The festive season can sometimes be a tricky time for expats
The end-of-year holidays can be a challenging moment for expatriates, regardless of whether they have lived in their host country for a long time or not. Far from their loved ones and from their usual bearings, time can seem rather elusive. Christmas and New Year's Eve are typically spent with family and friends. They are the ultimate family time, which can make lonely people abroad feel even more depressed. To lift the spirits up, let's start by setting the stage. Are you okay with loneliness or not?
One tends to think that being alone is the end of the world. But actually, it all depends on how this loneliness is perceived. Some people crave it, while others feel it even though they are with their family or friends. If you are ready to enjoy this period by yourself, you probably already have an idea of what to do for the coming end-of-year celebrations. If you don't, there's no need to stress! Instead, there are practical solutions. If you look hard enough, you'll see that you're not the only one thinking about having fun during the upcoming holiday season.
Follow the crowds
Are you cool to engage with? Follow the crowd, then. There are so many places where people from different walks of life have fun together during the festive season.
In Japan, for example, everyone rushes to Asakusa temple, northeast of Tokyo, for the new year countdown. Locals and foreigners alike gather in a friendly atmosphere. If you prefer the pop mood to the traditional one, head to Shibuya. For a cooler ambiance, check out the smaller temples.
If you are in Madrid, head to the Puerta del Sol. It is customary to gather there to eat 12 grapes to the rhythm of the 12 strokes of midnight. To avoid getting run off the road, take seedless grapes.
In India, check out Kolkata, a city known for its massive Christmas celebrations. Equally popular is Mumbai, one of the most cosmopolitan cities in India. In Goa and Cochin, churches twinkle during the holidays. And if you love the beach, why not try Pondicherry?
For a "bar and party" atmosphere, Siem Reap, in Cambodia, is the perfect spot. If you live there, you will enjoy a cool Christmas (it is the dry season at this time of year). You will come across many backpackers and be welcomed by the locals in a festive and warm atmosphere.
Now that you've understood the principle, all you need is to find out about the events close to your home. You can also seize the opportunity to discover a new neighborhood or city where to spend the holidays. Of course, it's not always easy to strike up a conversation with strangers. But you can still get the most of the "Christmas euphoria" to make new contacts.
Try the end-of-year mini road-trip
Don't you want to break away from the daily routine? Don't you feel like you deserve a break after a year of studies in your host country? Or do you prefer to be alone, in harmony with nature? Then treat yourself to a mini road trip.
You will certainly find good hiking trails in your host country, like the Lycian Way in Turkey, the Dingle Way in Ireland, the Tahoe Rim Trail in the USA, or the Lechweg Trail in Austria and Germany. These are among the most beautiful trail tracks in the world. And if you prefer a mix of hiking and surfing, head to Cape To Cape Track and Byron Bay in Australia. Before you set out on your adventure, make sure you're allowed to do it. Check the weather reports and make sure you're well-equipped and connected with a smartphone and battery backup.
Design your own Christmas city tour
Not a fan of hiking and climbing? More in tune with storefronts than tall winter trees? Forget the mini road trip and plan your own city tour. You may never have had the opportunity to thoroughly visit your city from coast to coast. Take a full day to explore your city, and more if you live in places like Cairo, Sao Paulo, or Shanghai (plan a full weekend instead). Be a fancy tourist and treat yourself. Bruges, Budapest, Mexico City, Cape Town, Amsterdam, Seoul, New York, Strasbourg, Lausanne, Geneva, and Tokyo are some of the most beautiful cities to visit solo.
Host or join an expat party
If, for you, end-of-the-year celebrations mean partying, check out expat clubs. There are many misconceptions about these groups, but they can be very interesting and useful, especially if you are not happy with being alone. Just like you, there are thousands of expats or even locals who are scared to join a group. They fear being seen as friendless or desperate. Again, strong social pressure leads to a biased perception of human interaction. We have never been so connected and, paradoxically, so alone. Break the ice and join expat groups (forums, social media, etc.). You might also organize a party with people you know (from school, college, colleagues, friends from sports or cultural clubs, etc.)
Improvise a themed party
Are you a karaoke fan, a cooking enthusiast, or are you interested in comics, rock, pop, dance, or theater? Try another form of international evening and gather around a theme. You can join an existing group (on social media, for example) or create your own. It would be a great opportunity to meet locals, share your passion, discover others, and blend in diverse cultures. Seize the opportunity to try your hand at local traditions. In the same way, participate in cultural end-of-the-year celebrations: locals might invite you to their homes, or vice versa. This could be another great way to learn more about your host country and to share your culture.
Try out the video calls with your friends and family
Why not, after all? However, everyone must play the game. Just imagine you are alone at home, and 10 or 20 of your friends and family join you over a video call and virtually share drinks and stories from wherever they may be. This can be an excellent option, but on the darker side, there are risks that you are quickly forgotten amid snacks and Christmas jokes. The feeling of isolation can be even stronger because you will be attending a party to which you no longer feel invited. The best way to do that is by limiting the number of people attending. Two sounds like the perfect setting for intimacy and confiding in each other. With two to four guests in a video call, interactions remain manageable.
Pamper yourself
Do you dream of cocooning parties curled up in your blanket or savoring your favorite dishes? Plan your best binge-watching evening to catch up on all the TV shows you missed during the year (plan on for a good two weeks). Treat yourself to a few hours or a weekend in a SPA or a traditional inn. Are you in Norway? Try an ice bath, the whiplash version of cocooning that will give you a good dose of adrenaline to face 2023.
Some extra tips for a great holiday season
Do not force yourself into things you do not want. If you want to get the most out of your expatriation to spend the holidays alone, just do it!
Don't be afraid of being judged, and don't be embarrassed to say that you're looking for company. Again, there are thousands (if not millions) of people in a similar situation. Reach out to all your contacts abroad (colleagues, schoolmates, college friends, acquaintances...). Sign up to meet-up groups. Do your research in several languages (local language and English first). Without surprise, you will find more gatherings with locals if you do your search in the local language.
Be bold and go beyond your comfort zone. Keep in mind that you have a successful expat life. You will also manage to have an unforgettable holiday season.
