After a poor experience the previous winter after getting stranded in airports while traveling back north, we decided to not return to Minnesota for Christmas, as we had for decades. Instead, I planned a gathering for the week after Christmas in Pigeon Forge TN with our kids and grandkids. I rented a house in the mountains just above Dollywood. It had nice views and privacy and even included an indoor pool, which the grandkids loved. Although the week included some warm and cool days (daily highs from 42 to 65), we enjoyed time outdoors everyday as there is no shortage of entertainment. From Go Karting, mountain coasters , Anakeeska Mountain Top Park and site seeing, dinner shows and lots of nice restaurants. Of course there were masses of tourists and snarled traffic. But all the family enjoyed it. I told the grandkids that this year it was about experiences, and not gifts. Unfortunately I got sick the last day, which turned out to be Covid. It took awhile to recover. I booked a few extra days to recover before driving back to the Keys. No one else in the family fell ill. I would do a trip like this again.
