[ibimage==25181==Medium==Large==self==ibimage_align-center]
As a young kid, I could barely sleep on Christmas Eve because like many other kids - I was intrigued with the thought that Santa would be bringing me many gifts and visiting my home while I sleep. Once I grew older, not much changed with my family's traditions and still today, my presents come from Santa (and I love that my Mom still does this).
Even as I moved away to college and then eventually for good, I remember coming back for the holidays and waking up in my parent's house and my dad still making us wait at the top of the stairs while he videotaped us. The anticipation of us waiting was most definitely greater during our younger years but my dad's question never changed, "Hey guys, who came last night?" When we were younger, we all would yell "Santa"! And then dash down the stairs uncontrollably. As we grew older, my dad had to do a little more prying to get our answers but he would never let us come down until he heard us say it.
Saint Paul, Minnesota in 1992 with Santa. (Photo made it through a house fire.)
These are just a few aspects of holiday tradition within our family that keep me coming back for the holidays. Today when I am making my holiday plans, packing my bags to head home and finally board the flight, I experience the same anticipation that I felt when I could barely sleep on Christmas Eve when I was younger. I'm confident it's not just these memorable moments mentioned above but it's most importantly the friends and family who have shared them with me over the years.
It's funny how a few of the things that we usually dread like planning a flight, packing for a trip and flying home suddenly become enjoyable over the holidays because of that excitement and anticipation of spending time with friends and family. Especially when I think back to these memories and traditions that I shared with my parents, brothers and sister - this thought process becomes relatively easy and natural or probably unnatural for me.
Christmas 2007 in Saint Paul, Minnesota
If you are traveling over the holidays, I encourage and challenge you to try a few things to recreate that same anticipation and excitement you felt when you were younger during the holidays. First think back to your families holiday traditions or most notable holidays, the good, bad and sad ones... oh and don't forget the embarrassing ones too. Think of all those who you shared them with and laugh or cry in joy. When you are next to a stranger in the security line or on the airplane, share your favorite memory or tradition with them. Trust me, you will make your travel experience better and theirs as well.
The holidays have always been such an enjoyable time for me and I've always been extremely blessed to share them with many friends and family. On behalf of our small but growing team here at Fresh Jets, we wish you all, your friends and family a safe and enjoyable holiday season. Don't forget to share your most memorable holiday or holiday tradition here but more importantly, share it with those of whom you travel next to - it will brighten both your days.
This article was written by Timmy Wozniak, co-founder and CEO of Fresh Jets. Fresh Jets aggregates private jet schedule and pricing information and matches inventory to the travel needs of businesses and individuals instantly.