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The Story Of... 'Driving Home for Christmas' by Chris Rea

15 December 2023, 10:59

By Tom Eames

Since it was remotely acceptable to play Christmas music, we've been jamming along to one of our all-time favourites: 'Driving Home for Christmas' by Chris Rea.

"Top to toe in tailbacks..."

And it got us thinking, what was the backstory to this jaunty classic that we can't help but chuck on when we're on our way home for Christmas?

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Here's all you need to know about the festive classic by Chris Rea :

Who wrote 'Driving Home for Christmas'?

Chris Rea first wrote the song in 1978, 10 years before he released it.

He needed to get home to Middlesbrough from London's Abbey Road Studios. His wife had come down to drive him home in her Austin Mini to save money, as it was cheaper to drive than travel by train, and his record company was not willing to pay for the rail ticket.

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While stuck in heavy traffic and snow falling down, Chris started looking at the other drivers, who "all looked so miserable".

He said: "Jokingly, I started singing: 'We're driving home for Christmas...'. Then, whenever the street lights shone inside the car, I started writing down lyrics."

It was actually written for Van Morrison and he never intended to release it

Describing it as a "car version of a carol", Chris later revealed that he wrote it for Van Morrison in mind, but did not manage to get it to him.

Chris never planned to write a Christmas song. It wasn't until several years later, that during testing pianos with keyboard player Max Middleton, he found a tune which fitted the lyrics.

It was first released as a B-side to 1986' single 'Hello Friend', but was later re-recorded with some strings, Middleton's distinctive jazzy intro, and a typical 1950s Christmas carol-style arrangement.

Shockingly, it was a flop

Incredibly, the song only reached number 53 back in 1988, but slowly became a Christmas favourite over the years.

After downloads were included in the charts, it re-entered the top 40 in 2007, and eventually reached 26 in 2016.

With streaming now included, it has now reached a new peak of number 11.

Chris Rea rarely plays it live

Chris Rea - Driving Home for Christmas (Live at Hammersmith Apollo 2017)

It's probably fair to say that the tune isn't Chris's favourite!

But every now and then, he indulges his fans with a festive performance.

One year while playing at the Hammersmith Odeon, he was "badgered" into playing it by his road crew. And boy did he go big. Watch a recent performance of the song above.

He said: "I went, 'If I’m going to sing this f***ing song, we’re gonna do it properly.' So we hired 12 snow cannons. We put three feet of artificial snow in the stalls. The venue charged me £12,000 to clean it up."

There wasn't a proper video until 2009

Chris Rea - Driving Home For Christmas (Official Music Video) HD

While he recorded a video of sorts for Dutch TV show TopPop in 1986, there wasn't a 'proper' promo until over 20 years later.

In aid of the charity Shelter, various celebrities appeared in a new video, including Martin Shaw, Gail Porter, Jimmy Greaves, Matt Di Angelo and Lionel Blair.

Rea said: "I wanted to do something special this Christmas and what better way than to help keep a roof over people’s heads when they need it most – at Christmas. By teaming up with Shelter we can hopefully make a difference".

Who has covered it?

Stacey Solomon Driving Home for Christmas

Stacey Solomon covered the song in 2011 as her debut single. Originally intended to be used in commercials for Iceland, it was later released as a single to raise money for Alzheimer's Research UK and children's hospice charity Together For Short Lives.

It reached number 27, one place lower than Rea's chart peak.

The song has also been covered by the likes of Tony Hadley, Gavin James, Michael Ball and Joe McElderry.

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Calypso in the Country

A Home Decor and Lifestyle Blog

Cozy Christmas Home Tour (Classic Decorating Ideas)

Welcome friends!  I’m so happy you stopped by today!  If you’re looking for Christmas decorating inspiration, we have a treat for you.  Today, I’ve joined a group of talented bloggers for our 2023 Christmas home tours!     For my cozy Christmas home tour, I’m sharing my kitchen, family room and a peek into my dining room!  Come get inspired!

*For your convenience, please note that this post contains affiliate links.  If you make a purchase after clicking my links below, I will receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you).

Christmas Home Tours 2023:

Tour 30 homes over 5 days.

Before we begin, I want to thank Ann Marie and Ann of Simply 2 Moms for stepping in to host.   They were kind enough to help out Marty from A Stroll Thru Life who organized this annual blog hop.

If you are arriving here from Our Southern Home – Welcome!  Christy always does an amazing job with her holiday decor so I’m sure you enjoyed her tour! When you’re finished here, please be sure to visit the links at the end of this post to see all the beautiful Christmas home tours!

Welcome to my home!

A cozy christmas home tour with classic decorating ideas….

Normally, I’d start at the front door but I’m not done with that area yet.  Today, we’ll start in the hallway leading to the kitchen. 

