As Christmas approaches, many Brits are finding themselves disillusioned with the commercialisation of the holiday season. According to recent polls, 87% of people feel Christmas has become too commercialised, with the holiday increasingly associated with stress and pressure. Amid this growing sentiment, more people are turning to a more contemplative and peaceful way to spend the festive period: staying in a monastery or guesthouse run by religious orders.
The holiday season now seems to start earlier each year. Christmas goods are spotted on supermarket shelves as early as September, and festive adverts air before Halloween. Travel expert Lily Smith from Monasteries.com points out the shift in how Christmas is perceived. “Polls consistently show that 87% of Brits think Christmas is too commercial,” she says. “The pressure to spend, gift shop, and host can be overwhelming. In fact, last year, 45% of Brits were stressed about gift shopping, and 23% felt Christmas was more about commercial pressure than its true meaning.”
The UK is on track to spend £88.3 billion this Christmas, up from £84.9 billion last year. But for many, the relentless consumerism of the season detracts from its deeper message. In response, a growing number of people are seeking refuge from the holiday frenzy by spending Christmas in monasteries, convents, or similar peaceful retreats.
These religious institutions, often located in picturesque settings, offer guests a chance to experience a simpler, quieter Christmas. Monasteries across the UK and Europe open their doors to visitors, providing a serene escape from the chaos of the modern holiday season. Visitors not only enjoy comfortable accommodations but also the opportunity to participate in communal meals, spiritual services, and moments of reflection.
In the UK, several locations are welcoming guests this December. For example, St. Winefride’s Guest House in Holywell, a town with a history of pilgrimage dating back to the 7th century, offers a peaceful retreat. Guests can join in daily Mass and explore local heritage sites, such as the historic St. Winefride’s Holy Well. Rooms, including lunch, start at £74 per night over Christmas.
Beyond the UK, there are similar opportunities in destinations like Rome. The Vatican offers 21 days of celebrations, including markets, carols, and Masses. Religious guesthouses like Hotel Casa Valdese, located near St. Peter’s Basilica, offer peaceful stays for £150 a night, including bed and breakfast. The hotel provides a tranquil atmosphere for visitors to celebrate Christmas away from the crowds, with many enjoying the rooftop patio for festive views.
Another retreat in Rome, Casa Margherita Teresa, is run by the Convittrici del Bambin Gesù and offers a full board experience for those wanting to feel part of a religious community during Christmas. Rooms are available from £57.30 a night, with full board starting at £94.70, providing an ideal setting for spiritual rejuvenation.
As more people look to escape the consumerist pressures of Christmas, monastery stays offer the perfect antidote—a chance to rediscover the true message of the season in a peaceful, reflective environment. ‘To find out more about staying in Rome over Christmas and making the most of the city’s year-round attractions, see Monasteries.com’s full online guide at https://www.monasteries.com/en-GB/city/rome/home/