Do you like to be home or away on the holidays? We have used the winter break to travel to new places eight times in the last 14 years. We have taken cruises as a couple, completed a family road trip to Florida, booked an all-inclusive Mexican holiday with teenagers, and had the chance to tour different Asian cities. For the other six years, we celebrated the winter break at home, in Canada. I have enjoyed both ways of spending the winter holiday.
What We Like About Being Away
Here are the reasons we enjoy travelling over the winter break:
- when we both worked full time, it was the only common time we had off as a family
- we get to experience Christmas traditions in other places
- travel provides an experiential kind of gift
- it’s a brief escape from the cold, dark December days at home
- we learn something new about ourselves and the places we visit
We have had some unique experiences. For example, last year we attended a Christmas mass at the Cathedral in Santiago, Chile which included a holy water spritz and incense!
We also love seeing Christmas celebrated in warmer climates. As a Canadian, I enjoy going for an ocean swim in December. It is fun to see Santa on a sandy beach.
When visiting a place that celebrates Christmas, the hotels and restaurants always have additional festive decorations and events to enjoy.
What We Like About Being Home
Being home for Christmas is much more relaxing than planning and booking a trip. There’s no house and pet sitter required or long waits at airports. It is also better for the budget. As retirees, we can now travel outside of the busy holiday season.
The best part of being home for the holidays is spending time with family and friends. We love to go for winter walks, take in festive lights and appreciate the sunny days on a snowy landscape.
One of our favourite activities was the First Light at Saint-Marie Among the Hurons and our local Barrie BIA organizes many winter activities.
What Do You Think?
Do you prefer a winter holiday at home or do you like the opportunity to travel to new places?