Just the other day, I had the bright idea to hang classic black and white family photos on this wall.  Previously, I had a floral wall hanging in this spot…which didn’t feel ‘Christmasy’ at all!  So, I spent more time than I should have measuring to get the frames straight.  Luckily, I didn’t make too many mistakes!

Anyway, these black frames ended up coordinating well with some of my family room Christmas decor.  Before I show you that room, let’s head into my Christmas kitchen.

Cozy Christmas Home Tour – The Kitchen:

Classic red for the holiday season….

When you step into my kitchen, the first thing you notice is the red checked curtain panels framing the sliding glass door.  Normally, I have blue and white curtains in this spot but it’s been awhile since I’ve used the red for Christmas.  So I thought, why not?

To dress up my chandelier, I added some faux greenery.  Years ago, I would attempt to use fresh evergreen stems but the needles would fall on the table and my hands would get sticky from the sap.  After going with artificial greenery, I haven’t looked back!

Throughout my kitchen, I added more faux greenery such as the garland over the window and the mini wreaths hung on the cabinet doors.

This year, I also filled a basket with artificial greenery to serve as the focal point on my stove mantel.

When I found the plaid ribbon, I knew it would be perfect for the basket.  In fact, I was going to change the ribbon on the mini wreaths to smaller matching plaid ribbon but my order didn’t arrive in time.  Oh well, I still like the red snowflake ribbon I ended up reusing from  last year’s tour.

To dress up my candles, I wrapped each one with the same plaid ribbon.  If you want an easy and inexpensive way to coordinate your accessories, add some pretty ribbon!

Even though my original plan involved using red, green and white from the plaid ribbon, I decided to add some black with my buffalo check rug. This Christmas, I decorated mostly with items I already owned.  After all, I practically have a million Christmas bins in my basement, why keep buying more decorations?!

For my window area, I just kept it simple with a garland.  As I do some tweaking, I might hang some decorations in that spot  like I’ve done in previous years. Or, maybe I’ll add some bows which seem to be really popular this year.

In the back corner of my counter, I decorated a little vignette with classic red and green for Christmas.  

On my window sill, I displayed a group of small white ceramic houses.  If you read my blog, you know I love decorating with these little houses at Christmastime.  To see some of my ideas, read –  White Ceramic Christmas Houses (Why We Love Them).

Some of these little houses have lights in them so they look really pretty at night when the lights are dim.  For some other ways to decorate a windowsill, read  Easy Kitchen Window Sill Decorating Ideas for Every Season.  

Across the kitchen, I kept my decorating very simple.  Maybe I’ll still add some greenery to the pitchers on the shelf but I don’t want to overdo it.

Usually, I keep a round tray on my island and change the decor with every season.  Not only does it make a nice focal point but using a tray is convenient if you have to make room to serve food.  For more Christmas countertop tray ideas read –  Kitchen Island Tray Decor (a Cozy Winter Theme).  

Once again, I stayed with classic Christmas colors along with a white skiing nutcracker for our family of skiers.  In the glass hurricane, I made use of my extra cranberries from Thanksgiving.  For more ways to use leftover cranberries,  read my simple ideas including some cute Christmas luminiaries.

In my glass cabinets, I displayed a few more Christmas plates along with all my glassware for entertaining.

And I created another simple vignette on my glass tray.  Once again, some greenery in a white pitcher…one of my go-to decor ideas.

Speaking of white pitchers, here are a few more on my console table between the kitchen and family room.  Each season, I also do simple updates like color coordinating my napkins and stack of cookbooks.  

Besides the white pitchers, baskets and trays are more decorating staples in my home.

Cozy Christmas Home Tour – The Family Room:

Holiday decor inspired by red…and black.

After adding my red and white buffalo check curtains in the kitchen, I felt like the family room needed equally bold colors.  Luckily, I still had my black and red pillow covers in my stash so I brought them out.  

And since I was adding red and black, I went with a simple mantel using a mirror and fabric star.  Sometimes it’s hard to decorate a stone fireplace so I usually end up leaning the decorations.

If you’ve toured my house at Christmas before, you know that star  usually makes an appearance somewhere!

Of course, if this were truly a “cozy Christmas home tour”, I would have a fire going in the fireplace!  Since my husband just mentioned that we need to have the chimney sweep guy come and clean it out, I’ll wait on that fire for now!

This year, I didn’t hang my stockings yet.  Overall, I like the simplicity of the mantel for now.  Also, I’ve be been using battery operated fairy lights on my mantel and they are a game changer!  After years of struggling with extension cords, these things are so much easier!

As we head back to the foyer, you can see another decorating item from last year – my red snowflake pillow.  Like I said, I try to reuse as much as I can over the years.  For instance, in the background you can also see our old Santa advent calendar hanging on the wall.  Even though my kids are older, they still like me to put that up every year!  Ahhh…childhood memories!

Cozy Christmas Home Tour – A Dining Room Peek:

Navy blue with touches of red….

As I mentioned, I just started decorating my dining room so here’s a peek of my tree in there!

