No matter where expats are, they are always striving to go home for Christmas. Afterall, nothing beats being with family and friends during the holidays. Airfares are the most expensive during the time and the holiday rush is enough to drive anyone crazy yet home is still the best place to spend Christmas.
Here are a few little things that make expats who travel back to their home country happy over the holiday season:
Just the nostalgia of being in a familiar place
Home is where the heart is, they say. What better time to be home than during Christmastime? The familiarity of a place, your surroundings and favorite places to visit—all these are enough to make an expat forget his life away from home.
Shopping for trinkets and things that are not available in your host country
Expats love going back to their favorite shopping malls or stores to search for things they want to bring back to their second home. Most expats would bring back these items or restock on local goodies to bring a piece of home with them.
Food, glorious food
Any expat who has been away from a while would definitely look forward to eating local food they have missed. Local delicacies or home cooked meals are extra special when one has missed it truly.
Catching up on the local scene to see what you have missed while you were gone
Being a tourist in your hometown. Reconnect with your old home by being a tourist in your country. Explore places you have not gone before and experience sights and sounds with fresh eyes.
Reuniting with friends
One of the most important things to do while you're home is to catch up with friends. Set reunions or simple coffee get-togethers and make the most out of your time at home. It is a wonderful feeling to be able to reconnect with people you have missed.
Sampling Christmas markets and bazaars
Christmas markets are common around the world. To further enjoy the festivities of Christmas, visit these markets and see what you can find as gifts or to bring back with you once your holiday is over.
Scouting for eco-friendly sustainable products
Perhaps one of the best things about eco-friendly revolution these days is that there are a lot of merchants who offer sustainable products. What better way to start your zero-waste lifestyle but to purchase environment friendly products? Some products may not be available in your host country or they may be more expensive there so bring some back with you.
Spending time with family, lots of it
While it may be tempting to set up reunions left and right, be sure to spend a lot of time with family. They have missed you and what better way to make the most of your holidays but to spend time with people that matter the most?
Visiting all the places you miss while you were gone
It can be the simplest place or something grand, it doesn't matter. Make a list of places you want to see and visit while you are home.
Whatever you do, choose to spend quality time with those who are dear to you. Time is valuable when you have only a few weeks to spend at home as an expat.
