The holiday season has long been associated with family gatherings, elaborate meals, and the frenzy of gift shopping. But let’s face it—more often than not, the holidays also bring a lot of stress. As much as we love seeing our loved ones and celebrating together, the pressure to create the “perfect” holiday can leave us exhausted. So, what if, instead of chasing perfection, we chose to chase relaxation and joy? What if, instead of the usual stress, we opted for a vacation?
The Holiday Vacation Controversy
It’s a bit controversial, isn’t it? When you tell your family or friends that you want to spend the holidays somewhere far from home, soaking up the sun or skiing down a mountain, the reaction is often surprise—or even judgment. “But what about family time? Aren’t you being selfish?” they might ask. In reality, choosing a holiday vacation could be one of the best decisions you make for your family.
The holiday season is the busiest, most stressful time of the year for many people. We’re all rushing to buy the perfect gifts, prepare the perfect meals, decorate the house, and host events that leave us drained. I’ve been there—I’m over 50 now, and for many years, I did everything to make the holidays special for my family. I’ve seen the same pattern in my mother, aunts, cousins, and friends. The endless to-do list and the pressure to please everyone can take the joy out of the season.
A Holiday Revolution: My Childhood Experience
Back in 1983, when I was just 12 years old, my mother decided to put her foot down. Tired of the holiday stress, she told my dad and both sides of the family that we would do something different. Instead of the usual holiday chaos, we booked a stay at L’Auberge Jouvence in Quebec’s Eastern Townships from December 23 to December 29. She made the reservations in mid-August, which gave us plenty of time to plan for a relaxing and memorable holiday.
What did this holiday vacation mean for us? It meant no cleaning, no cooking, no shopping frenzies, and no stress. The staff at the auberge handled everything. There were games, activities, and meals prepared for us, which meant everyone—including my mother—could truly enjoy the holidays. The best part? We limited ourselves to just one thoughtful gift, which was delivered by Santa Claus on-site. This made the experience even more special and affordable. My cousins, who were around my parents’ age, still talk fondly about that holiday vacation to this day.
Breaking Tradition for a Better Holiday
Choosing to break the holiday tradition and go on a vacation isn’t about being less family-oriented; it’s about finding a way to actually enjoy your time together. Vacations during the holidays offer the opportunity to focus on what really matters—spending quality time with your loved ones, creating lasting memories, and truly relaxing.
In my case, as my youngest child is now a teenager, I’m seriously considering reviving my mother’s tradition. We’ll see if we make that shift, but I know firsthand how much of a difference it can make to step back, breathe, and redefine what the holidays mean for our family.
Why You Should Consider a Holiday Vacation
- Less Stress: No more running around to buy gifts, plan meals, or clean the house. Everything is taken care of when you’re on vacation.
- More Quality Time: Instead of focusing on cooking and cleaning, you get to spend real time with your family, enjoying activities and creating memories.
- New Experiences: Whether you’re on a beach, at a ski resort, or in a cozy cabin, holiday vacations offer unique experiences that you wouldn’t get staying at home.
- Cost-Effective: When you factor in the cost of gifts, food, decorations, and the endless to-do list, a vacation can be surprisingly affordable—especially when you plan ahead.
Final Thoughts
The holiday season doesn’t have to be a whirlwind of stress and expectations. By choosing a holiday vacation, you’re not abandoning tradition—you’re creating a new one. One that focuses on the true spirit of the season: togetherness, relaxation, and joy. Whether you decide to hit the beach, ski down a mountain, or find a cozy retreat, remember that the holidays are what you make of them. So why not make them something truly special?
