Would you go?

[Ciao Mickey]

I would never pass up an opportunity for a free trip to Europe. For me it would be fun and a great adventure to spend Christmas overseas.

And if you look for problems before you go, you are going to find them. Go with a positive attitude and enjoy yourself for goodness sake!

People who would discourage you to go might be a little bit envious of your in-law's generous offer.

 

[okeydokey]

I would go, especially since your DH wants to make it happen. It's a great opportunity.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Okay, nobody can answer this for you, but here are my thoughts....

1. Christmas/Santa - who cares!!!
If that is an issue, just celebrate before you go.

2. Inlaws - with MY inlaws... I wouldn't travel overnight with them... If you get along with your inlaws, and your DH is willing to plan some touring around. Yep, I might go. (Did you see last Bachelorette? They went to Spain, and I had never realized that it can be so jaw-droppingly gorgeous and romantic.) Nope, I would never even consider traveling that far to sit around the relatives kichen tables 'visiting' the whole time.

3. The plane flights - I think I could deal with it. (ever heard of Benedryl??? Hahahahaha!!!!)

4. Your mother - Why does she even have to know the details, or anything at all???? Sorry, but I just don't get why her name was even mentioned. Sounds like there are some real issues there with you and your mother.

 

[Freyja]

I would go in a heartbeat!

 

[Pixiedust34]

Yes, I'd go! The chance to go to Europe as a gift would be too much for me to pass up. Your family will have a chance to experience a different culture and for your older child it will be a great learning experience!

As for spending Christmas away from home, you can celebrate with the kids at home either before or after you leave and in Spain you can have your extended family celebration. Your kids can have 2 Christmases! : )

 

[quasar4legs]

YES, YES, YES.

We are aussies and despite some hideously long travel times we have dragged our son all over the world since he was an infant.
I think your 8 year old is a perfect age for enjoying another culture, language, food etc and I am sure you will be able to sort out the food issues for the 2 year old with a quick trip to the supermarket.

We have wonderful memories or our son as a toddler making origami cranes in a park with an elderly woman in Japan and munching his way through duck confit in France. He may not may remember those experiences but we have had great pleasure from having travelled with him as a little fellow.

Santa has always visited when we are away, generally bringing small things and then often when we returned home there was a larger gift waiting.

We have travelled with extended family numerous times and you just need to make sure everyone has the same expectations.

Good luck with the decision

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I traveled to England, Wales and France with my then 3yo and 17 month old.

The time adjustment was easier for them flying East--but downright screwy flying back home. They slept on the flight over as it was an overnight flight.

The flight back seemed much long as it took ALL.DAY.LONG.

But the trip was worth it.

My 3yo after the hunt for the Mona Lisa at the Louvre letting me know (a bit loudly) "I CAN'T SEE THE MONA LISA" and then keeping her attention by telling me anytime she saw a statue whose tushy wasn't covered.

Good times!


We flew British Airways direct from Orlando to London (the airport further out of town, can't remember, but I think it was Gatwick). We were able to designate children's meals for the flight.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

Yes, yes & yes again.

The flight will be fine. Your little one will most likely sleep & the 8 year old can watch tv, read, color, eat, etc.

Food for your little one is no big deal....Europe has all the basics including Santa Claus
I'm a firm believer one of the greatest gifts you can give your children is travel. Add travel & family & it's a win, win.

You have very generous inlaws........

 

[dismom2]

I would do it in a heartbeat! And, if you ask my kids, seeing the world is far better than any material object I could buy them for Christmas. Don't worry about the long flight, either... you can do it! Before you go, just ask us for tips on dealing with kids and long flights---you'll get tons of great advise. This is a wonderful opportunity for you and your family.

 

[shortbun]

Honestly, free flights and accomodations? I'd go and never look back. Make it a long enough trip that the 2yo actually adjusts to time(no over and back quickly) and I think you'll find that eating out in Spain isn't that expensive. You can and should ship Christmas gifts to your SIL next month if you're worried about carrying gifts-and I would be due to theft from luggage issues.
Experiencing other cultures is wonderful for children and adults too! I just don't see the negative other than the website design and you should be able to find a good web designer who's been laid off to do that for cheap right about now. Go and enjoy it!!

 

[golfgal]

I would go in a heartbeat. Take a flight that leaves around 5:00 or so, the kids can do whatever for a couple hours and sleep the rest of the flight. As for being a picky eater, your DD won't starve, if she is hungry, she will eat. It might be a good way to get her out of the picky stage too.