Shop my cozy Christmas look:

Thanks for stopping by and i hope you enjoyed my 2023 christmas home tour , wishing you a very merry christmas season.

Once again, thank you to Marty from A Stroll Thru Life and Ann Marie and Ann of Simply 2 Moms for hosting! 

Also, please visit the rest of the participants on the blog hop from the list below the collage.  If you’re following along in order,  Chalking Up Success is next!  I know you’re going to love Jayne’s lovely home!

Here is the full list of all the homes on the tour:

2023 christmas home tours.

Monday’s Tours

Simply2Moms | Worthing Court Blog | Midwest Life and Style

DIY Beautify | Peacock Ridge Farm | The Stonybrook House

Tuesday’s Tours

Our Southern Home | Calypso in the Country | Chalking Up Success

Pink Peppermint Design | The House on Silverado | Lyndale Drive

Southern Home and Hospitality | A Pretty Life in the Suburbs | Whispering Pines Homestead

She Gave it a Go | Decor to Adore | Eleanor Rose Home

County Road 407 | Thistle Key Lane | White Lilac Farmhouse

My Family Thyme | Southern Hospitality Blog | Clean and Scentsible | Bungalow 47

Shiplap and Shells | It All Started With Paint | White Arrows Home

This is Our Bliss | Thrifty and Chic | Follow the Yellow Brick Home

Have you finished decorating your home for Christmas?

Follow along so you don’t miss a post!

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38 Comments

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Shelley, You know I already love your kitchen, but it is so beautiful at Christmas. I just love the charming use of plaid ribbon to add that festive look. I think I need that Christmas tree plate! ❤️ Enjoy your beautiful Christmas home with your family this season. Wish I could pop into enjoy a cup of cocoa with you.

Thanks so much Christy! Glad you like the plaid…I always like adding some at Christmastime. And yes, it would be fun to sip some cocoa with you during the holidays! Cheers!

This is beautiful. I love the splashes of color, and I love that foliage and greenery. Visiting from Wonderful Wednesday.

Thank you Jennifer! I love using holiday colors in my decor!

Well you know I’m loving all your pops of red, Shelley! Your home feels so warm, cozy and magical for the season! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!!

Red for the win! Thanks Cindy – and a Merry Christmas to you!

Beautiful and festive Shelley! Red and plaid are my ABSOLUTE favourite this time of year too! You have so many pretty touches…I especially love the wreaths in your kitchen!

Thanks Jo-Anna! Yes, it’s fun to bring out all the color and plaid this time of year. Cheers to a wonderful holiday season!

Shelley, everything looks so festive, and I so love your light-filled kitchen! What a cozy space:-)

Thanks Anita! Have a fabulous Christmas season!

Such a beautiful Christmas tour Shellie! I love the view from your front entrance into the kitchen with the red buffalo check curtains, how festive!!! I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

Thanks so much, Heidi! Once I put those curtains up, I ended up adding so much more color than I had planned!

Your home is so pretty. I love all of your festive touches. Merry Christmas.

Thanks Renae! Great to tour with you!

Everything looks beautiful, Shelley! I love your beautiful ribbons. It’s all very elegant. Thank you for sharing your cozy home tour and the links to your friends’ tours as well with Hearth and Soul. I’ve shared this post in our Hearth and Soul Community on Facebook. I would love for you to join! Hope your holiday season is wonderful!

Thanks so much, April! Yes, I will swing by and join! Wishing you a wonderful holiday as well!

Shelley, I love your black and white gallery wall! I’ve been thinking about doing something like that too. I’m enjoying your cozy Christmas tour and seeing how you’re changing your decor around this year! Happy Christmas my friend!

Thanks so much Michelle! Yes, always fun to try new looks each year!

Your home looks so festive Shelley. The plaids are bright and beautiful and I love the added touch of wrapping the candles with the plaid fabric to bring it all together. Your Christmas wreaths hanging from the cabinets make the space magical. So much inspiration my friend. Happy Holidays!

Thanks so much, Kim! I’ve been hanging wreaths up there every year and now my family comes to expect them. Always fun to have those holiday traditions. Merry Christmas, friend!

I love that you switched out the curtains. They are perfect! I wish I could find good faux greenery like yours around here. The stuff I buy online is always disappointing so I’ve decided I have to touch it first. Your Santa with the white pitchers is adorable as well. Everything looks amazing and so classic. Merry Christmas!

Thanks Cindy! I haven’t put up the red curtains in awhile but I was happy once I did it! Glad you like them and thanks for your kind words. Merry Christmas to you too!

I just adore (and envy!) your beautiful kitchen and it looks absolutely perfect dressed up for Christmas! Happy holidays!

Awe, thanks Linda! It was probably my favorite room to decorate – and I’ll continue to tweak it for the next few weeks! Thanks again and have a wonderful holiday!

It all looks so lovely and inviting!

Thanks so much, Joanne!

