Home for the Holidays

Charles Dickens wrote, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…" The holiday season can certainly fit that description, since it can be a very stressful time. As families grow and move on with their lives, the stress of who to visit during the holiday season can cause more than a headache!

There are many things to be taken into account when planning a holiday trip. First, how much will it cost to visit relatives? Do you have to travel and if so, how are you traveling - by car or plane? Will you be able to stay with your family or will you need hotel reservations? If money is a concern, perhaps this is not the best time to travel. Consider where other relatives live and whether one side of the family is larger than the other. If you see one side of the family more frequently than the other, this could also be a factor to consider. Whenever possible, try to compromise. Could you visit one side of the family one year and the other side of the family the next year? On the other hand, could both families come to your home for the holiday?

If travel is involved, renting an RV might be an option. Traveling this way limits some of the expenses related to travel, such as hotel accommodations and food. Everyone can sleep in the motor coach and most meals can be prepared in the RV, eliminating the cost of eating out. Another consideration is to find activities to do beyond the actual holiday. However, most importantly, enjoy the day and your family's company so the holiday will be remembered as "the best of times!"