It all depends on how bad the traffic is. I once left from MA to CT on Wed afternoon before Thanksgiving. Was supposed to be 2.5h -3h. The first hr, we got about 10mi away. The 2nd about 30. iirc, that drive took us nearly 6h. In decent weather. I wanted to get out and walk!
Similar coming back on Sunday after. the 13ish hr drive from NC took about 17h. Accidents galore because of rain & traffic.
If you're ok w/traffic vs driving at night, than that is what is best for your family. We cant do early am. DH is physically incapable. So that ends up being way more stressful for us.
dd1 10/05
dd2 11/09
and ... a mini poodle!