We all love a holiday, don’t we? What’s not to like; time off, time away from the day to day mundane, time to recharge and replenish. But, it can be tough getting there, can’t it?!
I am my own worst enemy; I expect so much from holidays. A perfect mix of fun activities and relaxation. No tantrums, no whinging (and that’s just the adults!). Everyone happy.
This is of course, virtually, impossible! Even the best of holidays have their moments… Which we may choose to gloss over in the re-telling, but were there nonetheless.
As a family, we’ve had some downright fabulous holidays. Our first trip to Center Parcs was a revelation; a holiday where all of us, children and adults alike, had fun! Each return trip better than the last. Two wonderful holidays in Paris and a fantastic fortnight in Portugal. Last summer’s trips to Storyland in New Hampshire. The ‘tours of Britain and Ireland’ (yes really, in a car, with two children…) that we took every couple of years after leaving London, catching up with as many people as we could along the way!
The city breaks we took before we had children; oh, how I remember those fondly… The sunny holidays; weeks of relaxation by the pool, exploring pretty towns, sampling local wines :)
But, even the best of those holidays had moments of frustration and annoyance and disappointment. Do we expect too much from our time away? Do we set ourselves up for failure by imagining a perfect oasis, an ideal holiday where no one shouts, or moans, or has a bad day?
The boys are currently on Spring Break. We chose not to go away, more as a result of disorganisation than any conscious decision, although after our hectic and exhausting (and wonderful!) trip to the UK during the February vacation, what we really needed was some downtime.
It’s been good, we’ve had some fun trips and treats. But, it has also been hard work! If I’ve heard the statement I’m bored once, I’ve heard it a dozen times. Despite having filled the day with activities, I’ve been told at bedtime that we did nothing today… The boys have fought, not used to spending so much concentrated time together, the wee girl has demanded attention, not used to sharing me during the week!
Despite all that though, time off from the norm; with no rushing, no obligations; is remarkably refreshing. Taking it easy, letting our days be flexible, choosing what to do with no timetable, no deadlines is just what we needed. I’m not sure it could be described as restful exactly, but I am beginning to feel revitalised; ready to face the last six weeks of school and look forward to the (very) long summer vacation. Because frankly, keeping them not bored for that long is a little scary, a lot daunting; and likely to be rather exhausting too!
And, perhaps the acceptance that it won’t be perfect is what will allow me to really enjoy it. To rest, to relax. To take each day as it comes and make the most of it. To make sure that among the busy, constant, noisy entertainment of the children, there are moments of calm; for all of us. To take stock, to relish the memories in making, to breathe.
You can find this weeks #ThePrompt linky here.
It’s so true that we expect so much from our holidays. I find a true break is when we’ve gone somewhere like the beach or somewhere truly relaxing where our children can never say we’re bored as they’re too busy having fun. Family get togethers – as I’ve just experienced – are not really a hols for me but luckily still very special for my kids.
Absolutely! Meeting up with family is not really a holiday, however fun it might be :)
Sounds like you’re having a similar holiday to the one we just had Sara. We had lots of fun but didn’t over stretch ourselves. I agree that the toughest days were the ones at home! Thankfully for us the weather was mostly glorious. My girls could practice riding their bikes, and playing out with the neighbours kids which they love doing. Hope you enjoy the rest of your break hon xx
Thank you x Sometimes all you need is a break from the rushing around, but they days definitely go faster when you can get out of the house :)
You have hit the nail on the head! I love to dream of perfection, building things up in my head, waiting in anticipation. And nothing ever lives up to that image in my head. Maybe it is time to return to grounded reality and just live each moment #theprompt
I think that’s it isn’t it, learning to live in the moment x
Ahh fantastic post. Glad you have some down time together as a family. I loved Spring break we never went away just made great memories at home. I do remember saying I am bored alot too it’s a kid thing. Family time is family time. Sounds like you have taken some amazing family trips too in the past. WOW. I can’t wait for those. We have only had a mini one to Ireland when MM was born and then our first real one in January to Lanzarote which was utterly amazing. I am about to go to america for two months but mr p won’t be there so that will won’t seem quite like a vacation. Great prompt!
Thanks Jenny x We’ve had some good holidays with the kids, the dynamics are different, but fun :)
I can’t wait for the summer holidays but I’m glad we only had 6 weeks in England when the boys were small as I don’t know what I’d have done with them for the 9 weeks we get here. Good luck with that :-) We loved Center Parcs too, I think it’s the only holiday destination we found where everyone regardless of age or gender can have a great time.
Thanks, I’ll need it! 9 weeks is a long time! We miss Center Parcs, haven’t found its equivalent over here…
Absolutely true, it’s the spontaneous days and trips that are often the best! We’re quite intrepid travellers but know that things will change once bubs arrive!xx
They really are, aren’t they! We’ve done a fair bit of travelling with the kids, you just have to be a bit more organised :)
I think it’s when we let go of our high expectations that we are able to really enjoy our time… great post :) #PoCoLo
I agree, expectations can really hamper enjoyment x
Once I had children and quickly realised that the word ‘holiday’ has a completely different meaning to its original, I had to choose to accept that it is merely a change of scene. That is also very good for the spirit so we embrace it!
Absolutely :) A change is as good as rest as they say, and actually it often is x
I love your post because it reminds me of our stay-at-home holidays, although I think I’m a few years behind with the ages of the children. The “I’m bored” comment hasn’t crept in yet! I love the fact that you can take time out without having to be out – just enjoying your home and a break from the norm is a good soul replenisher (is that a word? If not, should be!)
Glad you had fun x.
Exactly, sometimes all you need is some downtime :)
When you let it go thats the time you will start enjoying things. =) #pocolo
Absolutely x
…and breathe! ;)
Indeed!
I need more holidays or at least short breaks just to relax a bit more often
Absolutely, I could do with some of them too :)
I definitely need a holiday, I agree about expectations but only as an adult, as a child I just loved being away and spending time at the beach.
You’re absolutely right, we only seem to develop these expectations as adults x
I always get really stressed about holidays-think it’s the getting there that affects me.I hate airports and living on an island means lots of airport transit in order to go on nice holidays. Although now that we have kids, we’ve discovered the joys of the ferry to France-yes it takes ages but so much nicer and relaxed than taking the plane!
Yes, we’ve changed the way we travel too! We used to get the ferry to Ireland a lot, instead of flying :)
I can really relate to your post, Sara! Holidays do not always have to be perfect. We always have such high expectations, it is great to remind ourselves that we do not have to have a perfect time. OK can do, too. It is sometimes more enjoyable when we do less as we can actually rest. x Mel
I think you’re right, when we try too hard we don’t relax and so don’t rest x
You are so right. Holidays are good for you but the less pressure we put on ourselves to have fun, the less pressure there is in my opinion! Thank you for linking to PoCoLo x
Absolutely :) Thanks for hosting x