Several years ago, our family figured out that holidays should be spent at home whenever possible. Our children do not cope well with being in a different house with unusual sleeping arrangements and confusing schedules. We learned this the hard way.

My husband and I agreed we would try to stick to the "holidays at home" rule so we could all enjoy special occasions comfortably. Yesterday we broke the rule. This was not the best idea we've had.

We traveled by car and hit horrendous traffic going over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house. The children were up late, giddy and whiny at the same time. By the time we were putting them to bed, no one was happy with the arrangements.

My first new rule for the holidays: When traveling, the rules go out the window.

In unusual circumstances, the usual doesn't work. We have discovered that asking Ian and Ainsley to go to sleep in someone else's house, in someone else's bed, is more than they can handle. Ian was NOT going to sleep in a girls room where everything is pink or purple. He just could not do it.

So we found a bedroom with blue and red decor. With Dad sleeping next to him, he was able to calm down and get some rest.

Ainsley wanted to sleep with Mommy and Daddy, too; but the queen-size bed was not quite large enough for four people. So she and I slept in the purple bedroom with all of the "girl stuff". She crashed fast and hard.

Both kids slept three hours later than normal.

Today Ian decided it was time to go home before we had Thanksgiving dinner. He didn't care about turkey or stuffing or pumpkin pie. He wanted his familiar house, familiar toys, familiar smells. Traditions are not important when the world of strange noises, voices, textures, and sensations are bombarding your body, making you feel like you are under attack.

My second new rule for the holidays: There are no time limits for playing Nintendo DS and Wii.

Mario Kart saved my son today by literally and figuratively putting him in the driver's seat. He's back in control of his emotions and his body. We have another night's reprieve. Tomorrow we'll try something else that pushes the limits and see how far we get.

My third new rule for the holidays: Be thankful my children are resilient and are learning to try new things. But don't push your luck.