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How to survive Christmas alone abroad: tips on how to cope with being away from family for Christmas?

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How to survive Christmas alone abroad: tips on how to cope with being away from family for Christmas?

Christmas is a holiday that is associated with warm family gatherings, joyful smiles and the smell of family cookies. That is why for expats who are abroad, far from their loved ones, this holiday can bring feelings of sadness and loneliness. Learn more about how to cope with being away from family at Christmas

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Holidays without family and friends are one of the most difficult moments of life abroad. Christmas traditions, songs, entertainment - everything says that on this day you need to be close to your loved ones. But what if you can’t be with your family on Christmas? Sometimes such circumstances can cause feelings of guilt or sadness, but there is a way out of any situation. We will tell you about the best ways to deal with these feelings if you celebrate Christmas alone abroad.


8 useful tips for surviving Christmas alone


1. Use Skype, Facetime, Whatsapp, Zoom and Facebook Messenger

We are so lucky to live in a global society where we can quickly and easily stay in touch with friends and family around the world. Thanks to modern technology, you can practically be in the living room with your family on Christmas. So call your loved ones, set up a streaming broadcast on your TV and communicate with family and friends.



2. Decorate your home

Even if you spend Christmas abroad alone, it doesn't mean you can't celebrate it to the fullest. Put up a Christmas tree, decorate your home. Ordering decor or making it yourself can be not only a creative process, but also a personal expression of your individual holiday mood.


3. Make yourself a gift

Remember that Christmas is a time for giving, so instead of regretting the lack of gifts from your loved ones, take care of yourself and do small things for yourself. Or visit a spa during Christmas, read a new book, or do something else that you enjoy but usually don't make time for.


4. Unite with those who are also alone at Christmas

There is no shortage of people to spend Christmas with, so you don't have to be alone. Host a party or share a meal with those who are also away from home for Christmas.

If you’re traveling and staying in a hostel, chances are there will be an event like this.



5. Volunteer

A surefire way to avoid spending Christmas alone when you’re living abroad or traveling is to volunteer.

See if you can help out with a fundraiser somewhere, or ask different centers if they have any Christmas events that need volunteers. Working on Christmas is a great way to bring balance back into your life and remember what you have to be grateful for.


6. Embrace new traditions

You may never get to spend Christmas where you are again, so find out what the local traditions are and see if you can get involved. Find out what is prepared on this day in the country where you are, what traditions are common and whether they celebrate Christmas there at all.


7. Order gifts for family and friends

If you want to send Christmas gifts to your family and friends back home, then visit interesting stores on the Internet and order delivery to your loved ones. Then you can connect via video call and open gifts together.


8. Prepare a festive dinner

Develop a menu for a festive dinner that you would like to try. You can prepare traditional dishes from your country or try local gastronomic specialties. Plan the preparation time and take part in this creative process to create your own Christmas traditions.


Why is Christmas abroad so difficult for expats?




Celebrating Christmas in another country can be a time of loss and loneliness, especially when you realize that your life goes on and you won’t be able to be with your family during this special time. It’s important to get over the guilt of choosing a new path abroad as quickly as possible, and this can be a difficult task.

For expats, Christmas is often a pivotal time of year when they try to make up for the absence of loved ones by getting together with other expats or starting their own family far from home. But this loneliness can lead to mental health risks, and it’s important to find ways to relieve stress by sharing the joy and warmth of the holiday with other expats.

The annual trip home not only provides an opportunity to reconnect with family, but also helps them accept their choice to live abroad. It also reminds us that we all have our own journey, and it’s important not to feel guilty that it has taken us far from our loved ones.


What to do about loneliness?


The holidays can be challenging for those who are far from home and loved ones. However, it’s important to remember that everyone has their own journey and way of celebrating Christmas. Those who find themselves in a different situation or country may feel a sense of loss and longing, especially if it’s their first time without family.

For those who are feeling lonely or have lost their usual social circle, it’s important to find ways to support each other. Technology makes it easy to connect with loved ones, even when they’re far away. Video calls, cards, and gifts can be ways to express care and support.

Creating your own traditions and rituals is another way to overcome feelings of loneliness. This could be a special time for yourself, cooking your favorite meals, or even connecting virtually with friends or your expat community.

For those who don’t already have traditions, this could be a time to create one. It is important to help each other and remember that the holidays are not only a time for fun celebrations, but also an opportunity to help those in need.


We wish you a Merry Christmas!


Let us remind you! Christmas is a warm family holiday that brings together the closest people around a sumptuous table every year. We have already told you what delicacies people in different parts of the world will treat themselves to, perhaps this will inspire you to cook something new for Christmas 2024




Are you planning to travel or move abroad? An important component of a successful trip is a travel insurance policy, because it guarantees the provision of high-quality medical care in any corner of the world and is able to protect you from unnecessary expenses during the trip. You can buy insurance from verified agents on the Visit World portal.




Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:


Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.



We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.

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