Planning for Time Off as a Family

Winter break is just around the corner, and kids are looking forward to the holidays and time off from school. December is a busy month for most people, and one of the best ways to reduce stress during the holidays is to make preparations ahead of time. Getting ready in advance gives you more quality time to spend together. If your family will be traveling during the break, you have probably already started to make the necessary arrangements. You may also need to do several things to prepare for safety during winter weather, depending on the climate where you live. Since there is so much to do to plan for the holidays, creating a checklist is useful for staying organized and prioritizing the most important tasks. Even if you don’t usually like to make to-do lists, they are very helpful during this time of the year!

Following are some reminders to of essential tasks to add to your list:

- Create a budget for holiday spending. Allocate funds for gifts, decorations, and party supplies so you do not overspend. 

- Make a list of everyone you need to purchase gifts for and what you want to buy for them. Don't forget to prepare a list for your holiday cards as well. 

- If you plan to save money by making holiday decorations or giving handmade gifts, start working on them early so you can finish them in time. 

- Plan for holiday meals before the winter break starts. Purchase baking supplies and other pantry staples early instead of waiting until the last minute.

- If you are traveling with young children or a large family, don’t forget to bring books or small toys to keep the kids occupied while in the car or on an airplane.

- Ask your travel agent or social media contacts for family-friendly suggestions for things to do If you are visiting a city you have never been to before. 

- Make reservations and purchase tickets ahead of time for special activities and events since venues are busier during the holidays. 

- Stay safe during winter storms by getting prepared for possible power outages before temperatures fall. Have enough food and emergency supplies at home so you can avoid dangerous conditions on the roadways. 

- Remember to get your vehicles serviced for the winter season. Fill up your gas tank to prevent ice from forming in the tank and fuel lines before a winter freeze.

- Make sure the heating system in your home is in good condition and install weather stripping around the windows and doors if necessary. 

- Before the winter vacation, make sure your kids have turned in any outstanding school work. At least a couple of weeks before winter break begins, check to make sure your kids are up to date with their assignments. If they have late work that still needs to be completed, try to designate an extra hour of study time each night until the assignments are done. 

- Motivate your children to finish all of their work by reminding them that the break will be more enjoyable if they do not have homework to complete. Encourage them to make the most of the time off during winter break to recharge and spend time with the family and their friends.