A few years ago, my in-laws proposed the idea of a large multi-generational family beach vacation over the week of Christmas to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary as well as Christmas. What a surprise!
Now, I am ALWAYS up for a vacation but, I will admit, I was hesitant to be gone to a tropical destination over the Christmas holiday. Being from Minnesota, we are used to a white Christmas (not white sand) and I was worried the Christmas spirit would be missing.
As the plans solidified, we decided all 13 of us (from 4 different states) would vacation together at an all-inclusive resort in Riviera Maya. We booked 5 rooms, round- trip airfare, airport transfers, and started packing.
Tip: Set up a group text chat or Facebook page once you are booked. It’s a fun way to keep everyone in the loop and keep the excitement going.
As the months went on and Christmas inched closer, I realized how vacationing over the holiday was relieving much stress even prior to departing.
*Instead of cleaning and decorating my house for guests, I was packing suitcases for relaxing days by the pool.
*Instead of planning a Christmas morning brunch menu, I was planning an excursion to the Coba ruins.
*Instead of buying and wrapping gifts, I was making sure we all had flip flops that fit.
This was amazing!
I don’t mean to sound like a Grinch. I love the Christmas season as much as the next mom. I still gave gifts to the people I love, but it was less than years past. I wasn’t buying hostess gifts, party game gifts, etc. Rather than going out and shopping, I ordered gifts online and had them delivered to the recipients since I was not going to see them in person.
Tip: I ordered matching custom family t-shirts for us all to wear during our trip as a Christmas gift to everyone. Makes a great souvenir and photo opportunity!
Once we all met at the resort and got settled into our rooms, we spent the week relaxing on the beach together, playing games, snorkeling, exploring the destination, and enjoying long meals at the restaurants together.
We even scheduled a photo session with an onsite photographer and received amazing family pictures!
What made this trip special was the uninterrupted time spent reconnecting with family in a beautiful, stress free location where no one had the added responsibility of hosting.
Oh! As for that Christmas spirit...Boy, did the resort bring it! They had Christmas decorations, special menus, entertainment around the holiday, Santa and his elves came too!
I am now in love with the idea of destination family Christmases!
I have helped my clients create new holiday memories together at Caribbean all-inclusive resorts and on cruises.
Ready for a stress free holiday season in a gorgeous destination with your family? I'd love to help make that happen.
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