Chic Savvy Mama

Going away for Christmas with the kids? Stay sane with these 5 tips

SAMANTHA KEMP-JACKSON, Chic Savvy Mama

If you’ve decided to take the family away for Christmas, congratulations! Not only are you starting a new tradition for your loved ones, but you will also be providing them with memories that last a lifetime.

Many parents think long and hard about switching things up over the holidays, especially where smaller children are involved. There are issues related to logistics (“how will Santa know where we are, Mommy?”), but there’s also the fear that the kids will feel homesick, or worse yet reject the plan to experience December 25^th in a place where there is no chance of having a “White Christmas.”

Photo Credit: iStock

But many an intrepid mom and dad have successfully taken their families abroad over the holidays, with positive and memorable results. Become part of this growing group and savour your time away by following these five simple tips:

1. Get your story straight

If your kids are stressed out wondering how Santa will find them, make sure you are able to explain how the man in the red suit will know that your family is in a different location this year. You may be staying in a place that doesn’t seem amenable to Santa’s visit, such as an all-inclusive resort, so get your story straight well in advance of your vacation. Kids are smart and curious, so be sure that you can answer their questions.

2. Plan ahead

You know how it is — you run out of tape while wrapping presents, you need more wrapping paper than you thought. No big deal, right? Well, it is if you’re in a foreign location with little or no access to these much-needed items. You may not be able to run out to pick up some last-minute supplies, so make sure you make a list, check it twice and travel with some backup supplies so you won’t be caught high and dry.

Photo Credit: iStock

3. Take a bit of home with you

Familiarity is the name of the game, especially when it comes to the holidays, so don’t forget to bring along some small reminders of home when you travel. Items to take along could include a small, portable Christmas tree, some heirloom decorations that are key to your yearly tradition (travel size, of course) or even just a few cherished ornaments that have sentimental significance. Seeing these pieces of home will make your kids more likely to enjoy their first Christmas away from home.

4. Be flexible

Celebrating Christmas in another country or locale is an experience in and of itself. Remember that one of the main reasons that you’re going is to provide your children with positive memories that last a lifetime. One way of assuring this will happen is to be flexible about how things are going to go on that particular day and to “go with the flow.” Remember: You’re not at home so some of the activities or traditions that are part and parcel of your regular holiday experience won’t apply. Expose your children to different cultures by perhaps including some local traditions in your celebration.

5. Focus on new traditions

You may not be able to pull off your usual holiday traditions if you’re traveling. Remember the purpose of your trip — to spend time with the family and to create new memories. Also remember that new traditions can be created during your family jaunt abroad. Mix the old with the new, take it easy and enjoy your special time together — regardless of where you are.

Samantha Kemp-Jackson is a mother of four, with three under the age of eight, including identical twin toddlers. She blogs about her experiences of being a frazzled mom of many at Multiple Mayhem Mamma.

Date Added: December 14, 2011 | Comments (0)