5 Tips for Surviving Holidays While Abroad: Expat Playbook
date: 2023-12-22
author: Ivana Mrgan

Finding joy, meaningful connections and that holiday cheer can be both challenging and draining. Especially if you are a part of the expat community. You might feel isolated and nostalgic and maybe even detached as this season can look quite different in your host country. Be gentle with yourself. Take a deep breath and read on. Here are 5 tips on how to thrive, not just survive.
Tip 1 Recreate traditions and share the joy internationally
Share memories and incorporate new traditions in your social circle. Case in point. Holiday kayaking? Why not. Revive the old ones with tweaks that work well in your international community.
Tip 2 Embrace local customs and explore traditions
Be open to experiences and immerse yourself in the new ones. Invite others and do it together. Keep that multicultural perspective going. This is maybe even more important during this period.
Tip 3 Reduce the clutter
There is less "me time" during this period. Funnily enough, this should be an expat powerhouse. Recent findings suggest that expat experience can boost self-clarity.
Based on this, it should become easier to mindfully reflect on our beliefs and values. This is the ideal time for check-ins. Create small pockets of "me time" whenever you can.
Tip 4 Manage stressors
We tend to change our routines, diet, and activity levels during this period. This can shift the balance even more. Be mindful. Map out potentially risky situations, note down warning signs and set up a self-care plan.
Tip 5 Stay in touch with those at home
Connect over accessible and meaningful activities in a mindful way. Be self-kind, find a good balance and tend to your boundaries.
This is the time to nurture, enjoy and celebrate all your cultural identities and to share this holiday cheer with all the communities you feel a part of. Be mindful of diet, sleeping patterns and possible stress factors, and enjoy the season.