It comes as a study by travel firm On the Beach found 16% of folk say seeing their family is the ‘worst’ part of the festive season as trips to warmer climes in the Canaries, Spain and Egypt soaring
Thousands of sneaky Brits are booking last minute Christmas holidays to dodge their boring family. As many as one in four are planning to swerve their dull relatives at the eleventh hour and hop on a flight instead.
It comes as a study by travel firm On the Beach found 16% of folk say seeing their family is the “worst” part of the festive season. Trips to warmer climes in the Canaries, Spain and Egypt are surging as the stealthy sunseekers make a dash for the pool.
Zoe Harris, of On the Beach, said: “December 23rd has always been the day for escaping Christmas in the UK.
“Every year, we see thousands of Brits book last minute escapes when they realise a day of family activities is upon them. Don’t worry, we won’t tell your family members that you’re actually going away to avoid them, but we know what you’re doing!”
Dear old aunty topped the list of the relatives to avoid, followed by cousins, sister, mum and partner. A Reddit thread is full of people claiming Christmas away from Blighty is “the best decision ever”.
One person posted: “It’s the same old sh**e every year here, holiday is way better.” Another said: “I adore the run up to Christmas, the sparkly lights, the good vibes, but I hate the day. Once dinner is over I want everyone to eff off.
“I’ve been away on holiday at Christmas several times. And last year I did it again. Three weeks in the sun. I got back and remained relaxed and unbothered.”
Christmas can be stressful with siblings and parents because “rivalry, grudges, and family tensions are re-awakened”, according to psychologists. Psychotherapist Sean Grover recommends laying off the booze to avoid beef breaking out over the turkey dinner.
Adults often revert back to being childish when they return to the family home, he added. Dr Grover said: “An emotional regression occurs, triggering immature childhood behaviors to resurface, such as rivalry, competition, grudges, tensions, and deep-seated resentments. No good can come from overdrinking at family gatherings.”
His other tips include taking a nap or booking a hotel the night before to arrive refreshed, as well as having a crafty escape plan.
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