Just because you're traveling doesn't mean you can't decorate for the holidays. After spending the last twenty Christmases in the snow with my family, I have figured out a few tricks that make decorating at high altitudes a little bit easier:
- Ship a SMALL faux XMAS tree (unless you have confirmed and reserved a live one in town as they run out fast if they have them at all). For a few years we used a fiber optic Christmas tree that lit up - we thought it was funny and it didn't need ornaments. We actually bought it in a ski town when we couldn't find a real tree, so it had a nice sentimental quality...until it broke.
- Ship some cheap but pleasant ornaments (nothing sentimental or of importance in case they break). Don't think you have to use typical ornaments either. Get creative. Popcorn and cranberry strands are fun to make and easy to discard.
- Bring or ship stockings, just make sure to use tape or some other sort of non-permanent hanging material.
- Menorah's, and any Hanukkah paraphernalia for that matter, are hard to come by so make sure you stock up on travel tested items at sea level - again, you don't want anything of importance to break in transit.
- If you prefer to get more into the holiday spirit (and have time to spare in town), you can leave caution to the wind and search as a family for decorations. Last year we found garland at the local Ace Hardware, laced it around the fireplace, and hung ornaments on it. (Note: The local hardware store is your friend. From sleds to pig shaped lighters - you can typically find whatever it is you're looking for.)
- Same thing goes for wrapping supplies. If you don't want to waste precious ski time scrambling around town, you might want to include some wrapping paper, scissors, and tape in your luggage. And as I mentioned in Ski Trip Checklist: Holiday Gifts, don't wrap it unless you pack it.
- Some rental companies can provide decorating as a special concierge service (and some condos will even set up and decorate a tree if they don't already come with one) - always inquire if you don't want to hassle with it. Just remember, it's not cheap. Plus it's always nice to have some personal touches during the holidays if you can manage them.
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Thanks for the tips!
I have never planned this year to go to other places for the holidays but these are great tips that you have shared! We're actually waiting for our glass Christmas ornaments that we have ordered online and we just can't wait to put them on display using your tips! Thank you!
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