Aiken Standard in Aiken, South Carolina

Holiday travel brightens but tests families

Families traveling for Christmas face rewards and challenges. Colleen Phillips of Portland drives 500 miles to visit three towns with her children and grandparents. Dr. Mom Marianne Neifert notes children may feel loss when holidays differ from home, so planning like bringing stockings and sending Santa letters helps maintain tradition. Creating familiar decorations or decorating the hotel room and arranging festive meals can ease the disruption. Travel agents offer help coordinating meals and shopping for holiday favorites.