Your home looks just lovely, Shelley, and I especially love the kitchen! I think it’s my fave room in your home! 😉 Pinned, and I’m delighted to be featuring your post at Tuesday Turn About this week.

Thanks so much for the feature and for pinning, Julie! You made my day!

Your home is beautiful! I’m hopping over from the Inspire Me Monday link up party…Merry Christmas!

Thanks so much, Christie! Enjoy your week!

Your holiday home is just gorgeous Cindy! I love battery-powered lights too, and yours are darling on your mantel – I’m so inspired. Thanks for sharing all your great ideas and lovely design sense. Happy Holidays!

Thanks Barbara! Those battery operated lights were such a great invention! Thanks and enjoy your holiday!

Your tour is stunning! I love all your classic decor and cozy touches. Your kitchen is beautiful and we have been stumped for months on how to finish the open space above our refrigerator. I love the open shelf idea and may “borrow” this to finish up or kitchen!

Merry Christmas!

Thanks so much, Amber! I’d love to see how the shelf idea works in your kitchen! Wishing you a Merry Christmas!

Your home is just so beautiful all dressed up for the holiday season! Your kitchen is gorgeous and I love your fireplace! Wishing you and the family a beautiful Christmas! xo Kristin

Thanks so much, Kristin – and a Merry Christmas to you too!

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25 Christmas songs for your road trip

Christmas is the season of joy and giving, as well as a time for you to bond with your friends and family by sharing a turkey together, drinking eggnog and exchanging presents.  As the festive season is just around the corner, so why not get into the festive spirit by listening to some Christmas carols during your road trip?

READ MORE : Here are the best places to visit during Christmas

Take a trip down memory lane with our nostalgic list of the “Top 25 Christmas songs” with a mix of contemporary Christmas songs and traditional ballads sung by some of the best singers in the industry.

To help cater to differing needs, we divided them up by contemporary versus traditional Christmas songs to make it easier.

Contemporary Christmas songs

From pop, dance remixes to even some R&B, we’ve got a list of the best Christmas songs for your listening pleasure.

The First Noël (On This Winter’s Night) by Lady Antebellum

Critically-acclaimed Grammy award-winning band, Lady Antebellum collaborates with Nashville’s most talented Schermerhorn Symphony Center in this cover.

All I Want for Christmas Is You by Fifth Harmony

Despite finishing in third place on the X-factor in 2012, Fifth Harmony achieved massive success. Their cover of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” features beautiful melismas and breathtaking vocal runs.

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas by Michael Bublé’

Little Saint Nick by Pentatonix

Pentatonix has received cult-like success and it’s not difficult to see why. Listen to this acapella song with a cacophony of multi-layered voices.

Santa Tell Me by Ariana Grande

This lighthearted Christmas song which was from Ariana Grande’s EP, Christmas Kisses, has dominated the music charts worldwide. America’s reigning pop princess shows us how she manages to stay on top with her husky and angelic voice.

Sleigh Ride by TLC

Our favourite girl band, known for the hit song, “Waterfalls”, is back with their trademark sultry and sexy voices in this R&B version of the traditional song.

This Christmas by Chris Brown

This jazz number by Chris Brown, eponymously named after the movie “This Christmas”, showcases his sleek and smooth vocals.

Youtube link: Chris Brown – This Christmas (Official HD Video) – YouTube

Feliz Navidad by First To Eleven

Nothing like a rock cover by an indie music band featuring the lead vocalist’s pleasant vocals accompanied by heavy guitar riffs to get you into the groove.

Last Christmas by Cascada

You will want to dance along to this radio-friendly disco hit by Cascada which has racked up over 22 million views to date.

Like It’s Christmas by Jonas Brothers

The Jonas Brothers used to be very popular back in their heyday, best known for their performance on Disney’s Camp Rock. The band disbanded around late 2013 and faded into obscurity. In 2019, they decided to make a comeback and this is one of their greatest hits.

Mistletoe by Justin Bieber

Do you remember the era when Justin Bieber was still a fresh-faced teenage heartthrob and pop sensation? This pop song is a nice throwback to the earlier days in his career.

You Make It Feel like Christmas by Gwen Stefani ft. Blake Shelton

Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton make a great team, with her yodelling and her signature twang accompanied by his full-bodied voice. Watch her channel old Hollywood glamour complete with stilettos and a silver sparkly dress in this Youtube video.

Christmas Tree Farm by Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift, known for hits like “Love Story”, brings this song to life with her storytelling skills. You can literally picture yourself huddling under the mistletoe with your lover in tow.

My Only Wish (This Year) by Britney Spears

Whether you love or hate her baby voice, Britney Spears has enjoyed commercial success for years and this catchy song with over 5.5 million views is no exception.

Everyday is Christmas by Sia

This winsome and sad song which highlights Sia’s raw and expansive chest voice as well as her unique vocal fry is not your typical Christmas jingle. Nevertheless, it has struck a chord with many of us due to the relatable lyrics.

