Features

During the festive season, and especially on December 31, many countries have a tradition of lighting fireworks at midnight to welcome the New Year. While many people look forward to this, other concepts, such as drone shows, have surfaced recently and are both praised and criticized. 

Expats heading home for the festive season know that this is also the perfect time to fill their luggage with gifts for friends and family. If you're a new expat spending your first Christmas abroad and you're planning to return for the holidays, you might be wondering what you could bring back and how to do it sustainably to minimize the environmental impact. Your questions will be addressed in this article.

Celebrating Christmas in a new country as an expat can bring up a really eclectic blend of feelings and challenges. On the one hand, being in a new country during the holidays grants you the joy of discovering new traditions and adds an interesting new flavor to the holiday season. On the other hand, it presents you with a unique set of challenges, including missing familiar customs and coping with the nostalgia of home. 

You're now used to celebrating Christmas in your host country. It doesn't feel "foreign" anymore, and you're eagerly looking forward to another Christmas. Filled with creativity, you understand that the best moments are often the simplest, and throwing a great party doesn't necessarily require spending your entire salary from the last three months. There are plenty of clever ideas for a festive celebration.

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?

Spending the holidays away from home can be a uniquely challenging experience. Moreover, the holiday season often heightens homesickness and loneliness as traditions and family gatherings take center stage. Today, we will look into ways to address these feelings so that your holidays in a new location are a source of positive memories you will want to keep.

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.

Is the professional world adapting to the rise of digital nomadism? While many sectors maintain their conventional work structures (as not everything can be digitized), others are embracing fully remote work setups. Whether they are freelancers or work for a company, digital nomads are reshaping the fundamental concept of work. This transformation is especially true in the office environment, which is now portable alongside the worker. The question arises: where should you choose as your remote work base? Here's a glimpse into the benefits of budget-friendly destinations for remote work.

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.

Christmas has become a popular corporate event around the world, with many companies embracing end-of-year celebrations through occasional tinsel trees and various levels of decorations, ranging from discreet to elaborate. However, when it comes to etiquette, here's what expats should keep in mind.

According to the current Italian prime minister, it could soon be possible for Italian expats to benefit from healthcare in Italy while living abroad. In fact, a bill proposed by the Fratelli d'Italia party aims to allow this against an annual contribution of 1,500 euros to the national health system (SSN). 

If you're planning to move abroad, you're perhaps in the middle of the process of obtaining your visa and residency permit. One of the required documents is proof of financial means. Apart from the often exorbitant amount, how can you prove you have sufficient funds to live in your chosen country?

Happiness is a complicated matter. Philosophers have tried to define it, economists have tried to measure it, and expats, well, expats are trying to find it. Several surveys look at happiness from a geographical angle. Their goal is to determine whether location has an impact on your emotional well-being. And, as it turns out, it does. But the rest isn't that clear.