A Christmas Experience vs. More Stuff

A few years ago we decided that we wanted to give our family an experience together for Christmas instead of giving more traditional Christmas gifts.  We felt like we all had enough stuff already.  Our hope was that an experience together would bring us together more, would build memories, and would expose all of us to things we don't usually get to do.

Maybe an experience together better matches the spirit of what Christmas is about, as opposed to the drama of getting and giving gifts.  We certainly haven't missed fighting the Christmas crowds in search of bargains on stuff that we really don't need.  Sorry, I'm not much of a capitalist.

Over the years we have done the following, as family Christmas experiences:

• Mountain adventures in the snow (McCall, ID)
• A Staycation in the Treasure Valley, including experiences in the arts, Boise adventures, eating out, cultural activities, etc.
• An urban adventure (Portland, OR)

This year, after much debate and research, our family adventure is to Moab, Utah.  It is a part of Utah we have driven through but we have never had time to stop.  This is Moab's down-season, so bargains abound for housing, making a condo possible.  While there are still plenty of tourists here, the crowds are much more manageable.  The winter experience in the desert is quite different.  It is a different kind of beauty.  

More than the location, the best part is just being together.  We have had fun watching movies, playing games, and traipsing around on snowy trails.  We have a good time with books, science, rocks, and geeky banter.  We have had a good time taking and looking at our pictures.

Favorites on this trip:

• Games: Ticket To Ride, Ruckus, Oh Really!
• DVD: They are all watching the "Emma" BBC mini-series right now.
• Audio Book: Okay For Now by Gary Schmidt (The next selection in NPR's "Back Seat Book Club."

We are looking forward to adventures to come.