Christmas is a special time of year: we meet with our loved ones, exchange gifts and spend quality time together. Everything becomes a little more complicated when you’re living overseas or simply traveling for work or pleasure during the festive season. There are a few ways you can make the festive season special, whether you have a big budget or not! So read on for my top ways to celebrate Christmas when you’re far away from home:
1) A Skype Call
For most, being together is what makes Christmas so special. If you can’t do that because of distance, consider setting up a special time to Skype call. It’s free and best of all you can actually see each other’s faces, so it makes the whole thing so much more special! I suggest locking in a time well in advance because between other family member and friends, schedules can fill up fast on Christmas day. If you’re traveling somewhere interesting, take the Skype call as an opportunity to show your family where you are. Chances are they’re wondering where their loved one is on this special day.
2) Send Gifts
Just because you’re far away doesn’t mean you can’t send your family thoughtful gifts. The Internet has made it easier than ever to share the Christmas spirit with people who are miles away from you. I personally love shopping on alternative sites like Esty and Ebay, to find something unique they probably couldn’t find for themselves elsewhere. The only problem is sometimes the items are “pick up only” which can be a right hassle when you’re overseas. You can use services like Shiply to collect items that are listed as collection only, allowing you to pick the perfect presents for your loved ones.
3) Send a Card
If your budget is a bit strict, then you can send something a little more affordable but equally as thoughtful. These days most of us only receive mail when we have a bill to pay, which makes checking the mailbox pretty depressing when there’s nothing fun to receive. Sending a card is a great way to send something small that will show your loved ones you’re thinking of them. The other great bonus about sending a card is that it is inexpensive to post them to anywhere in the world.
4) Make New Traditions
It can be sad to be away from your family when it’s Christmas time but it’s also an opportunity to make new traditions. Consider hosting a cookie decorating evening with your friends to make things festive, or you can do a secret santa with your travel buddies too. There are easy ways to make it feel a little more like Christmas with those you will be spending the festive time even if they’re not your family.
Although it can be sad to be far from home, take this opportunity to create a new kind of Christmas filled with lots of special memories and merry moments.
