| So you've taken the plunge and booked a family | | | | children in Europe get theirs on Epiphany instead. |
| 'get away from it all' Christmas break...but now | | | | Maybe Santa will accommodate your travel plans |
| you're realising exactly what you will be 'away | | | | and leave smaller than normal packages, or |
| from' and are wondering how you'll transport the | | | | perhaps leave some but with a note that there |
| 'family Christmas at home' experience to another | | | | are still some more surprises waiting at home |
| country!? | | | | under the tree. |
| Here are our top 10 tips for taking tots away for | | | | 5. Make much of creating the same 'Christmassy' |
| Christmas, to make sure you all have a | | | | atmosphere they've left behind when you arrive - |
| wonderfully relaxing holiday... | | | | most properties will provide a tree, decorations, |
| 1. Involve your kids in the travel experience. Get | | | | etc for Christmas guests. |
| out a map and show them where the family is | | | | 6. Take some CDs of Christmas songs and |
| going. Talk about how many miles you are | | | | stories along for the journey to keep the festive |
| travelling - just like Santa himself! Let your kids | | | | spirit alive en route. |
| help pack their suitcases and even shop for | | | | 7. Check out the local Christmas markets or plan |
| Christmas gifts for family members with whom | | | | to visit a theme park that opens during the |
| you'll be holidaying. | | | | holiday season. Train rides, tours of lights and |
| 2. Make sure they leave a note at home letting | | | | visits to see Santa are some of the things you |
| Santa know of their temporary location so he can | | | | can expect to find no matter where you go on |
| be sure to find them on Christmas Eve. If Santa | | | | your Christmas holiday. |
| will be unable to hop down a chimney, let the kids | | | | 8. Pack a small bag of supplies for your tots to |
| leave suggestions as to an alternative method for | | | | make decorations for your holiday home. Or pop |
| their delivery. And of course, don't forget to leave | | | | to the local supermarket on arrival to stock up on |
| out a little tipple and a mince pie (or perhaps a | | | | the makings of some batches of Christmas |
| local equivalent!) at your destination. He's sure to | | | | biscuits or mince pies (though you may need to |
| be hungry after the extra trip from your house! | | | | pack a jar of mincemeat from home!) |
| 3. Find out whether the larger online retailers | | | | 9. Before your trip, read about how children |
| deliver to your destination. You can even get | | | | celebrate Christmas in other countries.You can |
| deliveries gift wrapped. Just remember to plan for | | | | perhaps introduce some new traditions during the |
| how you'll get them home! Perhaps try to keep a | | | | holiday, to take home with you for future |
| suitcase or fold away bag empty and keep | | | | Christmases. |
| everyone's luggage to a minimum (at least you | | | | 10. Enjoy the relaxation that being away from |
| won't usually need swimming gear at this time of | | | | your home environment brings - no racing around |
| year!) Try to plan gifts that are small and | | | | visiting friends and family, no sale shopping, no |
| lightweight to pack. | | | | 'let's use the time off to decorate the spare |
| 4. If you can't take all the gifts, talk about how | | | | room' - just chill out and enjoy time as a family! |