As the New Year dives in, most of us make good resolutions that we shall give up after three days, others that we will hold or try to hold as far as possible. These often include doing more sports, eating better, traveling, visiting friends and family more often, etc. Everyone has their ideas. What about expats?
A brief history of New Year's resolutions
Did you know that the origin of New Year's resolutions dates back to ancient times, and more specifically to the Babylonians? They used to celebrate the New Year in the spring and made promises to the Gods to repay their debts and return whatever they had borrowed over the previous year. Later, the Romans adopted this tradition, but this time in January, in honor of the God Janus (from whom the month of January derives its name). This deity was the God of new doors and new beginnings, depicted with two faces, one looking into the past and the other into the future. The Romans believed that making promises to Janus at the start of the year would bring good omens in the coming months.
Over the centuries, the tradition has changed and evolved. Today, New Year's resolutions are often linked to personal goals to improve something in one's life. The tradition lives on and remains an opportunity for many to reflect on their goals and aspirations for the New Year.
Expats and their New Year's resolutions
Oli, a Dominican expat in the Netherlands with her husband, talks to us about her good resolutions for 2024: "This year, I'm finally going to do things related to my integration in my host country and apply for Dutch citizenship. I'd also like to travel a lot more, in my own country in particular, but also in other countries with my husband and friends. I really want to discover new countries and continents that I've never been to before. That's one of the most important things for me this year." But that's not all, as Oli has also made some decisions regarding her career. "I'd like to get a better role in my current job, and if that's not possible, I'll look for a new job. I've also decided to learn more of the local language (Dutch) to communicate with as many people as possible, especially with my husband's friends and family, as some of them don't speak English, and communication can be difficult at times. Finally, I'd really like to go to the gym more!"
Laura, a Spanish expatriate who also lives in the Netherlands, shares her forthcoming plans with us. "For the New Year, I've decided to maintain the habits I've developed so far. One of them was to quit drinking alcohol, which I did a year ago, and I intend to keep up this habit, which is very important to me. And then I've decided to live more in the present and also practice more meditation."
Elisabeth, a French expat in Quebec, Canada, has a number of projects on her mind for 2024. "I haven't made any resolutions for several years now, simply because I quickly abandon them (strangely enough, the resolution to do more sport fades out quickly) or because things look different as the year evolves. However, I have a few plans which I hope to accomplish." In particular, Elisabeth hopes to obtain permanent residency in 2024 if Canadian immigration validates her application. "The application has already been validated by Quebec in 2023, so the next stage is underway. So, one of my resolutions for next year is to stay in Quebec. I'd also like to make a trip to France. I haven't returned for over two years, so it would be a good opportunity to see friends and family again, and hopefully the plane tickets won't be too expensive."
Finally, in the spring, Elisabeth and her husband will be welcoming a new member into their household. "The arrival of a new baby will undoubtedly change a lot of things in our daily lives, so I'd say that if I had to make one resolution, it would be to prepare for it as well as possible and make the most of it. So 2024 promises to be a very busy year!"
Estelle, a French expat in Italy, has also made some good resolutions that she shared with us. "This year, I've decided to really think about myself and find out where I want to go. I've had several major changes in my personal and professional life. I've been questioning myself a lot, and I'd like 2024 to be a decisive year. I've already got a trip to Paris and Amsterdam in mind, and I hope to be able to go there before the summer." Still regarding travel, Estelle also wants to take a solo trip to another continent, but for that, she will have to renew her passport, which expired a while ago. "I didn't need it before because I've only traveled in Europe in recent years, but now I've got no choice!"
What about your resolutions for the New Year?
