The Gift of Adventure: A Family Tradition for Holiday Travel
When we travel over Christmas break, part of the trip becomes the gift we give to each other. It’s a tradition that not only lightens our packing list but also shifts the focus away from material things and onto experiences. In our family, the trip itself is often the highlight—but there’s another tradition we hold dear that makes holiday travel even more memorable.
It’s not about grand gestures or extravagant surprises. Instead, it’s a simple, quirky game we’ve been playing for years—a scavenger hunt of sorts, rooted in creativity, quick thinking, and a healthy dose of good-natured competition.
Let me set the stage.
The Rules of the Game
The concept is simple. On Christmas Eve, the entire group sets out to a designated shopping area—a small touristy spot, like a strip mall, a quaint downtown, or even a waterfront district. The key is to pick a manageable location. A sprawling shopping center is overwhelming, but a cozy spot like the waterfront shops in Bandon, Oregon, works perfectly.
Once the location is decided, we lay down the ground rules:
Draw Names: Everyone’s name goes into a hat. No exceptions. From youngest to oldest, each person draws a name. You can’t have your own name.
Set a Budget: We usually agree on a $20 limit. To ensure no one “forgets,” we have everyone repeat the amount out loud like it’s a solemn vow.
Time Limit: One hour. No extensions.
Go!: Scatter and shop.
But, of course, there’s a twist.
The Catch: Stealth Mode Required
This isn’t your average Secret Santa shopping spree. The real challenge lies in avoiding detection by other members of your group.
Imagine it: you’re carefully browsing the shelves of a quaint bookstore when suddenly you spot your mom entering from the corner of your eye. What do you do? Dive behind a display of pens, of course. For ten minutes. That’s just how serious this game gets.
If two players make eye contact, it’s game on. A round of Rock, Paper, Scissors is mandatory right then and there, no matter where you are. The loser must immediately leave the store, forfeiting any chance of snagging that perfect gift.
Over the years, shopkeepers have become unwitting participants in our antics. Some are confused at first, watching as we dart between aisles or crouch behind displays. But once we explain the game, they usually join in the fun. A few have even tipped us off, whispering warnings like, “He’s over there!” while pointing to another player.
Pro tip: Resist the urge to implicate random strangers in the game—unless, of course, they really are up to something suspicious. Then by all means, speak up!
The Thrill of the Hunt
The true challenge isn’t just staying hidden. It’s finding the perfect gift within the confines of a few kitschy tourist shops, an art gallery, and maybe an eatery or two. But that’s where the magic happens.
Take my dad, for instance. He once received a balsa wood airplane my mom discovered in a tiny shop at Ocean Shores. It was such a simple, inexpensive item, yet it brought back memories of his childhood. To this day, he claims it’s one of the best gifts he’s ever received.
Or the time my niece picked out a set of oil and vinegar dips for me from a specialty store in Bandon. I still use them, and every time I do, I’m reminded of that hilarious, heartwarming Christmas Eve.
The gifts don’t have to be expensive or extravagant. What matters is the thoughtfulness—and the stories that come with them.
The Finish Line
As the clock winds down, the real fun begins. Watching family members sprint back to the rendezvous point, bags in hand and cheeks flushed, is a sight to behold.
There’s no official penalty for being late, but let’s be real: the ridicule is penalty enough. Expect a slow-motion reenactment of your last-minute dash, complete with exaggerated commentary, to follow you for the rest of the trip.
For those who make it back on time, the reward is sweet: a front-row seat to the chaos and the chance to catch your breath before the next round of laughs.
Making Memories, Not Just Purchases
This game has become one of our favorite holiday traditions, and not just because it’s fun. It’s a reminder that the best gifts aren’t always the ones that come in shiny packages or cost a fortune. Sometimes, the best gifts are the memories we create along the way.
If you’re planning a family getaway around the holidays, consider incorporating this tradition into your plans. It’s a fantastic way to bond, challenge each other, and create stories you’ll laugh about for years to come.
Tips for Starting Your Own Tradition
If you’re inspired to try this game with your family, here are a few tips to ensure success:
Choose the Right Location: Look for a shopping area that’s small enough to navigate but has a variety of shops. Bonus points if it’s a charming tourist spot with local flair.
Be Clear About the Rules: Establish the budget, time limit, and boundaries upfront. Don’t forget to emphasize the importance of stealth!
Get Everyone Involved: From kids to grandparents, this game is for everyone. Younger children may need a buddy to help them shop, but that just adds to the fun.
Keep It Lighthearted: Remember, the goal is to have fun. Don’t take it too seriously if someone bends the rules or gets a little too competitive.
Reflections and Reasons to Play
At its core, this tradition is about more than just the game. It’s about celebrating the season in a way that brings everyone together. It’s about trading the pressure of finding the “perfect gift” for the joy of a shared experience. And it’s about discovering that sometimes, the greatest treasures are the ones that cost the least but mean the most.
So next Christmas Eve, when the world feels caught up in the rush of last-minute shopping and holiday stress, take a moment to slow down. Step into a small-town shop, draw a name from a hat, and let the hunt begin. You might just find that the memories you make are the best gift of all.
Originally posted in 2018. Updated in 2024.