See all Motoring AdviceIt’s that time of year again – the roads are busier than Santa’s workshop, the weather is unpredictable, and you’re likely humming The Pogues’ “Fairytale of New York” as you gear up for the big trip home. Whether you’re navigating motorways, icy back roads, or traffic jams that seem as endless as your to-do list, driving home for Christmas can either be part of the magic or the ultimate test of patience.
But we have some practical tips to make your journey as smooth as Rudolph’s flight, even when you are top-to-toe in tailbacks.
Plan Like a Pro
The silly season isn’t the time for winging it, so take a leaf out of Santa’s book and make a list (and check it twice). Start with a few essentials the day before your trip:
Fuel Up Early: Fill your tank, top up the screen wash and check that the tyres are at the correct pressure for your load. If your car is laden with passengers and presents, your tyre pressure should be adjusted according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Don’t attempt to do these checks during your trip, as a last-minute pit stop with a queue of harried drivers can be the Grinch that steals your mood.
Route Check: Plug your destination into your navigation or phone and double-check the suggested route. Nobody wants to end up on a toll road they didn’t plan for or detoured through Narnia instead of Nenagh. Keep a printed map or written directions handy just in case technology decides to take a holiday.
Traffic Updates: A few hours before setting off, check the traffic news on the AA Ireland website to see if there are any delays, road works or accidents along your route. If driving during morning or evening rush hour in Dublin, tune into 103.2 Dublin City FM for its excellent Live Drive traffic programme.
Weather Watch: Keep an eye on the forecast. Frosty mornings and surprise snow showers may be festive, but they’re not your friend on the road. Keep a windscreen scrapper, de-icer and a flask of warm water in your car, just in case.
Bonus Tip: If your route takes you past green spaces or picturesque backroads, consider taking the longer, scenic route. Research shows that exposure to nature improves driving performance, so a tree-lined drive may be just what you need to keep the festive spirit up and stress levels down.
Deck the Car with Essentials
Travelling with kids, pets, or just particularly impatient passengers? Pack smart:
Snacks and Drinks: Think festive but mess-free – mince pies and a flask of hot chocolate (for when you’ve parked, of course) work wonders. Ginger is also a great natural remedy for car sickness, so, that’s a great excuse for filling up on gingerbread and ginger beer.
Entertainment: Load up a playlist of holiday classics, from Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” to Wham’s “Last Christmas”. For the film buffs, why not let passengers guess Christmas movie trivia? Or, if you are looking for a relaxing road trip, load up tablets with festive films like Home Alone and Die Hard (it’s a Christmas movie, okay?!). Just remember to pack headphones as well.
Comfort Kit: Blankets, travel pillows and a festive jumper for impromptu car park selfies will keep the crew cosy and merry.
On the Road: Stay Cool and Jingle All the Way
Once you’re on the road, it’s time to channel your inner Kevin McCallister – calm, resourceful and ready for anything.
Silence the Notifications: Turn on your phone’s ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode. Calls and texts can wait; your focus belongs on the road.
Play Your Soundtrack: Chris Rea may be a classic, but don’t stop there. Download some relaxing tracks like Marconi Union’s “Weightless” or go full Christmas cheer with Bing Crosby. Bonus points if passengers join in for a carpool karaoke session.
Mind Your Posture: Sit up straight and keep your breathing steady. Long journeys can take a toll on your body, but a quick stretch at every red light or service station will do wonders for your comfort.
Bonus Tip: Feeling frazzled? Let out a sigh, hum a carol, or even belt out a “Ho, ho, ho!” No judgment here – the car is your safe festive space. There’s actually science behind this. Research in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine shows that singing can improve mood and create a sense of calm.
Don’t Rush (Even If You’re Late for Christmas Dinner)
The holidays are no excuse for risky driving. Remember:
Speed Kills the Cheer: No one wants their Christmas story to include a cautionary tale. Leave extra time for delays so you can stick to safe speeds. Many studies have found that drivers under time pressure (e.g. being late) report higher stress levels and physiological responses, including elevated heart rate and cortisol.
Take Breaks: Stop every two hours to stretch, hydrate and get some fresh air. If tensions are running high with your passengers, a quick pit stop is the perfect time to regroup. Go lock yourself in a toilet cubicle for a few minutes; that usually does the trick.
You’ve Arrived: Celebrate Safely
Congratulations! You’ve finally made it home after navigating traffic jams and dodging the occasional rogue reindeer (or pedestrian). But don’t let your guard down just yet:
Unload Carefully: Watch out for icy driveways or slippery paths as you unload the car.
Switch Off: Double-check that the car is locked, lights are off and nothing is left running. Also, remove all valuables and leave nothing in the car.
Enjoy the Festivities: Once inside, switch gears from driver to reveller. Put on a classic like “Elf”, pour some mulled wine, put on your comfortable pyjamas and slippers, and enjoy (or tolerate) being home for the holidays.
Driving home for Christmas might not always feel like a Hallmark movie, but with a bit of preparation and plenty of patience, it can be a joyful part of your holiday story. So, settle in for the journey, turn up the music and remember that every kilometre takes you closer to the ones you love. Just try to avoid getting stuck behind Chris Rea; he will never make it home at this rate.
Safe travels, and Merry Christmas!