Leisure - Expat Magazine
Celebrating traditional family holidays abroad is rarely easy. But there's something about Christmas that makes it particularly challenging. Today, we'll try to unpack what it is that we miss about Christmas away from home and look into ways to “manufacture” Christmas spirit in a foreign country.
Relocating to a neighboring country or moving to the opposite side of the world are two distinct experiences. With the radical changes in climate, food, product availability, and cultural practices, preparing for Christmas becomes an adventure in itself. And let's not forget about family members back home or spread across different countries… How do expatriates stay organized in such situations?
As the magic of Christmas slowly embraces the world, every corner of the globe adds its charm to this festive season. Expat.com is delighted to present your first gift: a global tour of the essential events for anyone celebrating Christmas abroad! Come along as we wander through the brilliant streets of Europe, explore the unique traditions of Asia, and immerse ourselves in the festive fervor of celebrations across America.
The season is upon us. And no matter how many exciting plans you have for this holiday season, there will probably be a time in your busy schedule when you will want to have some cozy TV time. Here's where we have you covered. Here are the best Christmas movies to keep you entertained this holiday season.
An expat's life is punctuated by significant milestones – the initial month in a foreign land, the inaugural birthday, and the first Christmas. These milestones become even more important when children are part of the adventure. In many countries, Christmas remains a family celebration. So, how do you celebrate your first Christmas abroad, and how do you get your children involved?
Christmas, filled with warm traditions, sparkling lights, and a festive spirit, is a magical time for children all around the world. Yet, in a country where Christmas celebrations are uncommon, how can you ensure you keep the magic of this season for your little ones? This article proposes various creative approaches to revive the Christmas magic for your children while living abroad.
This article is particularly intended for foodies and people seeking a culinary adventure! As the festive lights sparkle everywhere, the streets come alive with celebrations, and tempting aromas fill the air, we're gearing up for a culinary journey around the world. Forget about borders, leave your passport behind, and allow yourself to be carried away by the mouthwatering traditions that captivate the world during this magical holiday season. From Finland's gratins to the USA's roast beef and the delights of Mexico, let's explore the dishes that make Christmas truly memorable. Hold on tight for a gourmet journey!
As the festive season sets in, finding the perfect gift for loved ones abroad can become quite a challenge, if not a headache. How can you capture the holiday spirit across borders? Expat.com gives you unique ideas for end-of-year gifts that blend a touch of life abroad with local warmth, making it easier to send a meaningful present to your loved ones back home.
The year-end sales season is full-on; temptation lurks everywhere. Even when you live in a foreign country, you might want to follow the trend. Here are some tips on how to limit or control your year-end shopping as an expat.
France
Did you know that there is a museum in Paris called the Immigration Museum, or Musée de l'Immigration? It underwent major renovations and was closed in 2020, and has just reopened. The museum aims to tell a story that connects everyone and portrays the various aspects of immigration throughout French history.
There are many expat blogs on the Internet, but many have, in some ways, run out of steam over time. The reasons for this are numerous, including the lack of interest and inspiration, fewer visits, too much competition, or a return to the country of origin. Let's try to find an explanation as to why expat blogs have been on the decline lately.
Whether with family, friends, or on your own, the transition to the new year is a unique and often awaited moment. From South Africa, France, China, to Spain, each country has its own traditions and its own way of celebrating the New Year's eve. But does everyone celebrate the New Year on January 1? Between customs, challenges, rituals and history, here is an overview of some unique New Year traditions.
As 2022 ends, most expats are gearing up for the holiday season. What should you look out for if you're away from home? What are the best practices for expats? From local invitations to parties and nightclubs, here are some tips for enjoying the holiday season as an expat.
Living abroad has a lot of perks and drawbacks, especially when it comes to end-of-year celebrations. For many, it is often not easy to return home for Christmas or New Year's Eve. And when you happen to be abroad for the first time, you obviously need to be well prepared. Expats who will be celebrating Christmas and the New Year away from home shared their thoughts with Expat.com.
Are you a solo expat, and you don't know what to do in your host country during the festive season? Or maybe you are just not keen about the phone calls and wishful thinking messages you might be getting from anxious relatives, especially with their night-time videocalls. Anyways, don't panic! Here are some ideas for spending the holiday season alone abroad with stars in your eyes.
Christmas and New Year's Eve are just around the corner! For many expats, this means returning to their home country to spend this traditional time of year with family and friends. As a matter of fact, every year, airports around the world are packed with expats, with their luggage full of gifts for their loved ones.
More than a week after the kick-off of the 22nd edition of the World Cup, tension mounts as teams struggle to secure their place in the Round of 16. For some, it is already the end! Others have made sure to get through their final group matches. Here's how expatriates and visitors in Qatar are experiencing the "World Cup" vibes.
When we talk about the holiday season, we certainly think of the sumptuous European Christmas markets where the magic happens. Although their origin is not precisely known, they are often associated with Northern European countries as it is estimated that the first ones appeared around the 14th century in Germany and Alsace. Here is our selection of the most popular and anticipated Christmas markets in Europe, some of which start much earlier than you think!
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