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Celebrating the Holidays on the Road: Ideas for Truckers

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For truck drivers, spending the holidays on the road is often a reality of the profession.  

 

While it might feel challenging to be away from loved ones during this special time, there are ways to make the holiday season just as meaningful and enjoyable.  

 

With a little creativity and planning, you can create holiday memories that bring joy and keep you connected, even from the cab of your truck. 

 

  1. Stay Connected with Loved Ones

Technology makes it easier than ever to bridge the gap between you and your family during the holidays.  

 

Video calls using apps like Zoom, FaceTime, or WhatsApp allow you to share moments, whether it’s watching your kids open gifts, participating in a family dinner virtually, or simply chatting while they decorate the tree. 

 

If time zones or schedules don’t align for live calls, consider recording a video message or sending voice notes to your family. These small gestures show your presence and care, even from a distance. 

 

  1. Decorate Your Cab

Bringing a bit of holiday spirit into your truck can make a big difference in lifting your mood. Small, battery-operated string lights, a miniature Christmas tree, or holiday-themed seat covers can transform your space. Many stores sell compact and affordable decorations that are perfect for a truck’s limited space. 

 

If you celebrate other holidays like Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, you can incorporate symbolic items or decorations specific to your traditions, such as a menorah or kinara (if it’s safe and practical). 

 

  1. Plan a Special Meal

One of the best parts of the holidays is the food, and you don’t have to miss out just because you’re on the road. Pack some of your favorite holiday dishes before hitting the road or treat yourself to a festive meal at a truck stop diner that offers seasonal specials. 

 

If you have access to a portable stove or microwave, consider cooking a simple dish in your truck. Even something as small as enjoying a hot chocolate or a slice of pie can help you embrace the season. Find out more tips for cooking holiday meals on the road here.  

 

  1. Connect with Fellow Drivers

Truck drivers form a unique community, and the holidays can be an excellent time to lean on each other for support and camaraderie.  

 

If you’re at a truck stop during the holidays, look out for gatherings or events organized for drivers. Many trucking companies, truck stops, or organizations host holiday meals or celebrations. Even a quick chat or sharing small gifts with fellow drivers can create a sense of togetherness and shared celebration. 

 

  1. Send or Receive Gifts by Mail

If you can’t be home to exchange gifts in person, plan ahead to send or receive packages. Ordering gifts online and having them shipped directly to your family saves time and ensures your loved ones know you’re thinking of them. 

 

Likewise, let your family know where you’ll be stationed so they can send you something meaningful. Opening a package or letter from home can bring immense comfort and joy while you’re on the road. 

 

  1. Take Time for Reflection

The holiday season is often a time for reflection and gratitude. Whether through journaling, meditation, or simply taking a quiet moment in your cab, reflecting on the year’s highlights and setting intentions for the new year can be a fulfilling way to celebrate. 

 

This is also a great time to reach out and express gratitude to dispatchers, coworkers, or anyone who made your year better. Kind words go a long way during the holidays. 

 

  1. Tune into the Holiday Spirit

Music, movies, and audiobooks are fantastic ways to get into the holiday mood. Create a playlist of your favorite holiday songs or listen to a podcast that discusses holiday traditions from around the world. 

 

If you’re a fan of holiday movies, streaming services or DVDs can bring classic films right to your truck. Taking breaks to enjoy these small moments of entertainment can make the season feel festive, even on the road. 

 

  1. Celebrate on Your Own Schedule

If being on the road means you’ll miss the actual holiday, consider planning a celebration for when you return home.  

 

Celebrate Christmas in January, Hanukkah after your trip, or a delayed New Year’s Eve with friends and family. The calendar doesn’t have to dictate your holiday; what matters is making the time count when you’re together. 

 

However, it’s important to let your loved ones know in advance so they can prepare for your homecoming celebration. 

 

  1. Stay Safe and Mindful

While celebrating, remember to prioritize safety. Icy roads, winter weather, and holiday traffic can create challenges during this time of year. Take extra care when driving and plan your routes with potential delays in mind. 

 

If you’re feeling lonely or stressed, reach out to someone you trust, whether it’s a family member, a friend, or a colleague. Many support networks, including hotlines and online forums, are available to help truck drivers navigate the emotional challenges of being away from home. 

 

  1. Spread Holiday Cheer

Sometimes, bringing joy to others can make the holidays feel more fulfilling. Consider small acts of kindness like donating to a food bank, sending holiday cards to deployed military personnel, or volunteering your time if you’re near a community in need. These gestures can bring the true spirit of the season into your travels. 

 

 

 

Driving during the holiday season is hard, but it doesn’t have to feel impossible. Create new holiday traditions by remaining connected to your loved ones while celebrating on the road and staying safe all winter long.  

