My wife and I have always tried to take time off in the summer as well as the winter. We plan our vacations around our children's school schedule. The summer months are generally easier to arrange due to the extended length of time that school is not in session, however the holiday breaks and spring breaks are generally harder to plan for. Several years ago we decided that we would look into ski vacations to take over the holiday break. Our children were ten and twelve years old at the time and they enjoy skiing and last year wanted to begin snowboarding.

My wife found a good deal on two ski vacations which also accommodated my childrens wish to begin snowboarding. The only problem was that the flight was on Christmas day evening. That year Christmas fell on a Monday so we celebrated with my side of the family on Saturday evening, his side of the family on Sunday and we had our own family Christmas Monday morning prior to heading out to the airport. We bought each of the kids a portable CD player that year so that occupied their time during the flight. The ski package that we purchased included a two bedroom chalet with a kitchen and living room area. There was a hot tub that fit six people on a raised platform area in the living room. The hot tub over looked the mountains and one of the skiing runs. The chalet was a short walk to the main lodge. The lodge had a dining area, bar and large game room with pool tables, arcade games and tables to play board games. Their selection of board games was huge.

The lodge was beautifully decorated for the holidays. We arrived at the lodge at 5:00PM. We unpacked our bags and then went to have dinner together. We played a board game after dinner then went back to our chalet and spent time in the hot tub. The next day we skied and went into town for groceries. It was a magical week that I know my children will remember for the rest of their lives. We have never laughed so much at my antics on a snowboard because as they wanted to begin snowboarding I decided that I woud also begin snowboarding. Now I am not so sure!

This year my wife is again checking out ski vacations. Our oldest child is a senior in high school this year, so this may be our last family trip during the holiday time. We have not gone back to that first lodge again; partly because of the expense and partly because the time was so perfect that I doubt that it can be duplicated. This year Christmas falls on a Monday again. My wife feels that this is a sign that we should repeat the skiing package. Our children are excited about doing this also. That had been their favorite time out of the ski vacations we have taken. The price has gone up considerably, but we have decided that this will be our Christmas present. I am looking forward to a special time with my family.