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Home for the Holidays

Will you find yourself on the road this month? Or is your RV parked snugly away for those cold winter days and nights? Either way, we’re here to celebrate the month of December as we offer you holiday cheer and insights.

For instance, get into the spirit of the season by visiting themed attractions, as noted in this article from Family RVing magazine. And check out another about creating new RV holiday traditions, including how to decorate your home on wheels. Keep scrolling for many more suggestions.

This time of year also makes cozying up an inviting activity. Learn about the art of hygge to create a relaxing ambience in your RV or stationary home.

And, as always, look for information about the special benefits Family RV Association members receive.

Happy holidays! Happy RVing!

The FMCA Team

Stay Warm During Winter Fun Outdoors

When the weather turns cold outside, RV travelers need not make like a bear and go into full-on hibernation. With the right clothing, outdoor activities can be enjoyable even during the winter. The goal is to stay warm and dry, which is important not just for comfort but also to avoid health risks, such as frostbite and hypothermia.

The best approach when it comes to dressing for cold weather is layering. Layers can be added or shed as temperatures and conditions dictate. In really cold weather, folks participating in outdoor adventures should wear three layers.

Start with a base layer to help keep you dry. This next-to-skin layer is designed to move moisture away from your body. Experts suggest clothing made of natural fibers such as wood or bamboo, or synthetic material like nylon and polyester. Cotton isn’t recommended for cold-weather clothing, because it can absorb water and remain wet.

A middle layer serves as insulation, helping to preserve body heat. Materials such as fleece, wool, and down or synthetic insulation make good middle layers. Because of the material involved, this layer tends to be bulkier.

Finally, add a protective outer layer. The purpose of this exterior shell is to keep wind, rain, and snow away from the inner layers. So, the material should be waterproof or water resistant yet breathable. This layer needs to fit over the others and not be too tight.

Of course, you’ll need to find ways to keep all your body parts warm, so you’ll want to wear clothing items such as hats, gloves or mittens, flannel-lined jeans or insulated coveralls, boots, and thick wool socks.

Click here to learn more about layering and staying warm during cold-weather outings.

RV-Related Recall Information

Looking for the latest RV-related recall information? Visit FamilyRVingmag.com for a list of the most recent recalls issued by RV and component manufacturers. To search for recalls, investigations, and complaints by vehicle year, make, model, and VIN, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline is (888) 327-4236.

Holidays to Go

RVers on the road during the month of December can celebrate the season at special events and attractions throughout North America.

One special spot is SkyPark at Santa’s Village in Skyforest, California, which sparkles with shows, character meet and greets, and other Christmas-themed events (some featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus). Other attractions at the complex include a bike park, zipline, climbing tower, train ride, and campground.

Each December in Yosemite National Park, the Ahwahnee Hotel welcomes guests for the Bracebridge Dinner, a holiday feast that celebrates author Washington Irving’s version of merry olde England. A musical pageant set in an 18th-century English manor brings the Squire, his family, and other Irving characters to life.

Leavenworth, Washington, resembles a magical snow globe during its Christmastown celebration, as a half-million lights set this Bavarian alpine village aglow each evening. In Vancouver, British Columbia, events include the German-inspired Vancouver Christmas Market; Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park; and ice skating, shopping, and more at the PNE Winter Fair.

Andalusia, Alabama, becomes a winter wonderland during its kid-friendly Candyland event, with ice skating, festive holiday cottages, and visits with Santa. Cape Cod, Massachusetts, boasts lighthouses bedecked with Christmas garlands, wreaths, and lights, as well as craft fairs, parades, theater productions, and “Polar Express” train rides.

Take a look at other Christmasey towns; one might be located near you.

Holiday Adventures Made Easy with FMCA RV Vacations

Experience the joy of the season via expertly planned tours filled with festive delights. Gather with fellow Family RV Association members to create cherished holiday memories that last a lifetime! Celebrate in Branson with festive shows, enjoy New Orleans’ vibrant traditions, or ring in the New Year at the Pasadena Rose Parade with prime seating and VIP perks. No matter where you go, these unforgettable adventures will make the holiday season truly special. To learn more, click here.

Give the Gift of Membership

Do you have friends or family members who own an RV but aren’t yet members of Family RV Association? Do you know people who are considering buying an RV but are in the research phase and looking for a reliable information source? Providing these folks a Family RV Association gift membership is a great way to share the joy and spirit of the RV lifestyle. Give the gift of fun and peace of mind!

You Oughta Be in Pictures!

The spotlight will be on Family RV Association and members who attend the 110th International Convention & RV Expo in Perry, Georgia, March 12 through 15, 2025. Kevin and Patrice McCabe, hosts and producers of the Discovery Channel series “RV There Yet?,” will chronicle the “Return To Perry: Lafitte’s Lost Treasure” convention for a future episode of their popular travel show. Not signed up to attend? Tarry no more, ye landlubbers! Get on board here.

Get Your Learning On!

If you or someone you know wants to elevate their RV knowledge, look no further! Register now at a reduced rate for RV Basics, March 9-11, 2025, in Perry, Georgia. Led by expert instructors, this 2.5-day class focuses on key preparation, operation, and maintenance practices essential for trouble-free travel, all in a relaxed setting with other RVers.

Holiday Palms RV Resort, C14248

Quartzsite, Arizona

This resort calls itself the perfect destination for snowbirds, locals, travelers, and nature lovers alike. Guests enjoy full-hookup sites and Wi-Fi, along with an extensive list of amenities: clubhouse, library, exercise and game rooms, spa, pet park, pool, pickleball, car wash, and more. Plus, Family RV Association members receive a 10 percent discount. Quartzsite itself is a popular site for RV and gem shows, while nature trails and wildlife areas await nearby.

RV Stocking Stuffers

Shopping on a budget? Amanda Outside discovered IKEA has a wealth of inexpensive items campers will love. Small stainless-steel bowls that nest for travel are great for prepping and serving food — including the moose-shaped pasta she found. Kitchen towels in assorted sizes and styles can be used all around the RV. The same goes for compact brushes, clips, and a collapsible wash bucket. And with IKEA’s array of storage containers and cubes, RVers can organize to their heart’s content.

Sounds of the Season

How about a Spotify playlist of holiday music — close to three hours’ worth — curated by Family RV Association office staff? Get in the holiday spirit as you motor down the road or relax at the campsite.

Gift Wrap a Snowman

Here’s an easy holiday craft from Go RVing. Gather a few boxes of various sizes; using wrapping paper with a plain white underside, cover each so the white side faces out. Stack the boxes — largest on the bottom, smallest on the top. Create a hat and scarf from construction paper; add a face and buttons with pom-poms or markers. Look for other fun holiday projects here.

The Art of Hygge in an RV

As winter makes its presence known in many parts of North America, visions of cozying up inside the RV might be dancing in your head. Now is the perfect time to embrace the Danish concept of hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”). At the heart of this practice is fostering a sense of coziness, contentment, and well-being. It’s escaping the daily rush to spend time with people you care about — or even time alone — while relaxing and enjoying quieter moments. Think chunky-knit sweaters or throw blankets, warm beverages, soft lighting, comfort foods, and simple gatherings with friends. Full-time RVer Karen Langston shares ways to incorporate hygge into your life in this FMCAdventure blog. RVShare.com offers tips for how to make your RV extra cozy. Grab some hot cocoa and snuggle up!