At this time of year, we see lots of groups on InterNations getting together to celebrate the festive season. Our members introduce their own Christmas and New Year’s Eve traditions to each other, with food being a common theme — and always a great reason to meet up!
So, use this opportunity to (re)create and share a piece of home. For example, you could share the joy of Plätzchen (Christmas cookies) through a joint baking session.
Or join in on activities that you associate with the season. The Tokyo Music Lovers Group, for example, is heading to a Nutcracker concert on 24 December.
If you’re staying put, don’t be shy! Reach out to those who are in the same position as you.
For whatever reason, be it work, money, family, there will be many who aren’t going home for the holidays, either. And InterNations is the perfect way to find like-minded folks to celebrate with, by either posting or joining an event.
You can check out these Christmas activities in San Francisco and São Paulo for inspiration. Or have a look in your calendar for events like the aptly named Orphans Christmas Eve Dinner in Sydney.
Many expats find that especially the first time spending the holidays abroad can be a shock. You discover yourself missing the little things. Houses with over-the-top holiday decorations. German Glühwein (hot wine with spices). Or going to KFC for Christmas dinner …
Our advice: be open to the local culture. Throw yourself into the experience, meet people, and ask them to share their customs with you. Mutton curry for dinner, not poultry. Presents a day earlier (or later) than you’re used to. And Boxing Day shopping instead of a visit to the Christmas market — or vice versa.
Speaking of Christmas markets: if there are any where you live, this is a tradition we can gladly recommend! And it’s also a favorite activity among members: from an after-work visit to the local Xmas market (Gløgg included!) in Copenhagen to trying Flammlachs in Munich (rumored to be the best food in town).
If you’ve got time on your hands, but aren’t making a big journey back home, how about a little adventure instead?
The holidays can be the perfect time to discover something new. Make that city trip to Vienna you’d been wanting to do for ages. Discover Jingle Bricks and Merry Figs at Legoland like our Dubai Socialites Group. Finally try out snowboarding (but don’t forget the safety gear!).
Or simply stay home and treat yourself to a new book and a relaxing bubble bath. Immerse yourself in whatever you enjoy — and make the holidays that extra bit special.
February famously marks the time of Carnival. People from all over the world come together and celebrate this holiday. The list of Carnival festivities around the world is endless, so we have selected five that you should visit when you can!
Today Thanksgiving is being celebrated across the United States, but it’s not the only holiday famous for its delicious food. Feasts are an important part of many popular holidays and festivals around the world. As you’ll see, all these holidays have several things in common: family togetherness, cultural traditions, and epic amounts of food!
Cultures from across the globe celebrate the holiday season in many different ways. Here’s a roundup of the most unusual Christmas traditions: from scary goat creatures to rollerblading parades to church, we cover everything from the weird to the downright nonsensical.
Living abroad is an experience which is full of highs and lows, from total wonder and curiosity to loneliness and confusion. Here are five books that capture the whirlwind experience of expat life, the intrigue of foreign cultures, as well as the importance of global literature.
For expats, culture shock is part of everyday life. The upheaval of moving to another country will never be without its challenges. It affects everyone in different ways and can last anywhere from a few weeks to years. Here are some tips to lessen culture shock and help you settle into a new country.