One I’ve Been Missing by Little Mix

If you are bored of the traditional Christmas carols, this ballad should be a breath of fresh air, featuring the hypnotizing and sensuous voices of the mainstream pop quartet.

Christmas in New York by Lea Michele

This song rendition by Lea Michele showcases her lilting voice and delicate voice which has been compared to a Disney princess.

Traditional Christmas songs

If you prefer opera or traditional styles we grew up on, these Christmas songs might be perfect for you.

Silent Night by Kelly Clarkson ft Trisha Yearwood and Reba McEntire

Listen to a beautiful rendition of “Silent Night” performed on NBC 2013 by a star-studded cast which includes Kelly Clarkson, Trisha Yearwood and Reba McEntire.

Hark! The Herald Angels sing by Celtic Women

The melodious voices of the members of Celtic Women perfectly complement each other in perfect symphony, accompanied by a choir of singers.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town by Andrea Bocelli

We love Andrea Bocelli’s rich and soulful tenor voice which harmonizes nicely with the children’s choir and the backdrop of the accompanying orchestra.

It has been 10 years since Michae Bublé’s last Christmas album, while ardent fans waited with bated breath. The song from his latest album, ‘Christmas’ was recently released on 5 November 2021 and reception has been positive so far.

Where are you Christmas? by Faith Hill

If you enjoy listening to vocalists with big voices like Mariah Carey and Christina Aguilera, you will like this emotional ballad which features Faith Hill’s iconic powerhouse vocals.

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! by Frank Sinatra

This Christmas song by the jazz legend who brought us hits like “Fly Me To The Moon” is a beloved old-time classic.

Hallelujah by Carrie Underwood and John Legend

Magic happens when you have amazing chemistry between the King of Ballads, John Legend and the Queen of Country, Carrie Underwood. This romantic song will tug at your heartstrings.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas by Christina Aguilera and Brian McKnight

Christina Aguilera showcases her vocal gymnastics in this duet with Brian McKnight, featuring her raspy signature growl and incredible vocal runs.

O Come All Ye Faithful by Anne Murray

Traditionally, Christmas was seen as a Christian celebration. Anne Murray’s resonant and powerful vocals do justice to this underrated song paying homage to the birth of Jesus Christ as well as the origins of Christmas.

We hope you enjoyed the list of Christmas songs that we have curated specially for you. Do you have any song recommendations? Leave a comment in the comments section below. Merry Christmas!

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Lifestyle | Adventure | Happiness

Home for Christmas: A Solo Traveler’s Cozy Family Retreat

Happy Christmas Day, my darling friends! Despite flying home just before the festivities began, and frantically buying (and making) a few gifts, my poor SIL got covid. So, my family had to pivot for the second year and postpone Christmas. Last year I was exposed and spent the holiday alone. This year, at least, I have my parents close by. For the first time, since my 1st Christmas ever, we’ll spend the day together. It’s a sweet thought, honestly.

Unfortunately, we’re all missing my nephew’s 1st Christmas this year. Which, super breaks my heart. I think we were all looking forward to celebrating the day with him and watching his facial expressions, etc.

That said, we’re all healthy (for the most part), happy, and alive/well this Holiday season. Thus, we really have no reason to be upset or unhinged about it. Haha.

Anyway, I’m wishing you all a very Happy Christmas Day . I hope your day is filled with happiness, warmth, giggles, and festive joy. I also hope you get every book , airline gift card , and travel accessories on your list this year.

Kiss kiss & happy adventures!

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Rustic cheer.

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Sarah DiMarco (she/her) is the associate editor at VERANDA, covering all things design, architecture, art, gardens, jewelry, travel, wine and spirits. She also manages social media for the brand.

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Peek Inside 30 Homes, All Decked Out for Christmas

These deck-the-halls house tours are sure to spark holiday cheer.

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A Connecticut Home that's "Mad for Plaid"

Blogger Nora Murphy makes her New England Cape Cod home the coziest place to spend the holidays with the addition of homegrown greenery and plenty of plaid. Her collection of tartan is the star of her Scottish Highlands-inspired holiday decor. 

Tour the home:   This Connecticut Home Is Going to Make You Want to Start Decorating for Christmas ASAP

The Most Festive Farmhouse We've Ever Seen

Packed with thrifted vintage Christmas treasures, this home was designed to beautifully showcase this homeowner's love for collecting. Inside you'll find plenty of fun and festive ways to use flea market finds and retro decor to dress up your farmhouse.

Tour the home:  This Midwestern Farmhouse Is Packed with Cute Christmas Decorating Ideas

A Texas Inn That Hosts the Most Charming Christmas

The Junk Gypsies, Amie Sikes and Jolie Sikes-Smith, made over their Round Top, Texas Inn for the holidays, and it's full of rustic and bo-ho-ho decorating ideas. 

