How to Ace your Holiday Staycation with Kids

*We’ve partnered with Bugaboo to inspire you to get out and explore this holiday season.

There’s something about the holiday season that makes even a trip to the grocery store seem festive. Everything feels fresh and exciting when it’s decorated with a string of lights, and everyone is a little friendlier once they catch that holiday cheer. The holidays are a great time to plan a family staycation and get out and discover (or re-discover) your neighborhood with your kids.

Of course, if you’re heading out on an adventure with your kids, even if it’s just around the block, you’re going to need the right gear. So we’ve partnered with global mobility brand, Bugaboo, to share how some modern parents make it work when they’re on the move during the holiday season…and how they’re creating some new holiday traditions along the way.

Porsha Ellis of Raising Wisdom is one mama in need of a major holiday staycation. She recently moved her family out to LA, and while she’s no stranger to west coast life, everything looks different when you’ve got two little ones in tow. Find out how she’s exploring her new hometown with a little help from her Bugaboo Donkey², and how she’s navigating the transitions, both big and small.

Has it been hard to move across the country so close to the holidays?
Moving at any point with two young children can present some challenges, and being away from our immediate family can make it tough. Family is definitely something I’ve taken for granted on many occasions. We’re fortunate to have my partner’s brother nearby and his mother has also come out from New York to help out.

How is LA different than New York City in terms of mobility with your kids?
New York City requires the minimalist approach; the less baggage the better. But here in LA, it’s easier to get around with kids and take more with you on your journey. I keep my Bugaboo Donkey² in my car for easy access all the time, so no matter where we go, I’ve got my stroller with the Bugaboo Comfort Wheeled Board attached.

How has your Bugaboo helped you get out and discover your new city?
We’ve done a fair amount of exploring so far. We love the boardwalk and Santa Monica Pier. We also love to hit up the playground and parks. Picnics are Steele’s favorite. It was cool to check out some of Silver Lake/Echo Park recently. We don’t go East much, but I’m excited to check out more areas and try some new things over the holidays.

One of the things I love about the Bugaboo Donkey² is its adaptability. For example, I can push Sage, my youngest, in the stroller while Steele, my 3-year-old, stands on the Bugaboo Comfort Wheeled Board or walks. Alternatively, I can have Steele sit in the stroller, and have Sage in the carrier, or I can expand my stroller into duo configuration and push both girls together in side-by-side seats. All of the options allow me to be mobile when I’m on my own with the kids, which is nice. And since the updated version of this stroller includes foam-filled wheels, I never have to worry about stopping to pump them up.

What’s your routine with your daughters now that you’re in LA?
I work during the week, so I spend weekends with the girls. We go to the grocery store, and we try to get to the farmers market as often as possible. We try to stay active with friends, so playdates and activities are a must. Depending on the weekend, you can most likely catch us outside enjoying the beautiful weather. Our Bugaboo Donkey² makes transitioning from place to place less of a hassle (and also keeps my kids contained!).

What are you best tips for spending the day running around and exploring with your daughters?
Expect delays in your day, but be nimble enough to work around them. Patience is a virtue! Be open to trying new things. Explore activities outside of your comfort zone to give your kids a fresh perspective. Always be prepared. I keep my Bugaboo Donkey² accessible at all times, because you never know when you might need it.

Tell me about your plans for the holidays.
We just bought property in Tulum, Mexico, so we will most like be heading that way for the holidays. I love Tulum, so I’m hoping this will be our new tradition moving forward.

Why is it important to have your go-to gear handy when exploring a new place?
Although I believe change to be extremely good, there’s also power in consistency. As a mother, finding trusted product like the Bugaboo Donkey², that we can rely on, enables me to shift my energy and focus on whatever’s in front of me, instead of worrying about my gear.

What are your fave bugaboo accessories for LA living?
My favorite accessory is the Bugaboo Comfort Wheeled Board, hands down. Steele loves being able to stand up and jump off and play whenever she wants. I also like the fact that both girls can see each other and talk to one another. Oh, and I love that the Bugaboo Donkey2 side luggage basket and underseat basket each hold up to 22 lbs. Who doesn’t need additional space to put bottles, baby toys, snacks and all that jazz?! The side luggage basket also has built-in pockets and a cover so I can stay organized and keep Steele’s curious hands out of the basket!

Photography by Sarina Cass of Red Anchor Photo.

The brand new Bugaboo Donkey² is the ultimate multi-purpose stroller with superior maneuverability, spacious storage, customization options and the ability to grow with your family.

Shop a few of our fave Bugaboo Donkey² combos and accessories below.

Bugaboo Donkey²

Bugaboo Comfort Wheeled Board

Bugaboo Comfort Wheeled Board Adapter