I think a holiday sounds like a very good idea! Book it 
It's my busiest time at work so I can't go away, so we'll have to stay home and try to make the best of it. I honestly don't know how Mr Summer will be though, he misses his mum terribly
He has 2 weeks off over christmas, so I'm very thankful we have the dog- he'll be out with her a lot!
awww Sweet...
I am fast discovering that men struggle really badly with all this stuff... the level of "falling apart" that the menfolk round me have been doing...
Dunno about Mr Summer... but even if I don't feel like it at the time, once I am out with the dog I find it really REALLY helps. Sometimes I walk him on my own... wind & rain lashing... and I have a little sneaky cry... other times I chunter along to myself... sometimes MrD comes & I rant & rant at him about it all.. sometimes I just walk in silence....
I've never come back from a dog walk feeling worse than when I went... It definitely helps.
Worst thing about going away for Crimbo is that I'm afraid Loki will be off for his own little holibobs (possibly off to stay with Frank the gundog trainer for a few days.. borstal styley 
)
Much love & Hugs to your OH... 2013 will be behind us soon xxx