How We Celebrated Christmas on the Road: Tips for Holiday Cheer on Your Family Adventure
Traveling during the holidays can feel challenging, especially when you’re away from home. But we discovered that it’s completely possible to create magical memories and keep the holiday spirit alive during Christmas on the road—no matter where you are. After all, Christmas is about more than just the location; it’s about the traditions, the moments spent together, and the joy of being with loved ones.
Here’s how we celebrated Christmas on the road during our epic 3-week adventure in Australia and how you can bring some holiday cheer to your own family travels.
1. Create a Homey Atmosphere
We wanted to make our road trip feel like a cozy holiday at home. We packed a few festive decorations—think battery-operated fairy lights, a small Christmas tree, and some fun ornaments. Simple touches like these made our campervan feel like a Christmas home on wheels.
2. Keep Favorite Traditions Alive
While we didn’t have the usual family gatherings, we still managed to keep some of our beloved traditions intact. We exchanged small gifts with each other, sang Christmas carols around the campfire, and watched our favorite Christmas movies during downtime. These familiar moments helped us stay connected to our holiday roots.
3. Incorporate Local Holiday Traditions
Australia celebrates Christmas during the summer, so we embraced a new set of traditions. From enjoying a beach barbecue to experiencing Christmas in the warm weather, it was a refreshing twist. We visited local markets, saw Christmas lights in the cities, and even participated in Australian holiday customs like a “Christmas Day BBQ.”
4. Plan a Special Christmas Meal
Even though we were on the road, we made sure to plan a memorable Christmas meal. We cooked together as a family in our campervan’s kitchen and enjoyed a festive feast under the stars. Think grilled turkey, seasonal salads, and of course, Christmas pudding! Preparing the meal as a team made it feel extra special.
5. Be Flexible and Embrace the Unexpected
Traveling during Christmas can come with some unexpected surprises—like last-minute changes in plans or unavailable resources. But part of the fun is embracing flexibility and letting go of the pressure. We found that the best memories came from the spontaneous moments: an impromptu beach day, an unplanned detour, or a surprise visit to a local Christmas event.
6. Connect Virtually with Family
Staying in touch with family back home helped keep the holiday cheer alive. We set up a video call on Christmas Day to virtually share the moment with our loved ones. It may not have been the same as a traditional family gathering, but hearing their voices and sharing the joy helped make the distance feel shorter.
7. Gift Giving with a Twist
Instead of big presents, we embraced the “experience over material” philosophy. We gave each other experience-based gifts: tickets to an activity, a special outing, or a small memento from a local market. These meaningful gifts helped us appreciate the journey, making the holiday season feel extra personal and exciting.
8. Stay Present and Enjoy the Moment
Lastly, we made an effort to stay fully present and soak in the joy of each moment. While there were moments when we missed home, we found that focusing on the experience itself helped us find happiness in the adventure. The kids were thrilled by all the new sights, sounds, and experiences, and we took time to embrace the beauty of the season together.
Final Thoughts
Celebrating Christmas on the road was a memorable and fulfilling experience for our family. Whether you’re road-tripping through an exotic destination or simply staying in a new place for the holidays, remember that the holiday spirit can thrive no matter where you are. All you need is creativity, flexibility, and a whole lot of love.
Stay tuned for more updates on our Australian adventure, where we’ll dive into more family travel tips, tricks, and lessons learned along the way!
Until next time,
Fun Family Momma
