We’re backing into the most wonderful time of the year!

I’m currently working out those last kinks on trips to see family and friends over the winter holidays. I’ve got my work cut out for me. I’ve got to consider two sets of family traditions, those who can’t travel to us, and the likelihood of being snowed in at Logan airport.

It’s no easy feat to squeeze it all into two measly weeks. And it doesn’t leave much room for improvisation.

The worst part is this: As I suss out plane fares and car rental fees, I’m also seeing some fantastic deals on holidays I won’t be taking. I mean, sure, Aunt Millie’s candied yams are to die for but that all-inclusive resort in Hawaii? Doesn’t sound so bad when you are trying to calculate the likelihood of a Nor’easter for a pre-schooler-infested drive from Jersey to Maine.

But as I click past deal after sunny, wonderful deal, I keep my sanity in check with what I consider to be the most important ingredient of any holiday trip: the escape plan.

Many would have you believe that a holiday escape has to involve beaches, sunshine and a fruity drink complete with mini-umbrella. But I say it’s a state of mind. I believe that the same rules of adventure apply whether you are visiting home or some exotic, new locale.

Read up on the area. Pick a spot. Go. Enjoy.

Believe me, after Uncle Artie blows through his fifth eggnog and starts telling your kids about his Vietnam experiences, you’ll be glad for the distraction.

See something new

Even if you are just returning home for the holidays, the town is bound to have changed since you lived there last. Check out a new restaurant or attraction. Take an afternoon to drive to the nearest city. Many museums and sites have holiday activities for kids – just do a little research beforehand and see what looks good (and, of course, note the funky hours they’ll be open).

Introduce your kids to your past

Some of my favorite holiday memories involve the simplest thing ever – my parents taking me to places that were featured in their favorite childhood stories. Your kids will love to have a milkshake where Bobby took Mom for a first date or the sledding hill where Uncle Brian almost lost his arm.

Heck, I still get a little warm and fuzzy inside when I pass the bar where my great-grandfather used to hide on payday. Think of it as a personal cultural tour. Let your kids know that you were young once, too – no, really! – and experience some of your childhood highlights firsthand.

Take advantage of free lodging (and babysitting)

I have to sneak this in here. If you are staying at home, you’ll have a few extra dollars in your pocket. And if your folks are like mine, they would revel in the opportunity to hop your kids up on sugar and caffeine without rebuke. So take advantage of the in-house babysitter and catch up on some of that all-too-infrequent adult time. You deserve it and the grandparents will be thrilled to get your judgmental, holier-than-thou selves out of the house for a few hours. After all, it’s not like they haven’t raised a few children, for goodness’ sake.

So whether you are spending this holiday in Susquehanna, Sausalito or Sattahip, make sure to pencil in your escape plan. It may just flip your holiday trip from ordinary to extraordinary.

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