Nobody loves traveling more than me. Any time Kris has a vacation from school we head out of town! This year his schedule is really unpredictable. With almost no advance notice on when his breaks are going to be, we decided to stay home for the holidays rather than buy last minute, expensive flights.
At first I was disappointed, then I started thinking of all the reasons it would be better to stay home for the holidays. I actually came up with quite a list. Now I am really excited about our plan this year!
1. Save Money On Travel
Planes, hotels, car rentals. I see $$$$$$’s adding up really fast! Of course the memories are worth it, but if you have to stay home for the holidays, may as well find joy in all that money that will be sitting cozy in your bank account while you curl up by the fire.
2. Splurge On Something You’ve Been Eyeing
Use a little bit of that money you would have spent on vacation to buy that thing you have really been wanting! You can spend way less than you would on a vacation and still get something really awesome. I am thinking of all the clothes I can get with the money I would have spent on flights and Kris is envisioning all the electronics. Zoey just wants a puppy. I am starting to feel really happy we didn’t spend $2000+ on flights and can put that money towards things we need/want instead.
3. Set Your Own Pace
When you go away for the holidays you are limited by traffic, flight schedules and extended family schedules. When you stay home for the holidays it is just you and your family. You can do what you want, whenever works best for you.
4. Sleep In Your Own Bed
How many times I have slept on some sort of makeshift bed or couch during the holidays I cannot count. Plus people tend to skimp out on their guest bed mattresses. I rarely get a good nights sleep when I am away on holidays. To me there isn’t anything more inviting and relaxing than my own bed. I have always suffered with insomnia (post about that here) and so we have chosen really comfy mattresses to help with that. My bed is like a luxury right in my own home. I have a hard time sleeping without it.
5. Avoid Travel Stress
Traveling can be so stressful! Last Christmas our family came to visit and got stuck in the airport and delayed for over 12 hours on the way there AND on the way back!! You can avoid all the stress and hassle by staying home for the holidays.
6. Really Enjoy Your Immediate Family
You may miss out on spending time with extended family. But on the bright side you can skip the drama and get way more quality time with your kids and spouse. It is hard to find quality time to spend with your family on a daily basis. When you stay home for the holidays you will have plenty of extra time to just sit on the couch and talk to your kids and watch them play. You can forget that anything else matters and just be in the moment with the people that matter most.
7. If You Have Kids – Stay On Their Schedule
Kids love routines and vacations are not conducive to routines. Cranky kids can be avoided by a relaxing stay at home for the holidays. When Zoey and Zander are happy, I am happy! I hate it when we have to mess up their routine.
8. Get To Know Your Home Town Better
Take time to explore the places you have always wanted to, but never find time. There is a comedy club here in Erie I have been dying to check out, some stores I don’t get to stop at during my routine errands, some beautiful hikes I haven’t taken the time for and restaurants I haven’t had a chance to eat at yet. During Christmas we are taking time to check some things off the list.
9. Catch Up On Your Hobbies
Who doesn’t have a hobby on the side that they love and never have time for?! I have been working on these scrapbooks for forever, I love creating them and especially looking at them later with Zoey. I just never find time. When you go away for the holidays you are so busy with activities and travel that you probably won’t find time for those things you have been wanting to do. When you stay home for the holidays you will have that extra time to dedicate to your hobbies.
10. Save Time And Enjoy A Longer ‘Vacation’
You always loose a day or two in travel time. When you stay home for Christmas (or other holidays) you get those extra two days to relax and enjoy your time off.
Are you going to stay home for the holidays? Or are you planning to spend it with family? Which would you prefer to do?!
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Jacket: RVCA | Jeans: Old (similar) | Boots: Sam Edelman (50% OFF!!) | Purse: Joules
4 Responses
Adorable pictures!
Have a nice week-end!
Gil Zetbase
http://gilzetbase.com/
Wow thank you!!
Great blog & valid points! Love the photos! Some great looking clothes!
Aww thanks so much Brenda! We will be sad to not be with family…