March means spring is on the horizon! Some families may be booking trips for the warmer months ahead or already heading out the door. However, many times, it is beneficial to find ways to enjoy your own home and environment. It saves money and can serve as a teaching moment for growing children to appreciate the blessings they’re already living in. Chances are you prayed for the residence you occupy now and, if you’ve been there for a year or more, it’s easy for the excitement to dwindle and become accustomed to the new normal. Staycations have become popular for many reasons, but today, I want to help you revisit the blessing it is to have a home and fun ways you can have a memorable vacation right where you are!
A Fresh Perspective
I’m always blown away by how changing decor and accent colors can freshen up my space. It gets me excited to walk into that room again. If you’re someone who enjoys a home activity, give your home a mini makeover. Since spring is coming, brighten up your rooms with vibrant colors from pillows, wall hangings and tabletop displays. You can rearrange or even switch out furniture between rooms. If you have an outdoor area, you can add a hammock, get new outside pillows or string up some lights for cozy nights with your favorite people. If you’re looking to spend money to transform a space, you could explore parts of your home you may not use often. Some cool ideas could be transforming the basement into a game room, turning the guest room into a spa retreat for a period of time or creating a reading nook in an unused corner. This simple shift in how you engage with your space can make a huge difference in how much you appreciate it.
Adventure Time
Just because you’re staying home doesn’t mean you can’t experience new things! Plan themed days to add excitement to your staycation. Have a “Tropical Day” by decorating with beach towels and floaties, sipping mocktails and walking around the house in flipflops. Or, maybe have a “Movie Marathon Day” by making popcorn and snacks, setting up a blanket fort for the kids and enjoying everyone’s pick of a film.
For those who like to cook, try an “International Day” by cooking a foreign cuisine, watching a related documentary and maybe even learning a few words of another language. These activities are not only fun but educational as well.
Teaching Gratitude
One of the greatest benefits of a staycation is the chance to teach kids (and remind ourselves) to appreciate what we have. Encourage children to reflect on what makes their home special. You could have a family night where everyone takes turns sharing things they love about their home. Or, take time to organize and donate items no longer in use, and use it as a teaching moment for your kids to understand the importance of giving back and helping others while creating a cleaner environment for themselves.
Your staycation doesn’t have to be elaborate to be impactful. The key is to embrace the opportunity to slow down, connect with loved ones and rediscover the beauty of your own space. So, in addition to or in replacement of a getaway trip this spring, use a staycation to unpack the joy and gratitude that already surrounds you. Sometimes, the best destination is right where you are.
