Monthly Archives: December 2010

If you’re in the United States right now, then there’s a good chance you’re thinking about stocking up on food, closing all the windows, and building a fire. There’s a storm on the loose. It already provided Atlanta with its first white Christmas since 1882, and many Floridians will remember this holiday season for years to come. As the one storm moves up the East coast, another has been giving skiers out west the gift of powder, with double-digit snowfalls (we’re talking feet!) in California, Colorado and Utah.

Good thing it’s a school vacation! There’s no better place to ride out a snowstorm than a vacation rental. Make some hot cocoa (or pour yourself a glass of wine), find a comfy couch with a view, and let it snow. While you wait it out, here are some tips to avoid cabin fever…

1. Board Games

Remember that family game night you never had time for at home? You have time now, and the whole family is already together. Many vacation rental owners keep a few games around, and a round of Monopoly or Sorry can occupy an entire family for several hours. No games in the house? Try charades or password, which you can play without any special equipment.

2. Play Outside

Just because the roads are blocked doesn’t mean you can’t leave the house. Go outside and build a snowman or instigate a family snowball fight. You can make a snow angel anywhere there’s a dusting. Just remember to dress warmly and stay dry while you’re outside!

3. Take Advantage of the Kitchen

A day spent inside is a great opportunity to undertake a kitchen project. Introduce the kids to cooking by baking something fun like these simple sugar cookies. If you’re a little bit crafty, you can even make your own cookie cutters for added fun.

4. Tell Stories

I don’t need  to tell you how to do this one, but to get you started: remember the blizzard of ‘78? Everyone has an epic storm story. Check out these stories of great storms of the past for inspiration: Top Ten Storms.

5. Spread Out!

One of the best things about a vacation rental is that you have an entire house to spread out in. While the kids are watching a movie, you can read a book by the fire and uncle Doug can make his famous coffee cake. Family vacations go more smoothly when you don’t try to do everything together, so take over the whole house and relax, you’re on vacation.