Nobody writes toe tapping songs about fleeing from Christmas.
Nobody crafts film montages of people determinedly striding through crowded streets, suitcases in hand – only to reach an empty hotel room.
And nobody in their right mind runs to Vegas for the festive season.
Like many tactical errors, it seemed like a good idea at the time. It was the first anniversary of my mother in law’s death. It still felt close and raw – and we thought distraction would be best. Lights! Music! Food!
Different. That was really what we were after.
On the upshot, hotel rooms in Vegas are discounted up to 80 per cent during that part of the holidays.
We had a suite with a television ghost set into the mirror in the bathroom. There was a view of the strip, though the fake wave pool in the hotel was shut for winter.
There was more food than you can imagine. At dinner on Christmas Eve, my husband ate 38 petit fours. I know this, because I was so shocked I wrote every one down. Yet in Vegas, that kind of behaviour isn’t out of place at all.
We soon discovered Vegas isn’t the anti Christmas- it’s Christmas compounded. Everything is bigger, shinier, louder- sadder. All around us were tundras of gaming floors populated with children twirling on chairs like wind up dolls, while their parents fed the mouths of hungry poker machines. I lost count of how many people I saw slipping over while sucking cocktails from plastic guitars looped around their necks.
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We will be in Tokyo for Christmas, I'm so excited. We didn't really get away with avoiding Christmas, the in laws are going to have a early lunch just for us which defeats the purpose. We have tried mentioning no presents as politely as we could, hinting that we are not at all buying presents. Let's see what happens...
For the past 4 years after arriving in Australia i have spent Christmas away from family. First year was tough and spent with new people and felt really strange but they were very welcoing and all are interested about my life story. The next year I spent in Sydney with a friend and we drove each way from Melbourne. That year was quite an adventure, again having spent with strangers and doing the Bridge Climb. The third year I felt I needed a longer break so I went to LA and again spent time with strangers. Only this time I was with my second cousin's in-laws (which appeared not be the best way to celebrate but turned out to be a good time anyway). Now this year I promised myself to spend alone - no more strangers - just nature and myself. I will be volunteering at Lake Eildom for Parks Victoria to get myself ready for a new year ahead.