Christmas in Cardiff

“He who has not Christmas in his heart, will never find it under a tree”.

Christmas, the season of joy and good will to all … chestnuts roasting on and open fire …. Jingle bells …. Trees …. Decorations …. And presents of course.

But this one was going to be a tough sell!

Christmas has never been my favourite time of year.  Always too much expectation without any practical reality.  But then, like a British December I am the grey overcast stormy seas, where Viva is a warm, tropical, cloudless, Filipino sky.  Christmas would be her thing … her time of year … the season that fits her disposition.  But …..

….. this one was going to be tough sell!

With still no passports, no family nearby, no friends in the area and that British winter …. Even her skies started little a little gloomy.  The only answer; run away to sunny Wales!

(Do Filipinos really know Christmas at all?  “Sledge bells” …. “Snow men” … “winter wonderland” …. I mean come on!)

Now if you are a couple with no kids, and you do have to spend Christmas on your own away from family, I can recommend our plan.  A three day party away from home, where everything (especially the wash-up) is done for you. 

Our supplier for our festive cheer was the Mercure in Cardiff.  A 5 course traditional lunch, champagne reception, live music and dancing on the day.  A dinner dance St. Stephens day and more live music Christmas eve.  If you can’t be with your family, and can’t leave the country, it’s the next best thing.

In addition we managed to add:

• Cardiff castle on 24^th
• Hitting the sales on 26^th
• Caerphilly castle on the way home on 27^th

Didn’t even have time to use the in house spa!  Christmas saved after all.

“Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from stores after all”.                                             The Grinch