Tour the home:  This Texas Inn Is the Best Place to Spend Christmas

A Rustic Lakeside Cabin That Brings the Outdoors Inside

This simplistic and neutral-clad lakeside cabin features lush, fresh greenery in every room. Take a cue from the creative homeowner and bring the outdoors inside with pinecones, fragrant garland, small trees, branches, and more.

Tour the home:   This Rustic Lakeside Cabin Features Christmas Greenery in Every Single Room

Inside a Tennessee Christmas Home Decked Out With Vintage Christmas Decor

When it comes to decking the halls, it's no surprise that two antiques dealers take a jolly old approach. Here's how a vintage-loving couple infuses their Tennessee home with yesteryear cheer.

Tour the home:  Inside a Tennessee Christmas Home Decked Out With Vintage Christmas Decor 

A California Lake Home That Is the Ultimate Christmas Getaway

Situated on scenic Lake Arrowhead, this California retreat is bursting at the beams with "sleepaway" spirit, from nostalgic plaids to cabin-inspired collectibles. Here's how to set up your own campsite.

Tour the home:   This California Lake Home Is the Ultimate Christmas Getaway

A Cozy Christmas Cabin Nestled in the Woods of Wisconsin

Featuring both rough-hewn architecture and softer seasonal accents (hello, flannel!), this cozy cabin nestled in the Wisconsin woods is equal parts knotty and nice.

Tour the home: A Cozy Christmas Cabin Nestled in the Woods of Wisconsin

Peek Inside a Historic Tudor Home That's All Things Merry and White

By sprucing up her historic (and outdated) Tudor with buckets of snowy paint (102 gallons, to be exact!), Minneapolis designer Jennaea Gearhart created a pristine backdrop that lets holiday accents shine. Consider it the perfect wintry mix.

Tour the home: Peek Inside a Historic Tudor Home That's All Things Merry and White

A Homespun Christmas in a Cozy Connecticut Farmhouse

With "campouts" by the tree and annual s'mores parties around the fire, find out how one family has mastered the art of the at-home holiday getaway.

Tour the home : A Homespun Christmas in a Cozy Connecticut Farmhouse

A Calming Christmas in a 1970s Atlanta Farmhouse

This homeowner's laid-back approach to holiday style is in lockstep with the soothing yet stylish scheme she devised for her family's 1970s ranch-style house in Atlanta.

Tour the home: A Calming Christmas in a 1970s Atlanta Farmhouse

A Scandinavian Christmas in Wisconsin

Mark and Jenny Brethehim reveal their home's true character with natural and colorful Christmas decorations.

Tour the home: A Scandinavian Christmas in Wisconsin

Serena Thompson's Charming Holiday Home

Farm Chicks founder Serena Thompson shares how she decorates every room in her 5,000-square-foot house for the holidays.

Tour the home: Serena Thompson's Charming Holiday Home

Christmas in a Sophisticated Connecticut Farmhouse

A jingle-bell wreath and mercury-glass tree dress up the marble mantel in this tradition-filled Connecticut home. 

Tour the home: Christmas in a Sophisticated Connecticut Farmhouse

An Arizona Christmas

Subdued gift wrap, like simple stamped Kraft paper, helps bring Christmas charm to major league baseball player Bill Mueller's Arizona home.

Tour the home: An Arizona Christmas

A Colorful Christmas with Eddie Ross

From their New England home, see how design gurus Eddie Ross and Jaithan Kochar rewrite the rules of holiday decorating and go all out for the season.

Tour the home: A Colorful Christmas with Eddie Ross

Christmas Cabin

Inveterate collector Travis Robeson fills his Tennessee cabin with simple and rustic decorations, like burlap ribbon and carved-wood cookie molds.

Tour the home: Christmas Cabin

Holiday Décor in a Connecticut Home

In their Brookfield, Connecticut, home, Frank and Andra Mollica deck the halls in high, yet handcrafted, style, creating newspaper birds and personalized tags that decorate their dining room tree. 

Tour the home: Holiday Décor in a Connecticut Home

A Swedish Christmas

Interior designer Edie van Breems welcomes the spirit of Christmas past, celebrating the season and her Scandinavian heritage with time-honored decorations, food, and traditions.

Tour the home: A Swedish Christmas

Christmas with the Beekman Boys

During Christmas, Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell of the Beekman Boys fill their old farm with merry vintage decorations, poinsettias, and colorful ornaments.

Tour the home: Christmas with the Beekman Boys

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Should You Even Be Travelling Home for Christmas?

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Dashing Home for Christmas

Trying to get home for Christmas, Emily encounters problem after problem until she meets fellow traveler Simon, who helps her. They eventually team up in an effort to get to Seattle. Trying to get home for Christmas, Emily encounters problem after problem until she meets fellow traveler Simon, who helps her. They eventually team up in an effort to get to Seattle. Trying to get home for Christmas, Emily encounters problem after problem until she meets fellow traveler Simon, who helps her. They eventually team up in an effort to get to Seattle.

