At this time of year, we see lots of groups on InterNations getting together to celebrate the festive season. Our members introduce their own Christmas and New Year’s Eve traditions to each other, with food being a common theme — and always a great reason to meet up!
So, use this opportunity to (re)create and share a piece of home. For example, you could share the joy of Plätzchen (Christmas cookies) through a joint baking session.
Or join in on activities that you associate with the season. The Tokyo Music Lovers Group, for example, is heading to a Nutcracker concert on 24 December.
If you’re staying put, don’t be shy! Reach out to those who are in the same position as you.
For whatever reason, be it work, money, family, there will be many who aren’t going home for the holidays, either. And InterNations is the perfect way to find like-minded folks to celebrate with, by either posting or joining an event.
You can check out these Christmas activities in San Francisco and São Paulo for inspiration. Or have a look in your calendar for events like the aptly named Orphans Christmas Eve Dinner in Sydney.
Many expats find that especially the first time spending the holidays abroad can be a shock. You discover yourself missing the little things. Houses with over-the-top holiday decorations. German Glühwein (hot wine with spices). Or going to KFC for Christmas dinner …
Our advice: be open to the local culture. Throw yourself into the experience, meet people, and ask them to share their customs with you. Mutton curry for dinner, not poultry. Presents a day earlier (or later) than you’re used to. And Boxing Day shopping instead of a visit to the Christmas market — or vice versa.
Speaking of Christmas markets: if there are any where you live, this is a tradition we can gladly recommend! And it’s also a favorite activity among members: from an after-work visit to the local Xmas market (Gløgg included!) in Copenhagen to trying Flammlachs in Munich (rumored to be the best food in town).
If you’ve got time on your hands, but aren’t making a big journey back home, how about a little adventure instead?
The holidays can be the perfect time to discover something new. Make that city trip to Vienna you’d been wanting to do for ages. Discover Jingle Bricks and Merry Figs at Legoland like our Dubai Socialites Group. Finally try out snowboarding (but don’t forget the safety gear!).
Or simply stay home and treat yourself to a new book and a relaxing bubble bath. Immerse yourself in whatever you enjoy — and make the holidays that extra bit special.
Homesickness, it’s a feeling many, if not all of us have felt at some point in our lives. A longing for home is a state of mind that can impact your experience abroad in the most negative ways… that is, if you let it! Take the tough love approach and say bon voyage to feeling blue.
With the beginning of a new year, thoughts of fresh starts, positive life choices, and self-improvement start running through our minds. Here are ten New Year’s resolutions you might want to try!
Expats may find themselves celebrating New Year’s Eve in a new place every December. Many also travel specifically to experience the coming of the new year abroad. There are plenty of places to choose from, and this article nominates a select few as the cream of the crop.
In many countries, tea is much more than just a beverage. It’s often deeply connected with the culture and the people. The Japanese tea ceremony is about connecting on a spiritual level while in Morocco, tea is served as a sign of hospitality. Discover the different traditions around this hot beverage.
Many expatriates that move abroad often, although unintentionally, end up in an expat bubble. Remaining in the bubble can mean missing out on all the exciting quirks the host country has to offer! So why not try out a couple of these tips to go out and experience the local culture?