Three ways to increase yuletide cheer

Travel during the holidays (a.k.a the season of packed car trunks and extra baggage fees) makes me feel like one of those mules that treks up and down the Grand Canyon precariously close to the edge of the trail.

There seems to be little you can do about the kid gear and yuletide offerings you are obliged to transport during the holiday but you can save yourself a few extra pounds in your kids' luggage with a little pre-planning. The Mr. and I have over a decade of experience skinnying down our own travel wardrobes but it has been tougher for us to impose the same discipline on all of those onesies, cute jeans and itty bitty sweaters we must now add to our suitcases. It's especially challenging when you know that young children are innately driven to dribble, spill and do other things that I know I don't have to detail for you.

As you are packing your kid's holiday wardrobe keep these three rules in mind:

• If you're not staying with family, pack a roll of quarters. Although I do not recommend spending your holidays doing laundry, planning to do a few loads over the course of the week can reduce how many clothes you need to bring and how much laundry you have to do when you get home. If you are staying in a resort or hotel, don't forget travel-size detergent!
• No Garanimals required - select children's clothing in a neutral palette. It is far easier to mix and match kids clothes if they are all in a neutral palette. Easier mixing and matching means you need less complete outfits. Neutrals also tend to hide minor stains making rewear easier. Check out Tea Collection for modern neutrals you can easily mix and match.
• Make sure your kids "fancy" clothes are comfortable clothes. Unless your son can't live without his Brooks Brothers holiday dinner jacket and tie or your daughter can't get enough of those scratchy tights, opt for more versatile special occassion wear. For example, a nice-looking comfy cardigan can be paired with leggings for play time and used again on another day when party clothes are required. Boden USA has a great selection of beautiful and versatile kids clothes. They are also having a great sale -- buy 3 items and get 1 free!

Happy trails!

* Photo courtesty of Dribnenki