This Year, Make The Most Of Having A Holiday At Home
Many of us are still hesitant to go out in public amongst the crowds, so if you have decided to stay home for the holidays, we show you how to have a great holiday at home.
17/11/2020
A holiday destination might not be on the cards for this year, but there are plenty of ways to have a fun holiday at home. So if you're feeling stressed about going out in crowds or booking a last-minute holiday, we offer some tips on having a great holiday at home.
Holidays at home might not seem like much of a holiday, but there are several ways that you can make your home a wonderful vacation destination - without even leaving the house.
1. SWITCH OFF AND STAY OFF
There's only one way to have a holiday at home... by switching off your tech. No cellphones, no tablets, no laptops. Treat your home vacation as you would any holiday vacation and try not to be distracted by work just because you're still at home.
2. GET YOUR OUTDOORS READY
With many families staying at home for the coming holiday season, the money saved on travel, food and accommodation can be better spent on improvements for your home vacation. Toss out those grubby plastic garden chairs and table and replace them with something more modern. If your garden furniture or braai equipment - or anything else you might use during your home vacation - is looking worse for wear, spending money on replacing these is a great way to put your holiday money to good use. Plus, you will still be able to enjoy your purchases year after year.
BLACK FRIDAY IS COMING AND I HAVE SEEN SOME AMAZING SPECIALS WHERE YOU CAN SAVE UP TO 80% ON OUTDOOR FURNITURE!
3. DRESS FOR OCCASION
You know how every year you shop for clothes and items to take on vacation? Do that this year. Just because you're not actually going on holiday doesn't mean you can get a new swimsuit or buy a beach umbrella. This is still going to be a vacation albeit a home one, so treat it just as you would if you were going away. Treat yourself to a new swimming costume, get hubby some male swim shorts, and deck the kids out with the latest swimwear.
4. PLAN YOUR HOLIDAY MENU
One thing that might work in your favour if you have a holiday at home - you won't pack on as much weight! If you are anything like me, I enjoy spoiling myself when on holiday and that means a full-on breakfast, 5-star supper and plenty of holiday munchies in-between. After a vacation, I usually spend 2 to 3 months working off the weight a picked up in 10 days.
If you are holidaying at home, treat your family to healthy and just as tasty meals like fresh fruit and yoghurt for breakfast or at least plenty of fresh fruit for in-between snacks. Plan ahead for evening meals so that you can make these ahead of time and pack them in the freezer. Then all you need to do is heat them up - no time wasted in the kitchen on your vacation!
5. RESEARCH FUN FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Probably the only downside of not going away for your holiday is trying to keep the kids occupied all the time, especially as they have been kept home for so long during the lockdown. So that you don't run out of ideas, sit down ahead of time and draw up a list of fun activities you can do over the holiday period. Some of the following fun activities might be great for the family:
- Set up a movie night
When the sky is clear and the temperature cool, take the TV outside for movie night. All you need is a sturdy cabinet or trolley on wheels to be able to roll the TV easily indoors and out to set yourself up for evening entertainment or movies on demand.
If there is one thing the lockdown has shown us, it is to always be prepared for anything. Stock up on board games for the whole family.
- Game night
What family doesn't love the occasional game night? Make sure your games aren't missing any important pieces or buy what you need to keep everyone occupied for a few hours.
- Camping out
If you and your family loving camping out, you don't necessarily have to buy all the gear to do it at home. Make up some Teepee tents with fabric and wood and set out a campfire where you can roast marshmallows and cook hot dogs.
- Swimming activities
Pool noodles are great fun for kids and you can think up games where you can use pool noodles, balls or balloons to have competitions in the pool. This type of fun is great for the whole family or will keep the kids occupied while mom and dad sit and relax.
6. STOCK UP ON ESSENTIALS
You will want to avoid having to repeatedly run for groceries so be sure to stock up on what you would need for the entire holiday. Buy plenty of suntan lotion, cold drinks, snacks and other supplies you will need.