My favorite holiday has always been Thanksgiving, because it is centered around family without all of the stressful gift choosing and gift buying. For years, I always envied the people who had all of their gifts purchased, wrapped and under their beautifully decorated tree, long before Christmas Eve (when I was inevitably out running around). I can’t imagine how the my Jewish friends did it, with having to prepare for multiple nights of festivities. Then, a few years ago, my mother and I met in Las Vegas for our Christmas celebration. We didn’t buy each other gifts; spending time together was enough. It was brilliant. Genius! As I have started to look around me, I am finding that more and more people seem to be doing the same thing. Choosing a common, family-friendly destination, and simply spending time toghether during the holidays. Here are some ideas that might just convince YOU to try out your holiday celebrations in this manner:
- Beaches’ All-inclusive Resorts
These upscale, Caribbean resorts cater to multi-generational families. There is truly something for everyone. Once you have paid for your trip, you can put away your wallet (really). EVERYTHING is included. There are camps for all ages of kids, which allow the parents to enjoy their holiday, while the kids have a blast! - Atlantis Resort
This is a mammoth property in the Bahamas, based on the lost city of Atlantis, and they have spared no expense to bring the theme alive. With an aquarium, water-park style slides and rivers, beautiful beaches, and plentiful restaurants, your vacation will be filled with family fun. - Disneyland, Disney World, Disney Cruises
These Disney brands are sparkling clean and well-run. It is obvious that the kids will love them, but there are things for the adults to do as well. With very nice hotels and resorts a short walk or ride away, everyone can choose to spend each day the way they would like. Multiple theme parks allow you to see and do a variety of things, from thrill rides to the classic teacups. - Colorado
At every major Colorado ski resort, you will find skiing, boarding and sledding to match each level of expertise in your family. The non-skiers in the group can choose to take lessons or simply curl up by the fire with hot chocolate and a book. With ski-in/ski-out properties, each person can be on the mountain for as little or as long as they would like, and then just ski directly to the front door when they are done. There is even the option to take a horse-drawn sleigh to a cabin in the woods for an unforgettable meal. - Spa or Golf in Arizona
Some of the best spa/golf resorts in the world are in Arizona, where the temperatures in December are typically in the 60s and 70s. With multiple golf courses just a short driving distance away, you could literally play a different course every day! There are so many world-class resorts in both Tucson and Phoenix, with spas, wellness directors, yoga, pilates, hiking, biking and horseback riding; you can choose to be as active or leisurely as you would like.
So, think about it. Consider starting a new holiday tradition of spending time together in a beautiful setting. Think of it as the perfect family gift to each other!
