Many truck drivers, especially those who drive over the road, are not home for the holidays. Even though you may not be home, there are plenty of ways to celebrate in your truck.
Make Traditional Foods that Remind You of the Holiday Season
For many people, the holidays are all about food. Even if you’re in a small truck, there are still ways for you to enjoy food that reminds you of home.
Family Recipes OTR: Try to adapt a family recipe to the cooking equipment you have available, like a crock pot or microwave. Many recipes can be recreated easily by using simple ingredients or pre-made items.
Pack Goodies!: You can also bring homemade treats that will keep for long periods of time in your truck such as Christmas cookies or candies. Try drinking eggnog or hot chocolate for a complete holiday treat.
If you don’t have ingredients to cook with or don’t know how to cook, there are other ways to get your fix for a festive meal. Meals for 18 Wheels is a service that connects volunteers to drivers in need of a meal, especially during the holidays. In addition, many truck stops also give away free meals or have parties on select holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Get in the Holiday Spirit!
Decorate: If you can’t go home to celebrate, bring a part of the holidays with you. A great way to do this is to decorate your truck with your favorite decorations. Tinsel, wreathes, and ornaments are great ways to make your truck feel festive. Hang a peppermint or pine scented air-freshener in your truck to complete the mood. Check out 80 Trucks Decorated for Christmas for some ideas.
Holiday Media and Shopping: Tune in to a radio station that plays festive music, or play your favorite holiday playlist. During your breaks, don’t forget to watch a holiday movie or TV special. You could also do some online shopping(everyone else is) so you have a special present to return to when you make it home.
Make Time to Call Your Family or Travel with Someone
Just because you are on the road doesn’t mean you have to be completely alone. Call or video chat with your family and friends to wish them a happy holiday and see what they’re up to. If your meal time matches up with theirs, have a long-distance family dinner over a video call.
Even better, if your company has a rider policy, consider taking a passenger--either a family member or a pet-- with you over the holiday.
Celebrate When You Get Home
Just because you aren’t home for the holidays does not mean you missed all the action. The season is about being with loved ones, which is not limited to those few days a year. Arrange with your family a time to celebrate the holiday that you missed--regardless if it is one day after or two weeks later.
Even if you are not home during the upcoming holidays, remember that your friends, family, food, and traditions don’t disappear after the season is over. There is always time to celebrate and make lasting memories– even when you’re over the road.
Happy Holidays from Driver Wave
We at DriverWave know truckers play a vital role in our economy and beloved seasonal traditions. Without these committed drivers, we would not have the holidays we know and love. You're not a truck driver? Be sure to thank any truckers in your life for making our holiday season possible.