Everyone is smiling! This is great!

MARCH 2019

​Are you planning a Family Vacation?
 
Wouldn’t you love for your next trip to bring joy for everyone?
 
It seems like too much to ask doesn’t it?
Isn’t it enough to just get there and hope for the best?
 
I hear you! I’ve often planned in the same way.
 
And then…when something works year after year for everyone, across three generations...Wow! Let’s find out why.
 
Why would a group of born and bred New Englanders flock to the tropics for the Christmas holidays every year?
 
I decided to ask some of my family members a few questions:
 
“Why do you love going to Florida for the holidays?”
“What was one of your favorite moments this year?”
 
In their words…
 
Mom (age 88)
“The best part of all of you visiting is catching up on news and happenings in your lives.”
Favorite moments
“My favorite moments are when each of you arrive and the look of joy on your faces just to be here. Also, the boat trip Marty so generously provides.”
 
Marty (age 32)
“The best part of gathering in Florida for Christmas is undoubtedly having everyone together. Although we see individual family members throughout the year, it is very rare to have everyone gathered in the same spot for an extended period of time.
I love the change of pace. Whereas life in New York is usually hectic and spent racing around, Florida provides a sense of tranquility. It also doesn’t hurt to be surrounded by beautiful, blue waters!”
Favorite moments
“It is very difficult to choose a singular favorite moment, but I loved my early morning walks on the beach with Bear. Most mornings we had the beach entirely to ourselves and it was the ideal way to start a day.”
 
Noah (age 18)
“I love our family vacation in Florida because for a week or so we are the happiest we are all year. The festivities and excitement surrounding the holidays combine perfectly with the heavenly weather and it is simply magical every year.”
Favorite moments
“Having Pooh Bear puppy there!”
 
Maria (age 31)
“I love having Christmas in Florida!” It’s low key and easy and relaxing. We can all be outside in this amazing beauty and warmth. It’s so nice to have everyone together and be out of the cold!”
Favorite moments
“Spending our first Christmas with Bear and watching him make friends with every dog in the colony and cover himself in sand!”
 
Aaron (age 22)
“Just give me the sea, sand and sun any day, I’m there. I love beach living!”
Favorite moments
“Playing with Bear, riding the waves, playing Can Jam on the beach.”
 
Deborah (age 63)
“Seeing my children and extended family so happy, all in one place!”
I love that we all share a love for the sea. Here, the ocean becomes our program guide. The tides, breezes, the sunrise and sunset, the moonrise set the pace for our days. I call it falling into “ocean time”. It’s a time and place to simply be, surrounded by exquisite, breathtaking beauty. I love that we return to this same beach year after year. As my son Noah says:
“It’s both old and new at the same time.”
Favorite moments
“Being on the beach with everyone, my feet in the sand, the sound of the waves, delicious food, being by, in and on the sea!
 
Now, I’d love to hear for you!
Do you have a great Family Vacation that you’d love to share?
 
 Are inspired by this Blog post? If so, I’d love you to share it!
 
As always, choose joy!
 
Love and Blessings,
 
Deborah