Adventure family vs the holidays

Being a parent of two, I am constantly wondering where the time went. Well, this year I am in complete denial that we are weeks away from Christmas. Our oldest has begun to love all things Christmas, holiday lights, and presents. She really loves presents.

But, being an adventure family means we invest a lot into our travels throughout the year. This has led us to find a new way to share the magic of the holidays without breaking the bank (I mean have you seen the price of a lift ticket, new boards, or gear these days?! It is INSANE!). Anyways, here are our tips on how we keep adventure focused and still make Christmas special.

• The Gift of Experiences

  Let’s be real, we have enough ‘stuff’ in our homes; toys, clothes, games, and more junk drawers than necessary.

  So here are our favorite experiences to gift (in the spirit of adventure, of course):

  1. Campsites for later in the year

     We like to book two sites, one for us and one for family. It is a win for everyone.

  2. Date night self care and dinner

     We love a good chiropractor and massage… you’d be surprised how taking care of yourself allows you to better take care of the ones you love.

  3. Concert or show

     Chances are you could listen to the songs your spouse plays in the car… obviously when they aren’t listening to Bluey soundtrack on repeat… this could give you an idea of who they might want to see.

  4. Special weekend/night away

  5. Cooking class

     Food can be more than nutrition, it can be a means of connection. If your kids see you cooking and learn, they will be more confident.

  6. Pottery, painting, or art classes

  We have made the switch over the last few years to gift experiences rather than physical items. It has changed our outlook and we love having something to look forward to. Plus, from two spouse who value quality time, this is a home run every time!

• The Gift of Gear

  With adventure on the horizon, we are always buying new gear. Whether it be snow gear, swimsuits, boards, balls or really any sort of adventure type item.

  For us this year, this means a skateboard and a set of full pads to protect us when we fall. These were things we planned on buying, we just made it a gift instead of our normal purchase.

  PRO TIP: Buy your gear used! It can be very expensive and your kids outgrow it so fast. Trust me, a little elbow grease or quick wash and it’ll look good as new.

• The Gift of Necessity

  This quickly can get wrapped into our stocking stuffer dilemma…. these are the gifts that you need.

  I am talking the body wash, shoes in the next size up, socks without holes, type of stuff. Maybe a walk around the house will jog your memory on what is needed. But, I ma sure you can think of one or two things that each person could use.

• The Gift of Love

  The gift of love can take time to prepare. I am talking the kids made art, the knitted scarf, the sourdough or homemade cookies. These can be big or small. The whole point is to just show someone how much you care.

  Some of the best gifts can be handmade. Some even better gifts are just your presence. If the ones you love aren’t happy on Christmas just be being with you; maybe you need to reevaluate the life you have created. At the end of the day, the best gift we can give is our love and joy. Start there this year.

• The Stocking Stuffer Dilemma

  I seriously think stocking stuffers are going to be the end of my Christmas joy. They quickly get filled with candy, end cap crap, and dollar finds. I always wait until the last minute and then I just throw random stuff in there and call it a day.

  So, this year I am making a list. This list will be our basics for every year hereafter. Because consistency will keep me from going insane.

  Stocking stuffers for all:

  • Socks — so you can get rid of the hole filled ones you keep swearing you are going to replace

  • Underwear — see reasoning for socks

  • Toothbrush — if you can’t remmeber the last time you got a new one… yours needs to be replaced… you might as well buy two; one for now, one for three months from now

  • Deodorant — because yours is probably running low anyways

  • Chapstick, maybe just buy two, I mean you will lose the first one in a few days and it is winter, so you probably need it

  • Oranges. This was a classic in our house growing up and the nostalgia just makes it feel like Christmas.

  • Everyone’s favorite snack, treat, or candy

  Maybe there is something nostalgic for you from growing up to add to the list. At least this gives you a start.

At the end of the day, we need to remember that the whole point is family. Spending time together, sharing our lives, and creating memories. Maybe the best gift you can give the ones you love is a silenced cell phone and special morning walk. Just give yourself some grace this holiday season. BEING A PARENT IS TOUGH! You don't have to do it all, or be it all for everyone. Just BE PRESENT with your people.

Happiest of Holidays,

The Rogers