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Jim Levine

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Christmas bells are ringing, New Year's is beckoning and there are high spirits all around in the lives of many seniors.

But when one gets older, and our children are all settled with their children, we often find ourselves with invitations to visit over the season, rather than sit pleasantly by our own firesides.

A few years ago I decided that under no circumstances would I take any trips just before Christmas. No turkey, no mistletoe, no shortbread cookie was going to entice me through the madhouse that airports, train stations and bus depots turn into this time of the year.

As with all resolutions, as one grows older, one must constantly reassess. Who really wants to be alone during the festive season? If travelling prior to Christmas is too difficult, many families suggest arriving Boxing Day or the week between Christmas and New Year's.

Some families, as in the case of mine this year, even schedule weddings during that "week off" that falls between the celebration of new life and an old year.

Obviously, if you have the luxury of knowing in advance that you'll travel in December, book as early as possible. Trying to get anywhere at the last minute is often impossible, with airlines in particular booked weeks in advance of the festive season.

My best advice under all circumstances is to pack as light as you can possibly get away with. You may be faced with all manner of detours and extended waits, with crowds and weather not always cooperative.You don't need to become further exhausted by lugging around heavy luggage.

If you plan to arrive with gifts in tow, reconsider. Why not have them shipped ahead? Remember, you can't even wrap them if you're travelling by air, so you might as well save yourself the hassle of carrying them.

One thing I learned the hard way is to put luggage tags that are clear and tightly secured to all bags, not just the ones that you check. Many of those small flights leaving Moncton now are so packed that they take your hand luggage and stow it in the baggage bin. Usually you're quickly reunited with it, but on my last flight I nearly lost mine. If I hadn't been watching from the window of the walkway, it would have been gone for good. As it was, I had an awful time trying to capture the attention of the right people to get it back for me. Before leaving your house this time of the year, take a trek to your local hardware store and pick up a timer for your lights. Lock all your doors and windows, then set the timer so the light in your living room or kitchen comes on when it normally would if you were home. Never leave a message on your answering machine advising callers that you're away for a week or two. Your friends will know, and strangers shouldn't.

If you're driving during the holidays, be sure to keep a very warm blanket and an emergency kit of food bars, a drink, even a Thermos of coffee if you can manage it. As witnessed only recently by all the travellers stuck on the Cobiquid Pass in Nova Scotia, a two to three hour drive can sometimes turn into a marathon because of an accident or storm. Other good things to have with you are flashlights, a portable radio, even a sleeping bag as well as non-perishable snacks and chewing gum. A package of wipes is also useful.

Don't leave your suitcases visible in your car if you make a pit stop enroute to your destination. Try to put all bags and packages in your trunk, out of sight of the casual observer.

If you're travelling across the border, remember to bring your passport and any extra medical insurance you might need.

* Jim Levine's column discusses seniors and their lifestyles, looking at traditional and non-traditional issues that dominate our discussions about the care and comfort of the older members of our society in New Brunswick. Please send any comments or suggestions about life out of the fast lane to thisweek@brunswicknews.com.