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A suitcase is a general term for a distinguishable form of luggage. It is often a somewhat flat, rectangular-shaped bag with rounded/square corners, either metal, hard plastic or made of cloth, vinyl or leather that more or less keeps its shape. It has a carrying handle on one side and is used mainly for transporting clothes and other possessions during trips. It opens on hinges like a door. Suitcases lock with keys or a combination.

Originally, suitcases were made of wool or linen. Leather also became a popular material for suitcases. It was used to cover wood suitcases or just on its own for collapsible suitcases. It is difficult to document all the materials suitcases have been made out of. Like all produced consumer goods the materials chosen to construct suitcases are truly a product of their time. Wool, wood, leather, metal, plastic, fiber composite even recycled materials are all common suitcase materials. During covered wagon times trunks were a popular form of transporting goods. The ride was rough, so the luggage had to be strong. The theme of suitcases becoming less cumbersome over time could be directly related to the advancement of better transportation.

The most sturdy suitcases are generally constructed from wood and have a covering that resists gouging and liquid from entering into the interior. The seams can be glued together or stitched with strong nylon thread. Generally the stitched together suitcases hold up over time as compared to the glued construction and have a lock or latch

Many modern suitcases have built-in small wheels enabling them to be pulled along on hard flat surfaces by a fixed or extendable handle or by a retractable or stowable leash. Suitcases are a type of luggage.

A smaller, firmer suitcase, used mainly for transporting papers and office supplies is known as a briefcase.

Some suitcases that include a telescopic handle and wheels are known as trolley cases. Trolley cases typically have two fixed wheels on one end with the handle located on the opposite for vertical movement.

Having Family Holiday Traditions adds a wonderful dimension to your holiday season. There is so much emphasis on the the whole gift selection, gift buying aspect of Christmas, that sometimes that becomes the main focus of the holidays. It shouldn’t be that way. By starting some family traditions, you will add balance to your holiday celebration as well as fun and laughter. Family traditions also provide roots for your children that will bring them great memories in years to come. They also provide a way to instill a sense of family within your children. Ours always make time each year to make sure they don’t miss a single gathering and we always work the schedules so that they all can be here. This comes as a result of the kids enjoying years of these fun family traditions that are as much a part of their holiday celebration as any gift.
In our home, one of our favorites is our annual Holiday Open House.. we have been hosting it for over 20 years and include everyone. The kids always invite friends, teachers, coaches as well as our family and friends. Once they were in college it provided a great gathering place to reconnect with high school and hometown friends each Christmas season. It is an easy party to plan as we do a pot luck and everyone brings something. It all goes on the table and we always have plenty. In the end, it is never about the food, but instead it is about reconnecting with old friends and gathering with family. Of course, our town Santa is always invited which adds to the festivities.

A friend of mine with small children shared a special tradition her family has begun. It’s called the Elf On The Shelf and is just the cutest ever. Nothing difficult or expensive, but I am sure her grandchildren one day will be visited the same ELF!
We also play family games every Thanksgiving and Christmas. May sound lame, but trust me it is a night of so many laughs and the kids even invite friends over to join us. One year we held a Holiday Hold’Em tournament, another year we ran a Santa Bingo night.. they are always fun. Emails begin flying after Halloween with friends and family guessing what the Christmas game will be this year! We have prizes, of course, but nothing extravagant.. the most sought after one is the homemade t-shirts I design for the winners.