Are you planning to take a special caravanning trip this Christmas? Perhaps you’re visiting friends and family far away, or beating the post-Christmas blues? Maybe your caravan, or motorhome, is simply your happy place, and you don’t want to lose out on any time in it!
Spending Christmas in the caravan is one of the best ways to get outdoors whilst enjoying all the comforts of home. From Christmas candles to cosy blankets, there are plenty of ways to prepare your caravan for Christmas. So, make it an adventure to remember, by finding out how to decorate your caravan for Christmas.
Check out our top tips and get ready to caravan in comfort this Christmas - just you, your loved ones, and the open road.
How to decorate your caravan
Get into the festive spirit this December with our guide to decorating your caravan in time for Christmas.
● Swap your furnishings: Since space is limited inside your caravan, motorhome or campervan, it’s time to get creative and add little festive touches wherever you can. Store away your usual dishcloths, bedding and cushion covers - and even napkins and place settings - and replace them with Christmas patterns to get you into the festive mood.
● Choose a wreath: It’s not Christmas without a Christmas tree - so bring the outdoors inside with a festive garland on the table, or a large wreath fixed to the inside of the caravan door. Choose a plain one of either and then use your favourite baubles, tinsel, and fairy lights to create a great alternative to the traditional tree.
● Make paper chains: If your heart sinks at the idea of filling a caravan with tinsel and other decorations that are sure to make a mess, then go for paper chains instead. These can be hung up all over the caravan (just take care to keep them away from the kitchen area) and are a great family activity to do together whilst on the road.
● Bring plenty of lights: With the sun setting well before 5pm every day, having the right lighting for your winter road trips is a top priority for functional reasons. However, it is also an unmissable opportunity to decorate your caravan with festive lights, so go for battery-powered string lights, LED lamps in warm colours, and Christmas touch lights to banish the dark and keep things cosy.
Remember: Christmas decor can easily pile up, making your caravan feel cramped or cluttered, and the key is to make the most of the space available with impactful, compact decorations. Since they will need to be kept in storage whilst on the move then taken out and hung up once you pitch up, we recommend bringing plenty of storage boxes with you, which can then be used to keep any excess, unwanted, or broken ornaments out of sight.
Supplies for spending Christmas in the caravan
Now that you’re all set with everything you need to decorate your caravan, let’s take a look at what essentials you should stock up on to keep it warm, waterproof, and comfortable for winter getaways.
● Water carrier cover: First up is an insulation bag or cover for your external water carrier. The plummeting winter temperatures are capable of freezing your water system solid, so drain your onboard tank completely, insulate your carrier, and store it in your caravan overnight.
● Propane gas: Most caravan heating systems use butane fuel, but this is not suitable for temperatures under -2°C. Make the switch to propane gas instead, and don’t forget to change your gas regulators to work with this gas type, or you may be unable to use the heating on your travels.
● An electric heater: It always pays to be prepared during the winter, and there is nothing worse than going to sleep in a cold caravan (except perhaps waking up in one!) so bring a portable electric heater with you as a backup heat source.
● Replacement seals: Don’t waste time (and propane gas) warming up your caravan just to have the heat seep out through cracked or damaged seals. Check these fixtures over and handle any replacements before setting off - and if you need advice on how to replace them, then click here for our helpful guide.
● Insulating layers: Finally, keep out the cold by laying down thick rugs, covering furniture with soft furnishings and cushions, and filling any spare storage space with your favourite warm blankets. These simple touches will keep you warm and comfortable on chilly days and cold nights and will insulate the interior of your vehicle all winter.
Before you set off …
You’re nearly all set for your unforgettable Christmas adventure, but before you pack your bags and fill your vehicle with Christmas presents there are some final checks to complete:
● Make sure that your caravan or motorhome tyres are correctly inflated and have adequate air pressure and tread depth. You may also want to switch to winter tyres, if you haven’t done so already, to keep you safe on icy roads.
● Check that the battery is charged (click here to view our range of battery chargers) and charge it in between your trips.
● Fasten all loads down and secure any loose fixtures (including gifts!)
And contact us if you have any questions between now and New Year.