 

What are your OTR holiday traditions? Can you think of any advice that we left out? Be sure to reach out to us on social media about your experience driving during the holidays.  

 

Essential Tips for Driving During the Holidays

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All year long, CDL drivers make difficult sacrifices as they work long hours, often far from home, to maintain a critical part of our nation’s infrastructure. For many drivers, these sacrifices are especially felt during the December holiday season.  

 

Not only does the increased demand of goods and services during the holiday season create a greater workload for many drivers, but being far from your loved ones can be much more difficult when you feel like you’re missing out on important events.  

 

This holiday season, you should remind yourself you aren’t alone. There are many ways to remain connected to your loved ones, even from hundreds of miles apart. Many drivers also find creative ways to make their trucks feel like home, while creating a community with fellow truck drivers.  

 

Will you be on the road this holiday season? Keep reading to find out the best ways to make the most of your time and bring the holiday spirit along for the ride.  

 

Celebrating While Miles Apart 

Modern technology has made it easier than ever to feel connected to your loved ones even when you’re far from home. Leverage technology such as FaceTime, Duo, Skype, and Zoom to give your family the gift of seeing you on Christmas morning! 

 

There are also apps such as Rave or Teleparty that allow you to stream the same movie or TV show across different devices no matter where you are, a perfect way to make sure you still get to watch your family’s favorite holiday movie.  

 

All of these platforms require cellular data or connection to wireless internet. Luckily, all of the major truck stop chains, many state welcoming centers, and other establishments such as McDonalds, provide Wi-Fi that is free and accessible to truckers.  

 

A True Trucker’s Holiday  

There are many CDL drivers who have spent every holiday season on the road and have become pros at celebrating no matter how far they are from home. Truckers across the country find ways to eat a holiday meal, decorate their truck, or celebrate with fellow drivers to make sure they never miss out on the holiday cheer. 

 

Photo by Ken White on Facebook

If your favorite part of the holiday season is the food, you’re in luck. There are many ways to make sure you don’t miss out on a home-cooked meal this December.  

 

Most major truck stop restaurant chains offer a holiday meal each year. Keep an eye out for advertisements which usually begin in November, and you’ll be able to find somewhere along your route to stop and celebrate with fellow drivers. However, some restaurants serve these meals on an RSVP basis, so double check when you’re planning where to stop.  

 

Another option, if you’re looking to save money and embrace the tradition of a home-cooked meal, is to make a holiday feast from the comfort of your own cab. Cooking from your truck is easier than it may seem, and there are countless recipes available online if you have a slow cooker, crock pot, or portable stove. Just make sure your truck has the power capabilities necessary for the job. An inverter and an auxiliary power unit (APU) work together so you can easily operate all these appliances, even when your truck is off.   

 

Many drivers also embrace a unique holiday tradition: decorating their truck. Drivers nationwide have found creative ways to make their truck feel more like home by decorating with lights, bows, and ornaments.  

 

Winter Safety  

Driving during the holiday season can be difficult for other reasons, too. This time of year can bring some pretty rough weather conditions, coupled with increased holiday traffic, making it extra important to be vigilant and careful while out on the road.  

 

Rushing to get a job done or to get back home is never worth the risk of collisions, jackknifes, or rollovers. If there are severe weather conditions that could impact visibility or overall safety, the best decision is always to wait it out on the side of the road. Maintain space from the vehicles around you, in case you have to make an emergency stop.  

 

Safety is important year round, but there are a couple of essential tips to keep in mind all winter long.  

 

  1. Don’t exceed driver hours of service.  In most cases this is a maximum of 11 hours on the road, including a 30 minute break every 8 hours. While you might be tempted to shorten the break or drive a little longer, these laws exist for a reason.  
  2. Maintain headlights. With lower visibility during the winter, shorter hours of daylight, and an increase of deer on the road, headlights will help you avoid dangerous situations at any time of the day.  
  3. Slow down when driving over bridges. Most drivers know that bridges freeze faster than roads, but it’s easy to forget when you’ve been driving all day. Bring yourself to a lower speed before crossing a bridge, avoiding slamming the brakes in case of black ice.  
  4. Don’t use the Jake Brake if the road is icy.  The compression release engine brake, also known as the Jake Brake, releases compressed air in the cylinders and will halt the wheels entirely. Your rig will skid across the ice if the conditions are slippery enough. Instead, put the truck into a lower gear and use regular friction brakes to maximize safety. 

 

 

Driving during the holiday season is hard, but it doesn’t have to feel impossible. Create new holiday traditions by remaining connected to your loved ones while celebrating on the road and staying safe all winter long.  

 

What are your OTR holiday traditions? Can you think of any advice that we left out? Be sure to reach out to us on social media about your experience driving during the holidays.