Keeping Family Traditions Alive While Traveling with Kids

Holiday Traditions

The holidays are a time of comfort and connection — from hanging stockings and baking cookies to lighting candles and singing carols. But for families on the road, it can feel daunting to keep those cherished traditions alive while juggling suitcases, long flights, and hotel rooms.

Here’s the secret: traditions don’t depend on where you are — they depend on whom you’re with. Whether you’re staying in a cozy vacation rental, a bustling hotel, or a relative’s spare room, you can keep the spirit of your family rituals alive wherever you go.

How to bring traditions on the road:

• Pack a little piece of home. Slip your family’s favorite holiday storybook, a menorah, or a cherished ornament into your bag. A small, familiar item can instantly make a new place feel festive.
• Simplify without losing meaning. Instead of baking dozens of cookies, decorate store-bought ones with the kids. Keep the activity, lose the stress.
• Stick with bedtime rituals. Even if you’re across the country, reading the same bedtime story or singing the same song can anchor kids in routine.
• Celebrate “together” from afar. A quick FaceTime call with cousins or grandparents while decorating or lighting candles keeps everyone connected.
• Let sitters support your traditions. Destination Sitters caregivers can read holiday classics, help kids make decorations, or lead craft time while parents enjoy a holiday event or prepare for family gatherings.

💡 Remember: your children won’t remember if the tree were bigger or the cookies were homemade. They’ll remember the warmth of laughing together, even if it happened in a hotel room.

👉 Wherever the holidays take you, Destination Sitters is here to give parents peace of mind^®. Book early — holiday babysitting fills up fast!