Celebrating Christmas in a new country as an expat can bring up a really eclectic blend of feelings and challenges. On the one hand, being in a new country during the holidays grants you the joy of discovering new traditions and adds an interesting new flavor to the holiday season. On the other hand, it presents you with a unique set of challenges, including missing familiar customs and coping with the nostalgia of home.
Discovering the local Christmas customs can make you a much happier and more fulfilled expat. You will have a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of your destination's culture, naturally combining the holiday season with personal growth.
How to integrate into local Christmas traditions when living abroad
To fully embrace the festive spirit abroad, the best place to start is by taking the time to learn the customs and history of your host country. There are several ways to go about it:
- You can take the formal approach and read up on the local culture or even take a course. Visiting local community centers or libraries can be very useful here as they often host cultural workshops or have resources detailing the region's holiday traditions.
- If you want to keep things light and casual, it may be useful to engage in conversations with neighbors or colleagues and ask them questions about the local culture and holiday traditions. These conversations can also offer you personal insights into customary practices and stories behind the celebrations.
“During my first Christmas in Japan, my first instinct was to stay home with my artificial tree. But then my colleagues asked me to go with them to a bar. This was when I learned that Christmas in Japan is funnier and louder", says Mary, an expat in Tokyo, Japan.
Once you have a basic idea of what local celebrations may look like, you may want to head straight out of your comfort zone and get involved with local celebrations.
Attend Christmas markets, parades, and community gatherings. These are often at the heart of seasonal celebrations. To find these events, check out local tourism websites and community boards. Social media groups specifically for expats can also be a treasure trove of information.
Tom, an expat in Antalya, Turkey, shares his experience. "I actually got a lot of advice from the local expat forum during my first year in Turkey. And I wasn't even actively searching for advice. People would regularly post interesting events to attend — and that's where I “found” my plans for Thanksgiving and Christmas this year”.
While local Christmas events can be a lot of fun, the real magic often lies in the connections you make. Making friends in a new country can be challenging, but shared experiences like holiday festivities provide a natural icebreaker. Look for local clubs or groups that might be organizing outings to these events, or consider taking a more proactive approach by organizing a group visit yourself. Language exchange meetups, expat communities, or even local classes (like cooking or art) can be great places to meet people who are also interested in experiencing local traditions.
Share Christmas traditions from your home country
Once you've explored the local festivities firsthand, you may want to get creative and think of ways to mix local Christmas traditions with your own.
Start by identifying elements from your traditional Christmas that are close to your heart—be it special dishes, decorations, or songs—and think about how they can be integrated with local customs. For example, if you're from a country where Christmas means a snowy landscape and hearty meals, and you're now in a tropical climate, consider adapting your traditional menu to include local seasonal produce or seafood.
Similarly, incorporate local customs into your home, like adopting the practice of a ‘Secret Santa' gift exchange if it's a local tradition or learning to make a popular holiday craft or dish from your host country. This fusion not only enriches your own celebration but also shows respect and appreciation for the local culture.
Hosting a multicultural Christmas gathering is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season as an expat. Invite a mix of locals and fellow expats, encouraging each guest to bring something representative of their own Christmas traditions, whether it's a traditional dish, a typical decoration, or a customary game or song.
“Some of my best holiday memories are from spontaneous get-togethers my colleagues and students put together. We even had a game. We (the teachers) would tell our students how we celebrate Christmas back home, all of us coming from different countries — and they (the students) would have to guess if what we are saying is true or not", says Jenny, a former expat in Shanghai, China.
Don't underestimate the role of food in the Christmas tradition. Each country has its own meaningful selection of holiday dishes and treats that hold deep cultural significance, whether it's a special roast, a flavorful dessert, or a unique beverage.
Roll up your sleeves and attempt to recreate some of the traditional recipes in your own kitchen. Cooking or baking local holiday dishes is a fun way to keep yourself busy during the holiday season abroad and will help foster a sense of connection with the culture. Don't be afraid to ask locals for recipes or cooking tips; they'll likely appreciate your interest and may even offer to help you master the art of making these special dishes.
Don't forget to share your own Christmas food traditions from your homeland. This exchange of culinary knowledge can lead to delightful cross-cultural experiences.
Overall, incorporating your own Christmas traditions into your new life abroad is a wonderful way to keep your cultural heritage alive while also embracing the richness of the host country's customs. It's a win-win situation that promotes understanding, unity, and the true spirit of the holiday season.
What has helped you embrace new traditions abroad? Or, maybe you have interesting plans for this holiday season? We'd be happy to hear from you in the comments below!
