Most of his squad flew to Dublin after last weekend's 2-0 home defeat by Chelsea for three days of partying.
And they were taking in the delights of the Irish capital when Saturday's opponents, Aston Villa, were beating Everton in a memorable game at Goodison Park.
Megson doesn't need reminding that last season's 4-0 defeat at Villa Park was the low point of his Bolton managerial career.
However, he defended the mini break but said there would be no more festivities until next summer
"It used to be a few shandies on Bolton high street; now it's a private plane to Dublin," said Megson who didn't make the trip. "But that's the way of the world.
"It was organised by the players and as far as I'm aware there haven't been any problems. However, that's it now. You don't want to be like Scrooge but there isn't really a Christmas for footballers. Their time is in the summer.
"It's back to normal and they will be in working throughout Christmas and the New Year.
"Every club has a Christmas 'do'. It's important they are all together; and there is a togetherness about them.
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"And as long as everything is okay behaviour wise, and they don't put their bodies through the mill too much or go bananas, that's fine.
"Scolari said last week you can't be with them for every minute of every day; nor would you want to be." Megson expects to name a full strength squad to face Martin O'Neill's Champions League contenders.
And he is hoping for an early present from club owner Eddie Davies.
He met with the Isle of Man-based businessman and chairman Phil Gartside yesterday to discuss business during the transfer window.
Megson is keen to add to his small squad and is believed to have around £5m to spend.
Former Spurs and Leicester keeper Ian Walker has left Bolton by mutual agreement. The 37-year-old is thought to be moving to America for family reasons.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill is optimistic winger James Milner will have recovered from flu sufficiently to be available for tomorrow’s home encounter with Bolton.
Villa’s £12million record signing has been unable to train this week because of the virus but has shown signs in the last 24 hours of improving.
Midfielders Craig Gardner and Moustapha Salifou have been struck down by the same bug although both would only be at best substitutes against the Trotters.
Striker John Carew is still ruled out with a back problem and is now battling to be fit for the forthcoming festive programme.
Aston Villa (from): Friedel, Guzan, Cuellar, Davies, Laursen, Knight, L Young, Shorey, Milner, Petrov, Barry, Sidwell, Reo-Coker, Gardner, Osbourne, Salifou, A Young, Agbonlahor, Harewood, Delfouneso.
Bolton Wanderers (from): Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Cahill, A O’Brien, Samuel, Nolan, Riga, McCann, Muamba, Gardner, Taylor, Davies, Elmander, Al Habsi, Shittu, Smolarek, Basham, Fojut.
Aston Villa league form: LWDDW
Bolton league form: WLWWL
Key opponent: Ashley Young - one of the Premier League's most effective performers and has pace to burn
Prediction: Aston Villa 1 Bolton 1 - It should be a close game between two decent sides
Agree with the prediction? Have your say.
You can get 11/1 on Bolton winning 1-0 with Betfred. For this and more odds, click here.
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