Tips for Safe Christmas Travel Day

Christmas day travel is usually pretty calm because most people are at the location of their choice. But for many Christmas day is still a day of travel, anywhere from a few blocks to 30 miles in distance to visit family, share dinner, and open gifts.

But travel during a short distance can still be hazardous depending on road, weather and driver conditions. If you follow a few tips you can travel in safety and share the end of the evening at home with your children without harm or injury.

1. When you are ready to leave for your Christmas day location be sure everyone is ready and happy. Happy travelers are easier to deal with if you are driving in difficult weather and road conditions.

2. Leave home early so you do not have to hurry to arrive on time. Arriving on time or early is better than getting into a wreck and not arriving at all. Do not take a chance with your family on this Christmas day.

3. As you travel do not talk about all the bad things that could happen during your visit. Concentrate on positive emotions, even if you have to sing Christmas carols and tell jokes during your drive.

4. When you arrive at your location remain positive. Do not look for potential problems. If guest are having a problem getting along with each other change the subject and find something they have a common interest in. Provide an activity to keep everyone busy until dinner time. You can get everyone involved in making a snow man in cold country to designing a city park on paper. It will keep the other guest busy and they can find amusement in the entertainment.

5. Do not make rude comments at the dinner table about the food, the home, the other guest, or your spouse and children. Do not yell at the children. If you must tell them something do it in a quiet, non threatening voice or gently guide the child to another room and talk quietly.

6. When it is time to open gifts, but gracious. You do not have to be first or the center of attention. Do not insult the gift giver or their gift. If you don't like the gift or feel it was meant as an insult just say thank you and when you get home throw it out. Do not start a fight and make others unhappy because of one stupid act by another guest.

7. After eating dinner rest awhile. Take a walk before you are ready to head home. The cool air will help to clear your head and wake you up.

8. Be sure to take a deep breath of cool air. You need to be wide awake during your drive home. Do not turn the heat on high while driving. Keep it cool in the car and your driver side window down at least one inch. This will keep the cool air flowing and keep you awake.

With only these 8 tips to follow on your Christmas travel day you will arrive at your destination safe and happy. When you get home in the evening you will have great memories to carry you and your family through the years. There will be no tears of loss, injury, or emergency rooms on your Christmas day celebration.