What's the best way to celebrate Christmas away from home?

Question

Because of the unexpected death of my precious precious father, my mother wants her two adult daughters, their husbands, and the six granchildren to meet far from everyone's home in a cabin to celebrate Christmas in a new way. Oddly, the property is called, "Our Heaven."

In trying to think about how to get going for the holidays, I wonder what people typically do when they leave home for the holidays. I'm an organizationally challenged person and just packing for a normal trip is apparently an ordeal for my family to observe.

I'm wondering about decorating at home - how much - the usual, just a token - yard decorations like those animatronic deer? Should I bake and bring things there? Should I bring decorations? What will help make it Christmas there?

What am I not even thinking about?

We're going away for a week starting the 23rd. We're driving. The cabin is an hour from anywhere, on acreage.

Answer 1

Are you wanting to know how much of your house to decorate? If that's the question the answer is just as much as you would normally. Even if you're not there on Christmas you are still there up until the 23rd so you will enjoy the decorations and little things that make it such a wonderful holiday.

What our family does is we celebrate with our extended family at Christmas, on the 25th then my family (husband, child & I) celebrate our own Christmas either before or after the holiday. That way it extends the season just a little bit. And we get to observe our own tradtions with out interfering with our extended families traditions.

I think what your mother is doing is trying to get through the holidays without dredging up possibly painful memories of past christmases with your dad. By moving the celebration she doesn't have to remember that this is how dad used to.... Just let her know that you will be there for her. And I hope you have a wonderful holiday.

Answer 2

I am sorry for your loss. The holidays are always difficult w/o a loved ones, especially the first ones.
a) Allow yourself to feel whatever you feel. Emotions are neutral, neither right nor wrong. The + - comes w/ how we act because of them. Crying will probably help everyone. Grief, however, comes in diffferent stages and times to each person. Not everyone will be at the same space.
b) Get the word out - a 1 # of either your favorite Christmas or of a special dad thought. To be read on Christmas.
c) Bake - like the dickens. Fill your kitchen with goodies - all for others. If you are financially able, find an angel tree at the store or in a church. Get something for the kids.
You have suffered a loss, now make a plus for someone else.

Answer 3

My condolences. Having been in the same boat myself, I'd recommend doing whatever you want/need to do to get through this season as happily as you can. If you enjoy baking bake...if it's just going to add to the stress...visit the nearest bakery. If you have children, get them to pitch in...decorate the home, while you might not want to do the whole tree thing, put out a few special ornaments, candles, make a beautiful centre piece.

For the cabin, go out on the acreage, get some boughs, bring some lights and candles, have the kids string popcorn and cranberry garlands...don't stress that everything has to be perfect. For the dinner...divide it up...have everyone bring a couple meals that they'll make for everyone plus one dish for the big christmas dinner.

Christmas can be stressful and even more so when you're trying to get through it with one person missing...simplify and share.

Merry Christmas

Answer 4

Very sorry for your loss........But It's great that you all will be together and in a new way........Everyone can bring their own pictures of your Dad, and your own scrapbook.s.....You can all sit down at the table one night at 7:pm. and make one....It will be good therapy.. Your Mom can bring pictures of christmas past to make and keep also...Play christmas songs softly, while doing this so conversation can go on...Kids can take their own little games, books cards, movies....(.Don't worry too much about decorating at home I mean decorate , but not a lot...). Concentrate on your new adventure with family.........Each person should have a suitcase....Child too......Ask your Mom if it is a good idea for each person to bring 1 decoration each for the cabin.?
I would think that maybe taking food to be cooked and baked would be good for the women to bond.....Bake cookies, bread there....Unless your mom wants it to be different...Listen to her wants and needs also....have a great time! Merry Christmas..

Answer 5

Sorry to hear about your loss. Yes, take baked goodies, and decorations, and a cd player with Christmas cds. Christmas is a holiday that is celebrated with loved ones. It doesn't matter where, or how, just as long as you are with your loved ones. Besides, it may be too hard for your mother to have Christmas at home. I hope you and your family have a very merry Christmas.

Answer 6

I would go ahead and decorate just like you normally would. It will make you happy. And then take as many of your traditions as you can with you when you go. Take memories of your Father too.
As far as the baking, I remember watching on Martha Stewart, years ago, where you make batches of cookie dough and roll it into a log inside of wax paper and freeze it. Take it out just before you go and as long as it stays somewhat cool, it will be a quick and easy way to bake once you get there. You might want to bring a cookie sheet along.....just in case.
I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and share loving memories of your dad.

Answer 7

Just do everything you usually do, but it'll be at a new location.
Make sure you video-tape everything. And have everyone sign a giant 'Family Log' of those who attended.
Mark a spot on the walls of the Cabin w/ all of your initials.(carve)
Show old vieos of your Dad. or Tell funny stories of him.
Make a small tribute to his life w/ you all.
Have the kids write letters to 'Heaven ' to their grandfather.
Make gifts that memorialize the event.(time spent together).
Decorate the area as you would at home.
Make it a time to remember!

Answer 8

i stay at home and do it the traditional way. we get up open the presents then have breakfast play with the kids set the table eat a massive dinner play some more then eat turkey butties 4 tea then al year after that go back on a diet lol

Answer 9

Decorate the house as you normally would but bring your traditions with you when you go to the cabin. Make things fun for the kids. It's a difficult time for everyone but the kids need to be kids. If they're still young, fill their stockings w/ 'snowman poop' or 'reindeer poop'.

http://www.make-stuff.com/hollidays/funnygifts.html

Answer 10

Sorry for your loss. Play as much Christmas music as humanly possible! Start playing it early too like a week before Thanksgiving.
Also watch "Its a Wonderfil Life" as many times as you can until you can start quoting lines if you can't already!Start playing it early too like a week before Thanksgiving.
Merry Christmas to you way in advance my friend. :D