Spend Christmas in a monastery! The ultimate seasonal Great Escape

Nov. 15, 2024 - PRLog -- It seems that Christmas goods started to appear on supermarket shelves earlier than ever this year and festive TV ads launched in October. If you think that the season has become over-commercialised and its true message has become lost among the tinsel and elves, you are not alone, says a leading tourism expert.

Lily Smith from Monasteries.com says: 'Our latest analysis of recent polls reveals Brits' attitude to Christmas is becoming increasingly negative. Polls taken since the turn of the century consistently reveal that around 87% of us believe Christmas is too commercial. It also leaves people feeling too pressured. Last year, YouGov revealed 45% of Brits were stressed about gift shopping, 25% simply didn't have the time to complete it all and 17% said there were too many people to buy for.

'Money is also a worry. The average Brit spends over £900 during the Christmas season on presents, food, clothes and parties. According to the business analysts Statista, this Christmas we're set to spend a record £88.3bn, up from £84.9bn last year.

'Perhaps most concerningly, 23% of us believe Christmas is mainly celebrated today because of commercial pressure. It's no wonder that a growing number of people are looking to escape our consumerist Christmas and rediscover its true message.

'There are few better ways of achieving this than by staying in a monastery, convent or similar religious institution over Christmas. Many people looking to escape the frenzy and spend the season somewhere quieter and more contemplative are surprised but delighted to discover they can stay in monasteries and convents here in the UK and in many countries across Europe.

'Here in the UK, a variety of locations will be welcoming guests this December including St.Winefride's Guest House in the ancient town of Holywell, a place of pilgrimage since the 7^th century. The Bridgettine Sisters welcome people for an enjoyable stay all year round. The Convent Chapel, adjacent to the guesthouse, is a sanctuary that is always open to pilgrims and visitors and serves as a perfect space for quiet contemplation and prayer.

'The Bridgettine Convent has a thriving liturgical life, including daily Mass and services over the Christmas period, that everyone is invited to participate in.

'Visitors can also explore the historic St.Winefride's Holy Well and delve into the town's rich history at the Greenfield Valley Heritage Park. They can wrap up warm to enjoy the scenic countryside with various walking and cycling trails. Rooms are available, with lunch included, from just £74 a night over Christmas.

'To find out more about staying in a monastery over Christmas, and to see what locations are available, see https://www.monasteries.com/en-GB/