Holidays on the Road: 5 Holiday Tips for Truckers and their Families

Many people work during the holiday season but, unlike truckers, most of these people have a negligible commute. For truckers, their job IS their commute. Truck drivers often have to travel far distances, which creates the very real possibility that they will be unable to make it home in time for a holiday celebration. While this isn't and ideal situation for any family, there are definitely ways to make the most of the time you do have with your trucking loved one, and create special memories and traditions that are all your own. Here are a few tips to get through the holidays when you're a part of the trucker tribe:

Mentally Prepare for Anything. Because the holiday season is the coldest season in this part of the world, snowy and wet weather can ruin even the best-laid plans. Trucks can often break down in this weather, there is a higher risk of accidents, and snow itself can create a physical barrier that prevents drivers from reaching their destination in time. It can be very disappointing when this happens, and if you haven't prepared yourself for this possibility (and have a backup plan in place), it can ruin what is supposed to be a happy day. If your family does have to resort to Plan B, you'll feel better knowing that you were able to pull together as a team in a moment's notice. There is no need to be gloomy over the holidays, and it certainly doesn't help the trucker to feel any better about being on the road when he or she would rather be home!

Create Your Own Day. If you already know ahead of time that your trucker will be gone for the holiday, make your own! With all of the parades, festivals of lights, etc, that happen in December, there are so many opportunities for special family time. For some families, the holiday pay is too good to pass up, and this could mean that you have to create a new day to celebrate what is important. It isn't about the day itself, but more about making time to be with those who are most important to you. Flexibility and understanding is key to maintaining and nurturing relationships when one of you is a truck driver. 

Decorate the Truck. You know your trucker best. If it is possible, surprise him or her with a decorated truck to hit the road in. Whether it's a wreath on their front grill, Christmas tree garland for the front dash, or hanging a photo frame ornament from their rear view mirror, there are many ways to make your trucker feel closer to home when he is on the road. Don't forget to send him off with his favorite holiday treats!

Take Advantage of Technology. The only thing better than hearing your loved one's voice when you can't be together is being able to see their face. If you don't already have these features on your phone, get them! Practice using features such as Face Time or Skype to make sure everything is working ahead of time. If mom or dad can't be there for dinner, turn on Face Time and then set up the phone on their spot at the dinner table. These technologies help curb the loneliness that truckers, and their families, feel during the holidays. In addition, many places of worship stream live service via the internet, so the trucker doesn't have to miss out on the true reason for the season. What a blessing it is that this technology exists!

In addition to using technology to stay connected, truckers can use their internet to do their gift shopping. If you plan it out, you can even send your trucker off with his gifts, and then turn on video chat so everyone can open gifts together. 

Spend Time With Fellow Truckers/Trucker Families. Many people are in the same boat as you. Getting together can make the holidays feel less lonely, and can help develop new friendships. These can end up being people that you will lean on all throughout the year when you need a friend. Back home, you can have a Christmas Eve party with other trucker families. On the road as a trucker, you can get together with other drivers who are also working over the holiday.  You'll find that you have much in common as you share stories and create new friendships.

Are you a truck driver, or do you have a loved one who is? What fun things have you done to make your family holiday special? Comment below!