It’s December 25th, and “White Christmas” is playing in houses all around the county. Children leap out of bed and run to look out their windows for snow, their hopes high. Unfortunately, they had forgotten they live in Virginia, where brown ground and mild temperatures are staples of Christmas. The lack of holiday weather here might make one wonder: is there truly no place like home for the holidays?

As somebody who has never spent a winter break at home, I’m here to tell you that spending some of those precious days off from school on the road can be even better than staying at your house. 

Getting stuck in traffic on I-95 may sound like a nightmare, but it’s a dream for Christmas music lovers. It creates the opportunity to listen to hours of spirited songs while possibly sipping festive drinks from a roadside Starbucks. 

Christmas music and peppermint mochas aren’t the only advantages of holiday road trips. Traveling across multiple state lines is a great way to see a variety of holiday displays, such as the surprisingly cheerful Delaware tollbooth surrounded by lit-up Christmas trees. 

Once the drive is over, arriving at your holiday destination can hold almost as much magic as Christmas morning. 

Not only is there the excitement of arriving, but also the added bonus of escaping the everyday routines of home. No having to clean your room or being forced to dust under the sofa your mom is convinced guests will peek under. 

Traveling also means better meals. Instead of the same breakfast cereal choices you eat every school day, you could try the local pastry shop. Meals are more special when you’re not the one who has to make them. Your aunt’s latkes taste that much better when it’s not your pan that needs cleaning afterwards.

Not only is it fun to be away from the chores that come with being home, but the lack of distractions also makes it easier to focus on connecting with family. 

There’s no denying that there’s something special about celebrating your favorite traditions in the familiarity of your own home; however, that holiday magic doesn’t depend solely on your physical location. Regardless of whether you’re home or away, it’s the warmth of the people and traditions you surround yourself with that truly matters.