Everyone has very different ideas of what a holiday should consist of. Some people love the thought of going overseas to exotic locations and relaxing on glorious beaches with a cocktail in their hand with one of those little umbrellas in them. I had a friend of mine who loved to spend every summer holiday going to the movies as much as possible, it was just what their family did. As we get older our idea of a holiday changes so I have decided what my definition of a proper holiday is made up of.
Firstly it must have family there. This is an essential part of any holiday: my amazing husband Chris, 4 year old James and 18 month old Mia. This also means if we go away anywhere, even around the block, we seem pack an extraordinary large amount of "essentials", an entire car load of crap, portacots, buggies, food, bottles, wipes, nappies the list goes on and on...
Another really important element are spending time with friends as well as family. Friends provide a good sanity check and a valuable moaning tool when the school holidays are really driving you mental and you just wish the sun would shine for a bit!!!
Plus during the school holidays they are often in the same boat, we do "child swap days" where you each take a turn during the hols to have their kids over to play, while their parents have some time off. Then you get the same in return which is a wondrous thing!
Another element which is big in our family are books - we always go away with some and make sure a trip to the library is made before the holidays start. The kids each get to select a few books each (see photo above) while Chris and I take time selecting our books of choice. Chris usually goes for the more intelligent read - a biography, non fiction or historical book or else one of those award winning books. And me??! Well a holiday to me MUST involve a trashy novel of some sort. These holidays my friend Bex came to the party by loaning me a huge pile of books - it has been heaven for me!!
Our holidays are always made up of "adventures" - these can be as simple as a trip to the local cafe, library or friends house for the day. It can also be more elaborate with visits to playgrounds, trips away to beaches, trips to the movies and roadtrips to families houses to stay for a few days. Of course using the word adventure generally means excitement for the children and the word can often be used to "sex up" a trip to the dentist or doctor!!
Food is a really important to our family, it makes up a large part of our lives and we do like to eat well. Holidays also means that you generally eat very well - we snack more on inappropriate food, drink loads more and generally indulge in everything going. Lollies, ice cream, chippies and lets be honest, nothing says holidays like chocolate!! xx
