It's beginning to look a lot like Twixmas

If you think about it, it’s quite a nice idea. You’ve trudged round the shops for weeks making sure you have the perfect presents for everyone, you’ve decorated the house and put up the tree. You’ve probably sweated over a hot stove all Christmas Day and no doubt did the washing up too. So much for rest, ye merry gentlemen (and ladies!)

We all need some chill time over the holidays but for me, there’s only so much lazing around watching The Wizard of Oz and eating chocolate for breakfast I can stomach. There’s so much more fun to be had at this time of year besides bingeing on leftover turkey and Netflix!

Let’s face it – that period in between Christmas and new year feels like a time warp. Sometimes we don’t even get out of our pjs let alone know what day it is. That’s okay to a point, but it does feel like a waste not to do something special.

You could be making lovely memories and having something to talk about over the water cooler when we get back to work. You know the chat – “Did you have a nice Christmas?” ‘What did you do over the holidays?” Wouldn’t it be nice to say something more exciting that “Oh I lay on my couch for a week watching the telly”

So, if you fancy ditching the TV remote and getting a change of scene before the January blues kick in, here’s some lovely places you can go to soak up the magic of the season. You can enjoy some festive fun, food, and drink without having to lift a finger, and you can always take your new Christmas pjs with you!

Here’s some Twixmas hotel breaks that caught my eye and might appeal to you.

Malmaison hotels have two-night mini breaks available which includes three courses from the seasonal a la carte menu on the first night (terms apply).

Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, and Glasgow are just some of the cities you could spend a day or two chilling or exploring the local attractions and landmarks. You could even hit the sales if you fancy some retail therapy. There’s always a bargain to be snapped up post-Christmas and if Santa left you any vouchers or cash in your stocking, what better way to make good use of them than to treat yourself at the shops.

According to their website, rates start from just £206.

https://www.malmaison.com/offers/rooms/twixmas-breaks/

Macdonald Hotels have some top-drawer resorts across the UK but if you’re staying closer to home, some of their Scottish hotels will tick the box for even the fussiest of holidaymakers.

Choose from the beautiful Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Spa which lies in the heart of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and surrounded by rolling hills and breath-taking scenery.

You’ll be spoiled for choice with outdoor activities to enjoy, plus miles of great walks, bike trails and water sports. Sounds like the ideal place for blowing off the cobwebs – not to mention the excess calories consumed at Christmas. The resort is also dog-friendly, so you won’t have to worry about who’ll take care of the pooch when you’re away.

Or if you want to head down to the Borders, you could book in for a few days of ‘me time’ at Macdonald Cardrona Hotel Golf & Spa.

As well as taking in all the activities at this lovely hotel, the spa sounds like the perfect antidote to the stress of the Christmas rush. After a treatment or two, you’re sure to feel calm, restored, and ready to face 2022 head on.

There’s a special offer on at the moment - if you book direct, you can save yourself a sweet 20% off (terms apply) www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk (valid at time of going to press)

If you’re not sure where you want to go and looking for a wider choice, take a wee look on www.myhotelbreak.com They have a selection of festive breaks on their site for places such as Dunkeld, Greta, St Andrew’s, Blairgowrie and more. Have a nosey – you’re bound to find somewhere nice to head off to and as it’s not such a busy time in many hotels you could pick up a good deal.

I could really use some downtime before the year ends. There’s a lot to reflect on and like everyone else, I’m worried about what the future holds for us all in terms of recovering from this pandemic – if it ever leaves us. I simply can’t bear the thought of another stretch of restrictions or lockdown.

It would be lovely to have time to recharge my batteries before the start of the new year. I’m hoping I’ll find a mini break voucher in my stocking this year, and I’m pretty sure Santa knows what a hotel booking confirmation looks like by now. If not, I’ll be joining you on that couch in my Christmas pjs – I’ll bring the tub of Celebrations!