we usually have a very looooong vacation every Christmas it's the perfect time of the year to spend with all your loved ones. and a great escape too from stress!
Long trips once in 2 years, short trips 2-3 each year. For short getaways i personally prefer beach holidays to chillax, and always come back chao da. hahas.
see how u utilise the leave to work around those long weekends etc
but important also tht u work things out with colleagues that's covering your work in your absence, if not come back is whole pile of mess to clear.