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• Trivia Ryan Bruce (Paniz Zade's boyfriend) is credited as Adrian Spencer's kissing double.
• Goofs Since the duo are now travelling by train to Seattle, they should be waiting on the Westbound platform.
• Connections References The Muppet Movie (1979)

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• Runtime 1 hour 31 minutes

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Based in Copenhagen, Jacob oversees reporting from Denmark, Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Specializes in security and geopolitics in the Arctic and Baltic Sea regions, as well as large corporates such as brewer Carlsberg and shipping group A.P. Moller-Maersk. His most impactful reporting on Arctic issues include a report on how NATO allies are slowly waking up to Russian supremacy in the region, uncovering how Greenland represents a security black hole for Denmark and its allies, and how an abundance of critical minerals has proven a curse for Greenland. Before moving to Copenhagen in 2016, Jacob spent seven years in Moscow covering Russia's oil and gas industry for Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal, followed by four years in Singapore covering energy markets for WSJ and Reuters. As a Russian speaker, he has been involved in covering the war in Ukraine. He publishes a newsletter each weekday focused on the most important regional and global news. Contact Jacob via email if you are interested in receiving the newsletter.

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Driving Home for Christmas: Car Packing Tips

Thoughts already turning towards the festive season? Whether it’s the delicious food you crave or you get a real kick out of giving someone the perfect gift, it’s easy to see why Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year! We can’t get enough of it.

Once you’ve finally made it through those last few weeks of work, you’ll likely be looking forward to some quality time with your nearest and dearest. The only problem is your family live hundreds of miles away and you don’t really fancy spending hours on a packed train/plane. If you want the freedom of starting your journey when it suits you (and making as many coffee stops as you like…), there’s only one thing for it – a Christmas road trip!

Festive road trip driving tips

Considering renting a car for your festive drive home? You may be after some advice on how to make sure your trip runs as smoothly as possible. Luckily for you, Christmas has come early! Here’s our expert tips on how to make sure your journey goes off without a hitch:

Choose your vehicle wisely

Before you even begin your road trip, you’ll need to think carefully about what kind of vehicle you want to hire. Are you driving somewhere rural where a 4×4 might be needed? Or maybe you’re heading to a big city and want something compact that’ll be easy to park in tight spots?

Don’t leave your car rental until the last minute, either. People plan their big family Christmas getaways months in advance and you don’t want to miss out on the best deals and the best vehicles. Need a hand? Get in touch! We can help get you sorted, for the perfect, stress-free, festive season.

Plan your route in advance

You may have driven to your grandparents/in-laws/second cousin’s house a million times before. Nevertheless, Christmas is always a busier time than usual to be driving, plus there’s often the added dilemma of wet, windy or even snowy weather depending on where you’re going.

Want some peace of mind? Keen to avoid any hiccups which could end up ruining your Christmas? No one wants that, so always plan out your route the day before. You might want to avoid rural roads which could be treacherous or even steer clear of big motorways which are notorious for Christmas traffic jams. Double check for potential road works, too.

ALWAYS leave yourself extra time

Thought you were the only one driving home for Christmas this year? Think again! Millions of people hit the roads in the run up to the Big Day, whether that’s to do some last-minute shopping or to visit family. All those extra vehicles on the road means one thing: more traffic jams and terrible congestion. That’s definitely not the Christmas extravaganza you were hoping for.

To avoid getting into some serious road rage, add some extra time to your journey. That way, you’ll be able to take it slow and reduce the risk of arriving home later than expected. And if you end up miraculously avoiding any queues? Make a pitstop at a service station to try out one of this year’s decadent festive hot drinks…

Be prepared for a breakdown

Okay, we’re not saying you’re definitely going to breakdown. In fact, it’s very unlikely. BUT (and this comes with a capital B), it’s a good idea to be prepared. Especially at this time of year.

Cold, hungry and annoyed are just some of the things you’ll be feeling if you don’t breakdown-proof your trip! Make sure you take plenty of snacks and water for the journey just in case of an unplanned stop. Warm clothing or blankets are also a good idea, plus you might want a portable charger for your devices in case you end up stranded for hours and need to keep the kids entertained.

Driving elsewhere in Europe ? Remember some countries require you to have a warning triangle and high-vis vest stowed in your car in case of emergencies.

Make an epic Christmas playlist

With several hours of driving to contend with and not a lot to keep you amused, why not get in the festive spirit with a few Christmas tunes?

You’ll find ready-made playlists on various music streaming services or you could even make your own featuring all your favourite festive tracks. We bet you’ll have both avid Christmas lovers and grinches singing along in no time.

Remember all the gifts!

Whether you’ve got a million aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws to buy for or it’s just you and your partner, don’t forget the presents!

