4 Ways to Celebrate Holidays Abroad

By Ian Acosta on November 20, 2016

Holidays are always a special time of year. They bring back memories of parties, gifts, and gatherings from when you were younger and allow for new traditions to be made each and every year. For some more festive ones such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, the gentle nature of these two brings out the warmth and love of everyone involved. For more celebratory holidays, such as Halloween and Independence Day, these usually bring along more fervor and excitement to dress up as a wild character or to shoot off fireworks on a warm summer night.

How can these holidays still be remembered and celebrated at a home away from home? Here are some tips to keep the spirit alive from halfway across the world.

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1. Webcam Party

Technology is so advanced these days that people can have a conversation with someone halfway across the world while they see each other too! What a time to be alive. Really missing the feeling of being a part of the yearly Thanksgiving dinner? Prepare a festive Thanksgiving meal while studying abroad and video call the family to join in on the cutting of the turkey.

Want to see everyone’s excitement when the family opens the gifts? Plan to open your gifts at the same time as them to make it seem like you are still sitting right there under the Christmas tree.

Although it might be tough to shoot fireworks off in front of a webcam, not to mention due to various country restrictions, but another way to celebrate Fourth of July abroad is to have a cookout with the family. Sit back, relax, and enjoy some burgers, brats, potato salad and apple pie. Enjoy some good food with some good virtual company.

2. Friends/Classmates

Another strategy to escape the holiday blues while abroad is to celebrate the holidays with your fellow study abroad program classmates. More than likely, they are in the same boat in terms of being unsure how to celebrate their favorite holiday or tradition. If this is the case, celebrate with them!

For example, have a collective Thanksgiving dinner, or Friendsgiving. Not only does each person get to make their signature Thanksgiving dish, it will help build more camaraderie and make the time abroad that much more valuable.

Halloween is a very easy holiday to celebrate with friends and classmates. I think we all know why that is. That’s right, the candy!! But seriously, always keep your costumes and parties respectable and responsible while having a good amount of fun.

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3. Local Holidays

Not everyone gets the opportunity to study abroad. While in your home away from home, take the time to learn as much as possible and immerse yourself in whatever the country, city, or area has to offer. A great way to do this? Learn about and celebrate a holiday or two in your new country.

For example, in October, Spain celebrates its national holiday. Take the time to read up on the history of the country you are in and celebrate any local holidays with the national people. Even better, if staying with a host family, have them share their stories and memories on the holidays they celebrate. Learn about their customs and traditions and celebrate with them.

While you may not have the opportunity to celebrate holidays with your family, you can still celebrate new holidays with your host family.

4. Travel

Want to forget about the usual customs and traditions of celebrating your own holidays? You are probably not alone in that regard. If you have time off in your study abroad program due to the usual United States holidays, take a break to unwind and spend the holiday time in another part of the world. No need to necessarily celebrate, but some rest and relaxation will help recharge and refocus you for the rest of your study abroad trip. Grab some friends or classmates who are thinking the same and embark on a mini vacation. Don’t forget your passport!

Just because you are abroad does not mean you cannot celebrate your favorite holiday or tradition away from home. If none of these tips seem to suit the situation, feel free to celebrate by yourself. No harm in having a mini holiday for one. Grab some items or food that remind you of your favorite holiday and have a blast. The point is to never lose the traditions that mean to most to you or your family.

Needless to say, these are only a handful of the various ways to keep the holiday spirit up while abroad. Before you know it, you will be back from your experience abroad and able to celebrate all of the holidays you missed at home with your family. Until that time, be safe and Happy Holidays!

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