If Travel Plans Don’t Go as Expected During the Holiday Season: Revisiting an HPB Post

This holiday season, the travel volume across the country is expected to be at its highest in years, according to AAA. To make things more interesting for holiday travelers, news outlets, such as 1010 WINS in New York City and WCNC in Charlotte, North Carolina, note that today will be the coldest day of the year. Perhaps the worst is the recent, unrelenting winter storms, which have already impacted several regions, causing slowdowns and delays for those commuting by road and air. Sadly, severe weather in certain parts resulted in injuries or death for some commuters—our thoughts and prayers to those who lost someone close.

Yet, hearing about this perfect storm of events (no pun intended) may be unsurprising to some, as it’s only one the day after the winter solstice and the few days before Christmas and Hanukkah. It’s the time of year when travel is expected to peak, and Mother Nature cannot resist the urge to blanket one or more towns and cities with a frosty white cover. However, one constant for most, if not all, travelers is to reach their destination unscathed and on time with the hope that the festive spirit persists.

Despite what could be considered predictable factors before December 25, for many holiday travelers, anxiety grows as they desperately hope to reach their destination, be with loved ones, and exchange presents. In light of this week’s travel dilemmas, I circled back to a piece I wrote two years ago, on Christmas Eve, when poor weather conditions and travel challenges were also present: Five Robins on a Cold Christmas Eve.

It’s a piece that calls attention to the simple things that can unexpectedly lift our mood and puts into perspective the benefit of appreciating what truly matters when things do not go as planned. For example, what more would we want than not to be put in harm’s way? If we are delayed in our journey, knowing family and friends will eventually encircle us is our ultimate desire this holiday season. Right?

I hope today’s posting and the published piece from two years earlier provide some consolation. Wishing you all safe travels and quality time with loved ones. And for those embracing fond yuletide memories of loved ones who are no longer with us, may this season be filled with love, joy, and remembrance.

Pedro Antonio