great time
Rebecca Smith
I’ve only spent it away from home once but it is definitely something I would consider doing again.
Marianna Frances
We have been toying with the idea of Christmas away from home, but honestly Santa worries us. Was it a lot of work for Santa to find you and get your things to you? Especially if you are flying? Any tips for that?
Sally Pederson
This year is the first one in years I have spent back “home” with my family. I usually spend it in various cities around the world. I think people should spend money on experiences and not on materialistic things. People remember experiences, not things.
Maggie Unzueta
Wow! Coombe Mill looks so wonderful. I love the idea that you still could enjoy decorating a Christmas Tree even away from home. I should put this on my bucket list!
Rachael
I’m desperate To go away for Christmas. My mother retires next year so we will definitely be booking a getaway. Brilliant tips thank you
Nicole Vick
very good tips! I will have to try them since my parents live out of town and we may consider going to visit them for the holidays this year.
Bella and Dawn at Dear Mummy Blog
We’ve been following your adventures at Coombe Mill – looks like you had a fab time! We went for Crimbo Limbo last year! Love it there x
Fatima
Sounds like a fabulous idea for a holiday and for spending some quality time with family. I’m sure it must have been brilliant!
Katie
Looks like you made some fun family memories! I could definitely see us enjoying Christmas away from home when the kids get a little older.
Angela Federica
I thing this is a great way to spend Christmas with your kids! These moments have big value for them!