Holidays

karenBH wrote:

Hi all
By the topic I mean the usual NA holiday times likes xmas, easter, etc.  What sort of stuff should I leave behind as in seasonal decorations?  I am pawing thru everything these days saying Take, maybe, toss.  I have loads of xmas, hallowe'en, thanksgiving decorations, that I love to use year round, but wonder if I should just 'let go'

I see that you're new here (just two posts thus far), so first I will welcome you. And second, I'll point out that the most common response to questions here is "We need more info before we can answer" -- and that's my response to your question.

The first thing that comes to mind is whether you are talking about indoor or outdoor decorations and whether you are planning to get an apartment or a house in Ecuador.

But the issue raises the more basic question of why are you emigrating? Are you looking to begin a new life or continue the same life in a new location?

The answer isn't simple and it needn't be either/or. Most of us are somewhere on the scale between the two -- wanting new adventures but also needing the comfort of reminders of home. The question for each of us is where to strike the balance.

I travel very light because I like the freedom of not having a lot to move, but that's just me.

Have been steadily lightenining my load. I would think you would find decorations for all the Catholic holidays would exist in Ecuador, maybe just no Easter bunnies or Santa Clauses. I like to think I would want to embrace celebrations in the new culture and in the way they celebrate.

Hi Bob
I appreciatwe the questions, but honestly it is a pretty straight forward question.  I am about to be 65; am retiring, am planning a move to Ecuador in June /July next year;  and, just wondering about dropping NA decorations or if people like to keep up the memories.  I understand from your posts that perhaps you have no ties to specific places/traditions but sometimes traditions are good/important/fun. I am just wondering how others feel. maybe xmas trees are not important to spanish/portuguese south american traditions. Maybe the decorations I am used to are totally alien. My entire heritage is north/western european.I just wonder how others feel about keeping/discarding.

All of them to be sold at the yard sale or given away. The cost to ship far outweighs the reasons to bring them.
They're more then enough sources of inexpensive hand crafted materials here which you'll find to make you forget what you sold off. Keep only the things with sentimentality and good memories.

It really is totally up to you and how you feel. For me the ex-pat mentality is not to try to make your new home just like NA. It doesn't work. Maybe you should put them in storage with family or friends if you still feel ambiguous and might end up returning.

karenBH wrote:

Hi Bob
I appreciatwe the questions, but honestly it is a pretty straight forward question.  I am about to be 65; am retiring, am planning a move to Ecuador in June /July next year;  and, just wondering about dropping NA decorations or if people like to keep up the memories.  I understand from your posts that perhaps you have no ties to specific places/traditions but sometimes traditions are good/important/fun. I am just wondering how others feel. maybe xmas trees are not important to spanish/portuguese south american traditions. Maybe the decorations I am used to are totally alien. My entire heritage is north/western european.I just wonder how others feel about keeping/discarding.

And Bob did not ask you if you have ever been to Ecuador before for any long period of time.  Perhaps in June/July you are coming to explore Ecuador for the first time.  Even if you have visited previously you might want to rent at first to see how life there treats you before making any final decisions.  If you know these things or heard this before please realize I am not talking down to you or implying that you are ignorant of life in Ecuador, but merely saying this just in case all of your knowledge comes from International Living or similar publications with an economic agenda.  I wish you nothing but the best, and I am sure that any other questions you have about expat life will be answered on here or you will be directed to reliable sources. Have you considered where you want to live in Ecuador?  Cuenca is very popular now days, and there is a wonderful BBRC (Baby Boomer Reception Committee)there just waiting for you.