Honestly, no one needs that stress when you realise you’ve forgotten Uncle Ted’s present two hours into your drive! Make a list and check it twice (just like Santa) before you begin your journey. Got a big family? It’ll be worth upgrading your car to something a little roomier so you’ve got plenty of space for gifts, clothes and, well, people.

Pack carefully and strategically

Whether you’re travelling with kids, friends or just your other half, never underestimate how much stuff you’ll need to pack into the car! To get it all in and not feel cramped for your 3+ hour journey, you’ll need to be quite clever with your packing. It’s time to remember those Tetris skills from way back. All those hours playing will finally come in handy!

It’s always a good idea to start with heavy things at the bottom of your boot. Fill any gaps with smaller, less fragile items before finally topping off the pile with lighter belongings and gifts you don’t want crushed.

Got a beloved pooch? If you don’t want them to miss out on all the festive fun, you’ll probably be planning to take them with you on your Christmas road trip. That might mean giving up your boot space and being a little savvier with where you put your stuff. Hiring a roof box is a great solution (not for the dog of course!) or you could upgrade to a slightly bigger car with plenty of back seat space for bags.

Now you’re clued up on driving home for Christmas, why not take a look at our inspiring winter road trip guides? Discover the most festive places in Europe to get you in the Christmas spirit or check out our round up of traditional Christmas cuisine from across the continent to help you perfect your festive getaway.

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I Won’t Be Home for Christmas

A defense of staying away during the holidays. .

Perk up, Mom, I’ll see you in the spring.

Photo illustration by Lisa Larson-Walker. Photo by Studio Grant Ouest/Thinkstock.

They say there’s “no place like home for the holidays,” but I beg to differ—I haven’t gone home for Christmas in 30 years, and you don’t have to, either.

The first time I stayed away from the family home in Northern England, it was because I was in graduate school in America and I couldn’t afford the plane ticket home. The next year, I had a chance to spend the season with my American girlfriend’s relatives in Germany, and it was too exciting an opportunity to pass up. Explaining those first absences to my parents made for tough and emotional conversations, but I’m glad we did it. Families seldom have explicit discussions about when it’s time to end family traditions, but those talks provided useful clarity. I was also lucky that several family members had emigrated and it was understood that moving to another country released people from holiday routines. Eventually, it became clear that the United States would become my permanent home, but even when I was established enough that I could afford to fly back to England, my parents had gotten used to celebrating the holidays without me—and just as important, I’d gotten used to doing my own thing.

I understand that many—perhaps even most—people enjoy spending time with their birth families. Of course, for some, the holidays can be spoiled by a lack of familial acceptance, but even if everyone gets along, Christmas, Hanukkah, or whatever your clan celebrates isn’t necessarily the best time for familial bonding: Plane, train, and bus tickets are at their most expensive; in our hemisphere at least, the weather is unpredictable and frequently sabotages travel plans; and depending where your family lives, you might find yourself with nothing to do but hang out together. When I was growing up, British stores, cinemas, and public transportation systems all closed down for long stretches of the “Christmas holidays.” The national shutdown isn’t quite so complete these days, I hear, but wherever your family lives, you’re far less likely to be able to visit the shops, museum exhibits, or plays that you could take in at any other time of the year. A spring or fall vacation will almost certainly be more fun for everyone concerned—and your journey will be cheaper and less interruption-prone.

There’s also the matter of nostalgia, which gives the holidays half of their sparkle anyway. The earlier you stop going home just because you feel obliged to, the more magical your family’s traditions will seem in retrospect. My holiday memories—the Christmas Eve insomnia that delayed Father Christmas’ arrival; the careful timetabling that allowed each side of the family to host at least one celebratory gathering; watching the special Christmas episodes of all my favorite TV shows—are still heartwarmingly pleasant, because they haven’t been ruined by years of resentful repetition.

Spending the holidays away from your family doesn’t mean ignoring your folks, and it isn’t an excuse to be inconsiderate. If you exchange gifts, select them with the same attention you would if you were going to be present at the unwrapping, mail them to arrive in time for the holidays, and be sure to call home to wish everyone a Merry Christmas—at a designated time if you want to speak with as many family members as possible.

If you have loved ones who live alone and you begin to feel guilty about leaving them that way, remember that holidays are potentially the least lonely times of year. Friends and neighbors are more likely to invite them over, pay a visit, or generally go out of their way to offer companionship. Your visit will be even more appreciated in the months when the calendar is less crowded. And if your relatives are able to travel, invite them to your place—you might even start a new tradition.

If doing your own thing makes you feel selfish, that’s OK—there are worse sins. At certain points in the life cycle—when children are young, when loved ones are ailing, when you’re facing special challenges—you’ll want to celebrate the season with your family. Knowing that those years will come, take advantage of the carefree periods of your life to travel, spend time with your chosen family, or do nothing at all. I can’t wait to spend a couple of long weekends watching television, going to the movies, and reading books. I’ll go see my mom in the spring.