BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – This Christmas Eve Day was a busy one, with people trying to make it home in time for Saint Nick.
Many people from all over descended on the Beckley Travel Plaza to fill up their tanks, pick up a snack, or take a brief breather as they headed to a variety of destinations to connect with family for Christmas.
“Florida,” said Barberton, Ohio resident Geri Waggoner.
Cincinnati, Ohio, resident Barbara Washer was making her way to Virginia Beach.
“We’re headed to Washington, Pennsylvania,” Derek Mullen, a Charleston, South Carolina resident, said.
Logell, Kentucky resident Johanna Ribell was on her way to Virginia.
“Pennsylvania,” said Erica Campbell, who hails from South Carolina.
For many families, getting there matters more than how long it takes — even for this grandmother, driving 15-hours from Missouri.
“Heading to Virginia Beach, Oceana Naval Airbase, to be with my grandson who’s a Marine, for Christmas Day,” she said.
Travel plazas like this one are packed as people make last-minute trips to be with family for Christmas.
What will folks most cherish once they get there…
“What we’re thankful for having for Christmas,” said Waggoner.
“Seeing my mom and hanging out with my family,” Washer said. “Just spending time with the ones that matter.”
“We’re driving up because flights are a little bit expensive. Just seeing family. We’re a little far out, looking to move back in the next few years,” said Mullen.
“We’re just looking forward to quality time with our family,” Ribell said. “You know, we make this drive maybe twice a year. It’s a long way to go, but really worth it.”
“Spending time with family this year,” said Campbell, adding that it was a nice drive out on this sunny day.
The Missouri grandmother couldn’t wait to reconnect with her loved ones.
“Seeing my grandson, of course,” she said. “And then I think he’s going to cook a dinner for me tomorrow.”
For these families, the focus is on being home for the holidays.
