What to do, What to do? Which holiday to go home for?

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So this year money has been tighter than it ever has for me. With only four more scheduled doctors appointments this year (Not counting physical therapy or if I need more for social security) I have kind of a big dilemma.

If I go home for Thanksgiving I have to come right back up after for doctor's appointments. I should be able that trip to go down with my parents so no money out for gas and my dad always comes back up for hunting the week after Thanksgiving anyway.

Christmas is a bit tricky. My parents shut their house up here down and stay in Florida for most of the snow months if they are able to. The big thing is that at today's gas prices, driving down would cost me about $300, and then I spend another $100-200 on Christmas.

I don't have it in my budget to drive down myself both times.


Now here is the other thing.

In November right around my birthday, I am getting another nephew. When my other nephew was born was when I was recovering from surgery so I never got to hold him when he was a baby. In fact, last Christmas was the first time I ever got to hold him and he is three now. Big thing is that I know that my brother is going to be super cautious because of covid so it might not be a good time to try to hold the new one right away. But dang I am going to try.

I love, love, love babies. So wish I had a Girlfriend/So/ Wife and could start a family of my own but it is not in the cards for me right now.


The only other thing is making sure that I can take enough stuff with me for however long I am going to be there.


The other option I have is taking the train down but I have never been on one for any length of time so have no clue. I will not fly right now so that is not an option. (Plus its $$$)


So What to do, What to do.

 

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My family took the train Chicago to L.A., when I was about 5. What a trip for a little kid! No one we knew could afford a plane. That was the early 50s.
It would be a shame to miss a baby. My grand-daughter is never going to get around to presenting us with a great-grand, I'm afraid. And I can understand your brother! Hopefully, your sister-in-law is vaccinated, though. That's supposed to pass on to the baby. Anyway, congratulations, Mr. Uncle.
About 8-9 years ago, I hadn't used a train in some years (like: decades), and thought, okay, how about Amtrak from Bellingham, WA (Seattle) to Chicago, then on to Michigan for family?
Yeah, right. Then I priced it and had to go to the ER in shock!
So, since I was starting from Alaska, I thought, okay, how about Canadian trains? They travel absolutely spectacular routes from Prince Rupert, B.C., to near Upper Peninsula in Michigan. Back to the E.R. Canada, unlike Amtrak, does have sales and low fares, on occasion. So, for summer, the year before you can get one of those low fares if: On the day the sale fares become available, you step up in the first 4 hours or so or lose out. Sigh. Canada takes a National Holiday for the sprint to the train sales office. The winner joins the Canadian Olympic Track & Field team. Actually, Gold gets them a private car, Silver is a private stateroom, and Bronze is coach class (All free!).
Look. Trains still have private rooms, on the right route, but does that ever add to the price! Phew. In coach class, the bathrooms are nowhere as high-use as on a 747 (or a 737), nor as small.

In each railroad car there should be,
A red or green light one can see,
From near or afar, when the door's not ajar,
To tell when the bathroom is free.
[Edward Nash]

What does your dad hunt? Burmese Pythons? I hear Florida gives a cash prize for the biggest.

 

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Oh, I think thanksgiving would be my choice! A new baby! I ache to hold babies!!! And a free trip both ways. You can use the extra money to buy Christmas presents. Win/win.

 

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Hi @LeeC, Well a free trip both ways is mighty hard to resist!!! And using the money you save to buy Christmas presents really makes sense too!

 

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I have used trains before for inter-city travel,shorter distances in the UK, and typically they aren't that bad. It really depends on what you would be most comfortable dealing with, but I would choose the train option personally *Some have bathrooms as well, but you can do extra research if you wish*. I think Thanksgiving is more important than X-mas personally, but I am not really a family person either.

 

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The thing about babies, having raised four kids and a grandchild from 3 months, is that they don't stay babies for long. I'd say talk to your brother and if its a go, hitch a ride with your parents.

I know Christmas is a big deal for a lot of folks but my family stopped exchanging gifts many years ago. We were tired of the shopping, buying stuff for people just because it was the holiday, wrapping presents and contributing paper to the city dump. We talked about it and decided instead to give gifts all year whenever we thought of each other. That took out the drudgery of the holiday and the big expense at the end of the year. Those of us who live close just get together for a meal (sometimes potluck) and play games;Bingo and the "Chinese New Year" game are favorites or watch a movie. And of course we all talk to each other. How quaint!

For several years when we got together for Thanksgiving and Christmas at my daughter's home in the country, I brought my friend who had terminal cancer. He really enjoyed those times. He had no family and no other friends, and did he pack away the turkey and mashed potatoes! Everyone was astonished, since he only weighed 125 lbs. "Where did he put it?" was the big question!

Anyway,FLGuy, the main thing about holiday get togethers it just that. Get together and enjoy each other's company. Make memories.

 

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I talked to my mom today. She thinks that I will be able to travel with them for thanksgiving and it will not affect my doctor's appointments any. The only time that is still unknown is Christmas.

My mom does not what me to spend money to drive south if I can help it due to my budget.

Not really worried about it yet, just got to start putting money back.