Destination holidays seem to be a growing trend. The concept of running away for Christmas to a place where someone else does all the decorating, cooking and entertaining can be quite tempting. But, is a Christmas in a strange and unfamiliar location right for you and your family?

Before you make the decision to "make this holiday special through travel", consider the following:

A. Can you really afford it? Holiday travel packages appear to include everything you need for a Christmas away from home; pine boughs, carolers, meals -- even a visit with Santa. But consider the added costs of traveling, including gasoline, souvenirs, impulse buying, draft beer at $7 a glass.

Some travelers trade their gift-giving tradition for the cost of the trip, considering the getaway as a Christmas gift to those in the traveling party. But, keep in mind, children will likely expect presents on Christmas morn, no matter what you have said or where they are. You might be surprise to discover that the child in you wakes with Christmas expectations as well, a remaining instinct from a lifetime of traditional Christmases past.

B. Before you make travel plans for your new holiday tradition, consider how attached you are to those traditions instilled in your holiday memory. Many of us grumble that Christmas has become a commercial routine of shopping, wrapping, consuming. We see decorating as a chore, cooking as a burden, entertaining as a draining activity. We think that none of it seems so special that it would be missed. Some may think the tradition routines are too time-consuming to be worth the unappreciated effort.

But these traditions may be what brings out the "Christmas spirit" in you. Will it really feel like Christmas without the smell of cookies in the oven? Are you willing to leave your children’s hand made ornaments in the attic for another year? Do you remember the real meaning of Christmas without the Advent candles or the Nativity? Have you watched the Christmas day parade faithfully for the last 30 years?

Consider the holiday traditions of your family -- those moments and memories when you literally felt the spirit of Christmas in your heart. Can you include those traditions in your holiday trip, or will you be left with a void in that special place inside, leaving you with a twinge of disappointment? If you have any nostalgia for Christmas traditions in your family, it is important to keep them alive.

C. Before planning your holiday trip, consider your family’s "travel mentality." Sure, a holiday away from the bustle of Christmas can relieve stress for some, but is it for everyone in your family? This of your last trip together. Was it enjoyable for everyone? Who did all the driving, packing, planning? Who paid the bills? Who did the post-trip laundry?

If you think a holiday trip will be a family treat, consider each family member’s current mental condition to make the decision if -- and where -- to go. A holiday vacation is a gift for each of them; make sure it is one they want.

Are you, as a group, looking for a relaxing restful trip away from the crowds? Or, are you looking for the ultimate holiday party so everyone can let off some steam? Are you looking for quality time with your family away from the television, or a romantic memory with your mate on a floor rug by a roaring fire? Can you plan a trip to make everyone happy? Do you really need to go somewhere else to meet these needs or can you make it possible at home?

Sure, vacation trips can be wonderful. Traveling to new places can be exciting and rejuvenating, and those who can afford to make an annual or one-time holiday escape a part of their Christmas tradition are blessed indeed. But, even if you can afford it, such a vacation trip for Christmas is not for everyone. Before you decide to trade in your traditions (or your bank account) for a trendy holiday trip, make sure -- especially at Christmas -- you truly want what you wish for.

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Don’t feel blue if you cannot afford to run away for the holidays. Christmas vacations can be well spent at home, and holiday blessings can be just as abundant. Besides, with little expense and effort, you can make your house a special place -- a place where your family and friends want to gather.

On package vacation trips, the little things can add up to a big additional expense. At home the little things that make the holiday special are usually free - or almost free. Even if you can’t afford to make cookies, buy a tree, run up the electric bill with twinkle lights

Most know a place where they can gather pine boughs, which can be draped across a mantle or lain across a table. If you know where you cut a tree for free (without stealing it), you can make it a country Christmas tree by decorating with pine cones and ribbon. No pine? Just buy a few pine air fresheners for your car to get the pine scent.

Have ornaments but no tree? Display your ornaments in a glass bowl as a centerpiece, display them on holly branches or hang them from your houseplants.

Not into pine? Boil 8 cups of water and throw in cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, bay leaves or herbal tea bags. Let the mixture simmer for your holiday scent.

Bows and ribbon can also make a home more festive -- and they need not be red or green. Pick any color theme; purple and gold, blue and silver, burgundy and white.

Tea candles are a nice, inexpensive touch that softens a room and your mood. They also don’t run up the electric bill. Place them in holders in a straight line along a hallway table, or in dimly lit corners of a room. If you have ornaments, you can arrange them near the tea candles to reflect the light. A nice pillar candle in the bathroom will be special treat for your family members and guests.

Do you have special occasion tablecloths, dishes, clothing, or heirlooms that you keep put up for fear or damaging them? Bring them out of hiding for your family to enjoy for the holiday. If you never use them, why have them? Also, try rearranging furniture for the season. In a few weeks, you can put the valuables and the furniture back in place.

Christmas isn’t about where you celebrate, it’s about how you celebrate, and who with. Besides, if you’ve been good this year, Santa will find you no matter where you are.

May your family have a happy, healthy, special holiday, whether on the road or at home. No matter where you go or what you do, it is Christmas as long as you’re together.