Whether you relocated for school, work or moved to a new city, this is how you can survive your first festive holiday away from home.
There’s something about the Christmas season that makes distance feel a little heavier than usual. Whether you’ve relocated for school, moved abroad for work, settled into a new city, or simply can’t travel this year, spending Christmas away from home can be a downer. The familiar traditions and routines, and the presence of loved ones are suddenly replaced with new surroundings that may not yet feel like home yet. It’s easy to feel out of place when everyone else seems to be wrapped in their own little holiday cheer. But this is your chance to find new ways to do this holiday, embrace new traditions, and make new memories. Let’s walk you through how you can navigate your festive holiday, no matter where you are.
1. Acknowledge what you’re feeling.
The holidays are emotionally charged, even when you’re under the best circumstances. Being away from home for the first time can make those feelings intense.
You might feel:
- Excitement about new experiences.
- Loneliness or homesickness.
- Relief from family obligations.
- Anxiety about missing out.
- Nostalgia for long-held traditions.
And it’s valid to feel this way. So give yourself the space to feel what you feel instead of not acknowledging them. You can start a reflective journal entry, share your emotions with someone you trust, practice mindfulness, allowing yourself quiet moments.
Remember: emotions are signals, not obstacles. Recognizing them helps you create a holiday experience that meets your true needs.
2. Stay connected.
One of the ways you could feel less lonely during this period is staying connected to your family and loved ones in meaningful ways. Modern technology has even made it easier, but being intentional makes it memorable.
Try:
- Scheduling video calls during specific traditions (opening gifts, cooking, game time)
- Sending holiday cards or voice messages
- Mailing a small homemade gift
- Sharing a playlist of your favorite seasonal songs
- Watching a holiday movie “together” in sync
These moments help reconnect even when you’re miles apart. But don’t feel pressured to be available for every call or event, set healthy boundaries so you can experience your holiday where you are, too.
3. Create new traditions, big or small.
This is your chance to define what the holidays would mean for you, as an individual, not just as part of a family unit. It’s a silver lining that allows you to reinvent the holidays. Your new traditions can be as simple as:
- Cooking a specific dish on Christmas Eve.
- A new signature holiday dish.
- Starting a “year in review” journaling ritual
- Buying yourself a small symbolic gift.
- A donation or volunteer activity.
- Creating a holiday playlist that evolves each year.
- Going for a sunrise walk on the holiday morning.
- Trying a new seasonal beverage or dessert.
- A special ornament or décor item you add to your collection each year.
You don’t need to be extravagant with your new traditions, be consistent and they just have to be meaningful. New traditions don’t replace old ones, they add layers to your new life.
4. Celebrate in a way that fits your current life.
Because you’re away from home, you might not have the same resources, time, or social circle. That’s okay. Instead of recreating your entire holiday experience, focus on what you can control and reflect who you are now.
If you’re in a small apartment:
Decorate with inexpensive touches like fairy lights, candles, lights, handmade ornaments or a small tabletop tree.
If you’re traveling:
Pick up a local holiday treat or ornament as a souvenir.
If you’re on a tight budget:
Opt for homemade gifts, potluck meals, or free community events.. Attend a local or online religious or cultural service
If you’re overwhelmed or introverted:
Curate a quiet, calm celebration with your favorite activities. Enjoy cozy activities like reading, movie marathons, or board games
The best holiday is the one that feels authentic, not the one that looks perfect.
5. Send money home.
Even though you were not physically present with your loved ones, sending money home is an important part of the holiday tradition.
Doing so carries an emotional meaning, symbolises care, gratitude, and responsibility. If you will be sending money home this year, here are tips to make the experience smoother and more meaningful:
Choose safe, reliable transfer options.
Research for trusted and secure transfer services, especially ones known for:
- Low fees.
- Competitive exchange rates.
- Fast delivery times.
- Transparent tracking.
CadRemit is really your go to, if these are the qualities you’re seeking for when choosing an app to send money home. And If your family relies on money during the holidays, you don’t need to worry about the money arriving on time with CadRemit.
6. Seek out a community where you are.
Being away from home doesn’t mean you have to be alone. So, find ways to seek out experiences in communities.
You could:
- Attend a local market, parade, or festival
- Join holiday gatherings organized by your college, workplace, or local groups
- Attend a cooking class, craft workshop, or seasonal event
- Host a potluck for friends, neighbors, or fellow travelers
- Look for expat or community groups online
Shared experiences can help you have a sense of belonging, when you’re in a new place.
7. Explore the local Culture and traditions
If you’re spending the holidays in a new region or country, this is an opportunity to experience holiday traditions you might never see at home.
Explore:
- Local holiday foods and flavors
- Regional customs and folklore
- Markets or fairs unique to your location
- Holiday rituals different from your own
- Scenic spots decorated for the season
Approach your new environment with curiosity. You might find a new favorite tradition you can adapt to.
It’s easy to assume that spending the holidays away from home equals spending them in isolation but that’s rarely true. Your connections, memories, and traditions travel with you. Your sense of home isn’t tied to a single location; it’s something you build over time.
Your first festive holiday away from home might feel unfamiliar, but it can also be a new experience where you get to build something uniquely yours; a holiday that reflects who you are becoming.
