It’s coming. I can feel it off in the distance. It’s the fun and sun winter holiday that takes the edge off the season known as snow in Alberta. It has been a particularly cold winter for this part of the country and nothing can cure the cold like some 30 degree weather and some cold beers. For sure, there are some aspects to the holiday that thrust themselves into your holiday and put a charge into the week. We have all been know to indulge in a few too many slushy drinks or get a bad sunburn from not respecting the power of the sun. The interesting thing about the winter holiday is not the fact that it’s warm but instead the unique things that seem like things you should repeat when you are home, but you never do. Here is my Mount Rushmore of things that we do on holidays that we really SHOULD repeat when we get home but never do…
- Exercise
I know this seems like an oxymoron to the thought of a relaxing holiday but this seems to be a staple of the winter holiday. Call it guilt for the exotic foods and high sugar drinks we all consume but we really enjoy the exercise. There is nothing that gets your day off to the right start but a brisk walk/run/exercise routine in the morning, before the temperatures hit 30 degrees.
Our strategy, do something that can get the entire group involved and make it something that you are going to be hating life over, the next day. If your location is anything like ours, walking provides the elixir for the previous day. The hills, heat and scenery provide a great backdrop for some heart pumping activity. More aggressive days include crossfire or running or a major hike. Make a commitment to doing something everyday. Your liver will thank you for it.
2. Reading
For some, reading is a daily occurrence. I know we all read as part of our jobs but when is the last time you read a fiction or non-fiction piece and truly enjoyed it. That’s right, your last holiday.
I have this pocket sized Kobo that seems to get heavy use 2 weeks a year and otherwise never holds a charge and never flicks a page. But somehow, Mary and I really enjoy sitting on the pool deck or the beach and reading. I am a non-fiction fan while Mary dabbles in either faction or non. Nothing captures my interest like a true life biography about someone who has held my interest. I can lose myself for hours in that book and even catch the occasional sun filled nap, in between chapters. Why don’t I do it more when I return home? The daily grind of work, kids and other pressures puts me comfortably on my pillow nightly without a page turned.
3. Socializing
It doesn’t seem to matter whether we travel with close friends or without, we always seem to find like minded people to socialize with. Sure the allure of the pool bar always enhances the desire to chat with the person next to you but it’s more than that.
Every person has their own story and I have met some of the most interesting people over my years of saddling up to the bar. There is always some form of exaggeration involved in those stories and a value put on one-upmanship but I can’t get enough of hearing the stories and their tales of how they arrived at this beach. If friends are along for the ride, the level of fun and games only rises from there. Some of the funniest moments of my life occurred on an obscure beach somewhere in the tropics. Mary and I even tend to communicate better without the pressures of home impairing us. You remember why we were put on this Earth to communicate when you are on holidays. Why don’t we do it more often? Blame it on fatigue but I cherish the time spent with everyone during these weeks.
4. Sexy time
Come on admit it. Everyone is in some form of rut in our daily lives that gets in the way of hibbidy dibbidy night at home. Whether it’s the warm weather, the cocktails or the lazy mornings in bed, all of them collectively lead to a rekindling of sorts. Take advantage of the time and enjoy the one you brought to the dance. It does continue when you get home but the frequency of times that she “just washed her hair” and he “needs to fix something in the garage” seems to creep back in before you know it. Cherish the moment, people.
I realize how fortunate we are to be able to take a week out of the winter and travel as not all couples can do it. The good news is that whether you travel south or stay at home, these same factors are available for you to reflect on in your lives. For those who will be joining us south in our travels this year, let’s make some memories and live to tell others about them the next year.
Happy sunshine.
Marco
