It’s an interesting thing to travel during the Christmas season; something we’ve never done before. Now with just over 2,500 miles and 10 nights on the road behind us, I’m finding myself in a bit of a reflective mood, thinking about where we’ve been and how far we’ve come.
Off-Season Travel
Traveling in the off-season and visiting places that would normally be annoyingly jam-packed with crowds is a real plus. Because of this I’m learning to enjoy winter travel. What I find myself missing, by traveling in December, is the anticipation of the coming holiday. Bundling up to walk through the neighborhood to look at houses adorned with colorful lights is a highlight. As is baking my world-famous frosted sugar cookies while listening to Christmas carols all day long. Cuddling up for an afternoon or evening of watching A Christmas Story and A Charlie Brown Christmas, fills me with holiday cheer. Walking into a decorated hotel lobby just isn’t doing it for me. I’m not complaining, I’m just sayin.
Tuning Out
It has nothing to do with winter, but what I do love about traveling is that it allows you to tune out. I do not miss the in-your-face mass media telling me what a violent scary world it is. Instead, we are finding good people all across the country. From Maria the security guard at the Concordia Cemetery in El Palso, TX, to Gigi the super-friendly waitress in Texarkana.
And Morgan, the supervising hotel housekeeper who was genuinely concerned when I called looking for a possible lost tote bag, which we found. Or, the lovely woman who served us the best bbq ever and then patted my shoulder and wished us a Merry Christmas. We’re told everyday how divided our country is. Truth be told I believe in many ways we are, but there is nothing like travel to re-introduce you to the good in the world and that’s a a pretty awesome gift.
So while we’re on the road I’m looking for Christmas in other ways. While in Little Rock, Arkansas, I took this photo of the Christmas tree in the Old State House, it was quite lovely and festive. It made me smile.
I’m not baking cookies this year, but this wonderful box of goodness definitely added some Christmas cheer to our day(s)!
Festive box of holiday goodness
And in Germantown, TN where I thought I had died and gone to bbq heaven. The holiday lights added the perfect touch to our meal.
Good food and good cheer at the Germantown Commissary
Looking for the Cheer
Even though I’m not singing along to my favorite carols – why didn’t I bring our Christmas CDs – I’m finding that by looking for the cheer in other ways, it’s actually quite fun. In a matter of days I will get by far thee best Christmas gift ever – a big loving hug from two of my most favorite people in the entire world. What more could I ask for? Um… Mega Million is up over $500 million, that would be nice.
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We too are finding our first xmas away from home strange Patti. While many of the hotels here in Vietnam have put up trees and decorations I also miss the routines of an English Christmas; cosying up in the pub for a pint, walking around the London xmas markets and baking mince pies. To try and get more in the mood we’ve moved up to the central highlands in Vietnam which are much cooler in temperature; there are also lots of pine trees around and a lot of French architecture and bakeries so we feel a bit more christmassy at least!
Amy recently posted…Searching for Chiang Mai Properties
That’s good to hear, Amy. I can imagine Christmas in Vietnam is quite different than London. It’s been interesting though, to look for Christmas in places I wouldn’t normally expect and that’s all part of traveling, right?! And I’m sure Santa will find you in Vietnam! 😉
Looks like you are finding more Christmas than if you’d stayed at home!
Elane Dickenson recently posted…Wallowa County passes Second Amendment preservation ordinance
It’s funny, when I started paying close attention, I started finding the Christmas spirit and it’s been a fun challenge!
Love Germantown Commissary. It’s one of the better stops in the Memphis area, where there are loads of great bbq joints. Be safe and continue enjoying your trip.
Lance | Trips By Lance recently posted…Christmas Travel Wish List
Thanks Lance! The commissary was SO good. We hadn’t eaten all day and we were hungry so we pretty much inhaled the food, love the atmosphere as well. Just had 1 quick day to visit Memphis, we’ll have to return when we have more time.
Great holiday story about the “pretty awesome gift” you received from
Maria the security guard, Gigi the friendly waitress, and Morgan in housekeeping!
Maria has an interesting story that I will be sharing – meeting her was definitely a gift.
I remember those Christmas cookies and how my son, Daniel loved them. And I remember our family dinners where the religions of the world celebrated in peace, harmony and plenty of port. Merry Christmas, my good friends and safe travels to your destination. You might even get a chance to bake once you get there. Linda
Nah, that’s okay. I don’t mind a little time off from the baking! 😉 Merry Christmas to you and yours as well!
I currently live in Taiwan and as the holidays approaches, I find myself searching for Christmas displays and creating my own holiday customs. It is great that you get to travel and experience Christmas in different parts of the country.
Constance recently posted…Embracing the Old & New – A Visit to Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall in Taipei
Thanks for reading Constance! Holiday traditions are lovely and bring a sense of continuity to our lives but I think it’s also good to embrace new experiences. Thanks for reading!
It’s actually been fun trying to find the Christmas spirit as we travel, sometimes it’s just the simple things that can bring the most pleasure! Thanks for reading!
You can never go wrong with some bbz cheer followed by dessert from Krispy Kreme! 🙂
Mike recently posted…My Top 10 Favorite Movie Theme Songs Part V
I think this way of looking for Christmas has a truer meaning than shopping. Enjoy the love of family.
Gaelyn recently posted…One month from South Africa
Thank you for the lovely sentiment, Gaelyn, it does have a deeper meaning.
Notwithstanding the fact that I’m not Christian, I do think I would miss Christmas (and the season in general) at home if I were on the road. We live on Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia and it is beautifully decorated in white lights. We’ve also had 3 December snow/ice events already–unusual for these parts, but a mantle of white with ice crystals coating the trees made the Square seem magical (that’s not hyperbole). Handel’s Messiah is one of my favorite pieces of music and I will attend the Philadelphia Orchestra’s Messiah performance with a friend as we have for about 15 years. We will host a family get-together at our apartment on Christmas Eve and I’ll enjoy Christmas dinner at a friend’s house—also a tradition. I bring the whipped sweet potatoes (secret ingredient=maple syrup). So, I think I understand how you’re feeling, but I know you’ll be happy to get where you’re going. Safe travels for the remainder of your journey.
Well now your secret ingredient is widely known! And yes, once I get those hugs from our son and future daughter-in-law I will be overflowing with Christmas spirit and I do look forward to spending Christmas (their 1st in their new home) with them. And, I’m not Christian either – I’m a lover of the time of year to be of good cheer with those we love!
This is very true Patti! I love the build up to Christmas, the delicious (and excess) food, the films, seeing friends and family. This year we are in Playa Del Carmen at the start of our trip and despite the scattering of decorations in our neighbourhood and occasional Christmas song, it does not feel very festive…
I am not sure whether to abandon the Christmas cheer or search for ways to make it festive….
Rob @ Hungry Escapades recently posted…Our First Week in Mexico – banishing The Hulk!
Never abandon the Christmas cheer, just find your own version of it, or make some of your own. It’s different from what we’re used to, but we just need to make it our own and embrace the differences! Merry Christmas!
Feliz Navidad!
Rob @ Hungry Escapades recently posted…Our First Week in Mexico – banishing The Hulk!