Oh, the days when we could hop in the car, drive for an hour and arrive at our family’s holiday celebration.  Those were the days.  Life was so simple.  The holidays were so easy.  This will be the second year that we’re taking a 5-7 hour road trip (depending on traffic, weather and baby) to spend two weeks living out of a suitcase, splitting time between families and friends.  We’re holiday nomads.

The ominous pile of laundry I'm tackling today!

Last year, we spent three weeks traveling and discovered that, while we enjoyed our time with loved ones, ten days was really our traveling limit.  We started to get worn out, in need of “me time” (we’re both introverts), and missed our routine.  We decided to keep our trip to two weeks this year.  And…I’m super excited to say that my parents will be watching C for two days so that Hubster and I can have a little getaway!  I’m very much looking forward to this much-needed time alone together.  We can focus on being a couple instead of just parenting.  The combination of Hubster’s work and grad school, my PPD, and C’s high needs has kept us from spending much quality time to connect.  I’m hoping to convince Hubster to unplug for those two days as well – both for quality time together and to accomplish one of my 25 Before 25 goals!

Preparing to leave home for two weeks is keeping me rather busy.  I have a huge to-do list, including things like pre-paying bills that will come due, making enough baby food for C, sending birthday cards, and all the typical cleaning that needs to be done.  I hate coming home to a mess, so I like to get as much cleaning and organizing done as possible before we leave.  We also need to plan out the clothes that we need to bring for all the events we have going on…and the clothes that I need to bring for C.  So much planning!  So much packing!

Do you travel for the holidays?