by J Gardener

As Santa Claus prepares his sleigh for his Christmas Eve flight, children everywhere wait in anticipation for the goodies he'll leave for them. Parents of younger children, especially, have learned to enjoy Christmas just a bit more, by watching it arrive through their childrens' eyes. One thing that can dampen a parent's holiday spirit, though, is the prospect of holiday air travel.

Once upon a time, airline travel was fun and special. No more. Today, it's all about long lines, missed flights, frantic and angry crowds of people stuffed into airport terminals and airplanes, and as little customer service as airlines can get away with. Going through all of that, with tiny kids, is, at the very least, an adventure.

There are a few things parents can do to make a Christmastime plane trip a tad easier:

At the holiday season, families should never try to pack Christmas presents in either their check-in or their carry-on luggage. It may cost a bit more, but it's much easier to send presents ahead by a delivery service. In fact, with the rate of lost luggage on the increase, it's a wise practice to send ahead anything that's absolutely necessary and required.

Parents should always make travel reservations early in the season, and make them for early on the day they want to travel. The earlier that reservations are made in the season, the better choice of seats that are available. The earlier that flights are reserved in the day, the better a family's chances that their flight won't be delayed or cancelled.

Parents may want to spend the extra money to reserve seats for young children, and bring their carseats to use on the plane. Both parent and child will have a much more comfortable flight, and the safety of the whole family is better ensured, if everyone has a seat.

Parents need to make sure they have plenty of healthy snack food and water, for young children. Little ones who are hungry and thirsty don't travel. Also, having plenty of entertainment, in the form of games or books or small toys is a good way to keep kids distracted form the more boring aspects of airline travel or airport lines.

It's much easier to celebrate Christmas at home, but extended families today are so spread out that a trip to Grandma's house for the holidays is what everyone wants, despite the fact that it's more difficult than ever before. Patience is required, but the joy of spending Christmas with loved ones is usually worth the cost and the trouble.

About the Author:

Brought to you by Imaginary Greetings, focusing on how families can get by in this wonderful world we live in. Make the Christmas occasion spectacular for your children this year with a Santa call. North Wales Cottage Holidays.