When you need a little Christmas while RVing far from home

What can you do if you’re unable to join your family and friends at Christmastime? How can you fully enjoy the season when you’re RVing far away from your stix-n-brix home? Here are some tips for when you need a little Christmas while RVing.

Decorate

Even just a few decorative pieces can bring a whole lot of joy to your RV’s interior. Let Christmas placemats, a Christmas-themed entry rug, and a festive sofa pillow replace your usual, everyday ones, and presto! You have Christmas inside your RV. Here are some articles that will inspire you:

• Tips on decorating your RV for the holidays
• Even more tips, decor and gadgets to help decorate your RV for Christmas
• Holiday decorations for the RVer: These fit into a shoebox!

Need more?

I’m with you! Even with the RV’s interior decorated, I need more. No matter where you happen to be, folks all around you are celebrating this most joyous season. It’s just a matter of finding the festivities.

Churches

Want to be enveloped in the true spirit of Christmas? Find out about the special events offered in the area’s churches. Think: Christmas concerts, Advent services, Boar’s Head Festival, live nativities, caroling sing-alongs, and (my all-time favorite) children’s Christmas services. You can call churches directly to find out about dates/times for these wonderful events.

Local Chamber of Commerce

The local Chamber of Commerce office may offer a listing of holiday bazaars, craft fairs, or Christmas markets. Plan to walk downtown streets or local shopping malls to view the storefront window displays and holiday decorations. Don’t overlook smaller communities, which may offer traditional celebrations like a Christmas parade or even a chili cookoff.

Subdivision housing groups

Many communities sponsor drive-through light displays and holiday house tours. Plan to attend!

Schools

If you happen to be near an educational center (high school or college), find out if they will present holiday concerts or special theatrical productions to celebrate the season.

Nonprofits

Find out about nonprofits in your area and volunteer to help out. Collecting toys, delivering meals or food baskets, and serving hot meals are all excellent ways to participate. You may find that you get a lot more than the time and effort you give.

Google it!

Use your phone or computer to find out about celebrations near your campground location. Simply say or type, “Christmas activities near (name of town).” Even small towns maintain websites and can help you find fun and meaningful Christmas experiences.

Gifts

Sure, you’re away from home, but consider sending gift cards or other small presents to remember your loved ones. Even a Christmas card with a handwritten, heartfelt note will convey your love for family and friends during this special season.

Food

Go ahead and make your traditional batch of fudge, divinity candy, or Christmas cookies. Share the treats with others in your RV campground or gift the campground’s manager and other helpers with this sweet gift. Oh! Be sure to save some for yourself and any travel buddies, too!

Music

Music can bring inspiration and joy to your holiday season. Find a local radio station that plays seasonal music or listen to your favorite Christmas playlist. Here’s a three-hour instrumental collection of beautiful Christmas music to get you started.

Have you ever spent the Christmas season in your RV, far away from home? How did you bring the Christmas spirit into your life during this time? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

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