How to survive ‘crimbo limbo’ with your family
Editor's Note
Editor's note: This story has been updated.
On December 26 after the presents are opened, you're finishing up the leftovers and the children have already played with their new toys -- "crimbo limbo" can set in.
This usually refers to the days between Christmas and New Year when you start to get itchy feet but still have a few days before New Year's Eve. For those with school-aged children, crimbo limbo can be a challenge.
Here are a few things to do to during that week to keep everyone entertained.
Start planning a new trip
One of the best ways to get out of a bad mood is to start planning your 2021 trips. If you are subject to a strict school calendar, you can book great fares for next October half term in the current New Years' sales.
Plan your points and miles strategy for 2021
Are you going to commit to one alliance for status this year? Is 2021 your year to fly business class as a family for the first time? Do you have an idea of where you are going to transfer your American Express Membership Rewards? 2021 could be the year that your family stops hoarding points.
Read more: How to plan a family holiday on points and miles
Experience some culture
Museums normally operate in the period between Christmas and New Year. Though make sure to check opening times as some may have changed due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Start your resolutions early
Kitchen seller Wren Kitchens did a study that found that the average Briton, for example, consumes 6,000 calories on Christmas Day alone. So rather than waiting until January 1, start moving your body now. Get your family out to the parks.
Go back to work
This year, there are four working days between Christmas and New Year. While that may give you a splendid amount of time with your family, for some, work could feel like more of a holiday than being at home. Arrange some playdates for the kids and take a break back at your desk.
Many workplaces are mostly deserted during crimbo limbo and people often work shorter days. Some people swear by working the week between Christmas and New Year with unofficial reduced hours to save their precious days for a more extended summer vacation.
YouTube binge-watching
You could always cozy up with your family in pajamas on the sofa with leftovers and turn them into AvGeeks by binge-watching the TPG U.K. Youtube channel.
Read more: Watch TPG U.K. review all four classes on Singapore Airlines’ A380
Bottom line
There are plenty of things to do between Christmas and New Year rather than arguing with your family or letting the kids drive you crazy. Do some planning, get out and about and remember, it's the season of goodwill!
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- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
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| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
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Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles50,000 Bonus MilesAnnual Fee
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Why We Chose It
Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.Pros
- Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
- Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
- First checked bag free
Cons
- Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
- SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
- Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
- New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees