The Joys of Christmas Travel

By Kerri Wood

 

Load up the car and bundle up the children! It's once again time for the yearly trip to Grandma's house. Or, maybe people are coming to your house for the holidays. If you are lucky, Grandma left you her house in Aruba and the rest of your family won't be visiting because they hate you.

 

One of the most important aspects of traveling by car is the art of packing. If you own an average four-door sedan it essential to have at least 8 large adults in the back seat. The children can lie on the floor. These travelers may include anyone from your cousin, your cousin's boyfriend, your friend that sleeps on your couch, the foreign exchange student, mom and/or dad, and your slobbering St. Bernard. Once the adults and kids are crammed in, it is vital that the trunk, and any remaining space, be loaded with presents. This task is only completed correctly if you have to tie the trunk down with a bungee cord.

 

If you are traveling by plane, you will have to stash most of the presents on your body. The two item carry on rule doesn't cut it for the holidays. You may have a short delay with security, but once you explain why you have a Dancing Chicken Elmo in your pants everything should be fine. Christmas is notorious for plane delays, so be prepared to wait. A fantastic way to pass your time is by singing Christmas carols. Your fellow stranded passengers will love you for it.

 

Mass transit, such as trains and buses, is a wonderful way to experience holiday travel. Both trains and buses tend to stop at every tiny town from here to nowhere. These stops will give you a chance to pick up those last minute presents. By the time you get to Aunt Floberta's you'll have a collection of thimbles for everyone on your list.

 

If you are traveling by car, plain, train, or bus this holiday season it is important to remember not to forget to pack your deodorant. If you are traveling by bus, bring an extra one. Someone on the bus will need it, and you will be spreading Christmas cheer by giving them such a heartfelt present.

 

If Christmas is at your house this year you will be responsible for making weary travelers comfortable. You will be expected to provide a place to sleep, good food, and fun activities for all. Depending on your family, blow-up air beds, cheese whiz, and peeing in the snow may be all your guests need for a holiday to remember.

 

Most importantly, Christmas is a time to be thankful. You should be thankful for family and friends, and especially thankful to your employer, who gave you one day off so you could drive 500 miles each way just to collect a $5 savings bond from your great uncle.

 

Happy Holidays!

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

 

Kerri Wood works as an editor/announcer at an internet content provider in Kansas. Besides the day job, Kerri freelances as a writer and editor, and is always looking for new opportunities. Please direct any scathing criticism or fantastic praise about the article to: klwbiz@yahoo.com.