The holiday season is about family, and sometimes family means traveling. My parents, siblings, and I have made the four hour long trek to my grandparent’s house on Christmas Eve for as long as I can remember. It is always worth the packing and driving, but we did learn a few tips and tricks along the way. Here are a few hints on how to make your holiday travel go a little smoother.
Ship gifts to their house. Sometimes it can be hard to fit clothes, food (you can never arrive empty-handed!), and presents into a car that is already crammed full of kids. A good way to avoid having to haul that Keurig for Uncle Joe or maneuver that decorative vase for Aunt Lillian is to ship the gifts. Either order them online and have them sent to the house you will be celebrating at, or mail them yourself beforehand. You might find it worth the postage.
Listen to a Christmas audio book. Download a book like A Christmas Carol to your smart phone using the Audible app and turn on the cheer for the family while you make the long drive to Grandma’s. It is entertaining, festive, and a way to get in the holiday spirit before the party.
Pack efficiently. I love to use packing cubes like these to organize my outfits and toiletries. It is a space saver and helps you get ready quickly so you won’t keep the whole family waiting while you hunt for those black tights you need for the Christmas Mass outfit. If you don’t feel like purchasing anything, Ziploc bags can serve the same purpose—label them if you like to be that organized.
This one is for the ladies. We all know what any kind of travel (especially plane travel) can do to hair and makeup. It always amazes me the damage a three hour flight will do to my look. Besides that, it is just nice to be able to freshen up before making an entrance anywhere, especially if it is the first Christmas you are spending with a new boyfriend. I love the Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blushes—they are a cream product and apply well with your fingers. Add a little bit of blush to your cheeks, touch up your mascara, and finish the look with a festive lip. Revlon Lip Butters are my favorite. They are moisturizing and while they won’t last all day, they will give a touch of color that makes you look fresh.
Leave some extra space in your suitcase. If you are traveling in a car, this isn’t as important, but for plane travel, remember to leave some room in that carry-on for the gifts you will receive. Plus, we all know you won’t make it out of a family party without taking home extra plates of cookies.
Remember what Christmas is all about! This last one is the most important. It can be easy to get caught up in the rush of the holidays and the stress of travel, but stay in the moment. The times with your family sitting around a tree and sharing love are what will stay with you throughout the year. Sometimes, traveling is what you need to do to get to those moments.
Find Your Forever.
CatholicMatch is the largest and most trusted
Catholic dating site in the world.
Continue Reading
