A Different Kind of Diwali: Camping With My Child for the First Time

This Diwali was unlike any other. No crowded markets, no loud fireworks, no endless rounds of visiting relatives. Instead, I ended up doing something I never imagined I would do — I went camping with my kids for the very first time.

It wasn’t planned. It wasn’t fancy. It wasn’t even comfortable all the time.
But it turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had as a parent.

Why Camping? Blame the TV… and Sibling Copycat Syndrome

The entire idea started because my elder son saw a camping scene on TV. For weeks afterwards, every bedtime conversation included:
“Papa, when are we going camping?”
“Papa, we need a tent!”
“Papa, camping kids eat noodles, can we eat noodles?”

And like all younger siblings across the world, my little one immediately declared:
“Me too! Me too! I also want to camp!”

Between enthusiasm, curiosity, and the fear of saying “no” for the 100th time, I finally gave in. Diwali week felt like the perfect time — holidays, cool weather, and the kids were already excited.

The Tent Dilemma: 2-Person vs 3-Person (Spoiler: Go Big)

So off we went to Decathlon to buy a tent.
Initially, I picked up the 2-person tent, thinking, “How big do these kids really sleep?”

Then I remembered a very important detail about my elder son:
He sleeps diagonally.
Not sideways. Not curled up. Diagonally.
He uses the bed like it’s his personal playground.

So I put the 2-person tent back and picked up the 3-person tent.
The price difference? Just ₹1,000.
The comfort difference? HUGE.

Honestly, that was the best decision of the entire trip. If you’re ever confused between tent sizes, always go one size bigger. Kids expand at night like gas molecules. It’s science.

Setting Up the Tent — A Mini Adventure by Itself

Once we reached the camping spot, I decided to involve the kids in setting up the tent.

Was I nervous they would bend a tent pole? Absolutely.
Did they try to? Almost.
Were they excited, curious, and surprisingly helpful? 100%.

My elder one tried to “guide” the setup process like a project manager:
“Papa, this pole goes here. No, not like that, like THIS.”
Meanwhile, the younger one was enthusiastically distributing pegs everywhere, including locations where we didn’t need any.

But the entire process was full of giggles, questions, teamwork, and a lot of “Papa, is it ready yet?”

The moment the tent stood upright, they cheered like we had built a skyscraper.

Where Did We Camp? A Quiet Corner of Kasauli

I’m fortunate to have a home in Kasauli, so we decided to camp a little away from the house — close enough for safety, but far enough to feel like a real adventure.

The air was crisp, the surroundings silent, the sky clear.

And the temperature?
Cold. Very cold.
Not “wear-a-jacket” cold.
More like “why-did-I-do-this-to-myself” cold.

But the kids loved it.
Cold weather means cuddles, hot food, and extra blankets — all their favourite things.

Three Nights Under the Stars: My Favourite Part

We ended up camping for three nights.

My elder one stayed with me in the tent all three nights, proudly declaring himself the “camping expert.”
The younger one joined us only on the first night and then refused further camping because “Papa, it's too cold, and I like my bed.”

Fair enough.

The nights were slow, peaceful, and beautiful.
We read stories, talked about everything from school to superheroes, and even did small chores together — setting up the bedding, arranging food, organising the tent.

In the quiet of the mountains, without screens or distractions, I felt a different kind of closeness with my elder son.
We laughed, cuddled, whispered, and shared moments that would never happen in the usual Diwali chaos.

It felt like time had slowed down just for us.

What I Didn’t Enjoy: The Cold, The Cold… and Did I Mention the Cold?

As magical as it was, I won’t lie — the cold was brutal.

Even with an insulated tent, warm bedding, and layers of clothing, the third day hit me hard.
By the end, I had caught a cold myself.

Camping is beautiful, but camping in freezing temperatures?
Let’s just say it’s an acquired taste.

Would I recommend it?
Yes.
Would I do it again in winter?
No.
Would I do it again in summer?
Absolutely, 100%.

The Final Takeaway: Camping May Not Be For Me, But…

Here’s the truth:

I don’t think I’m naturally built for camping life.
I prefer warm rooms, soft beds, and not waking up to frozen toes.

But the memories I made with my kids — especially my elder son — were worth every single shiver.

We bonded.
We talked.
We played.
We learned.
We created a Diwali that will stay with us for years.

Sometimes, stepping out of your comfort zone gives your children the happiest version of you.

Would I Recommend This to Other Parents? A Big YES (With One Condition)

Do it in summer.
I repeat — do it in summer.

But do it.
Even if it’s just in your backyard, terrace, or a nearby open spot.

Because the joy on your child’s face when they zip up the tent, shine their torch around, and say “This is our home tonight!” is something you’ll never forget.

This Diwali, we didn’t just light diyas — we created a memory that glows brighter than all of them.