This blog highlights essential tips and insights for Indian families, students, and professionals spending Christmas away from home or abroad. It’s an ultimate guide to help you plan Christmas in such a way that joy, prosperity and happiness sneaks into your house like warm breeze.
How to Spend Christmas Away From Home: The Ultimate Guide
Spending Christmas away from home can lead to amazing experiences and unforgettable memories. Christmas is often called the most wonderful time of the year, and this guide will help you make the most of it even when you’re far from home. We’ll share top tips to ensure your holiday season is special, joyful, and filled with warmth wherever you are.
Inshorts
Plan early to enjoy stress-free celebrations.
Bring home traditions wherever you are.
Stay connected with loved ones digitally.
Explore local events and festive markets.
Do something meaningful—volunteer or travel.
Treat yourself and create new memories.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas wherever you are!
Tips for Spending Christmas Overseas
Spending Christmas away from home, especially when you spend Christmas away from family, can be challenging, particularly for Indians living abroad. Experiencing your first Christmas away from home can be especially difficult and memorable, as the absence of familiar faces and traditions is felt most strongly during Christmas time. However, with some thoughtful planning and a positive attitude, it can also become a memorable and heartwarming experience. Here are some key points to consider:
Being away from home during Christmas can feel emotional and sometimes lonely.
Indians abroad for studies, work, or family commitments often miss traditional celebrations and the warmth of being with loved ones.
The traditions or moments most missed during Christmas time often include family gatherings, festive meals, and cultural rituals that bring comfort and joy.
Loneliness for the Indian diaspora is inevitable when you celebrate Christmas away from home.
With the right mindset and a bit of preparation, celebrating Christmas away from home or abroad can turn into a special and meaningful celebration in its own way, becoming part of your life story and personal growth.
Following some helpful Christmas travel tips can make your journey and holiday experience smoother and more enjoyable. For hassle-free travel planning, consider using services like BookMyTrip AU to book your flights and accommodations.
Over time, after a few years, many people find new ways to enjoy Christmas, reflecting on how they’ve spent the holiday in different places and how these experiences shape their life.
Create a “Home-Like” Festive Space
Creating a cozy and festive atmosphere in your living space can significantly enhance your Christmas away from home experience. Even small decorations and keeping up with Christmas traditions can bring comfort and joy during the festive season, helping you feel connected to home.
Decorate your space with fairy lights, candles, or handmade ornaments to instantly add festive cheer.
Get a small Christmas tree or craft a paper one to create a focal point for your celebrations.
Play Christmas songs or carols to evoke warm and comforting holiday feelings.
Prepare your favorite snacks, such as plum cake or samosas, and enjoy traditional treats like mince pies to create a nostalgic and festive mood.
If living with roommates or friends, organize a Secret Santa gift exchange or a potluck dinner.
Bake cookies or open a present or exchange presents together to start a new tradition and add a personal touch to the festivities.
Starting a new tradition or adapting your usual Christmas traditions can make the holiday feel special, even when you’re far from home. Enjoy the joy of spending cozy nights with friends or family, perhaps watching movies or sharing stories, to create lasting holiday memories.
Stay Connected with Family
For many Indians, spending Christmas away from family and home during the holidays is the hardest part of living abroad. However, thanks to technology, staying connected and sharing special moments has become easier than ever.
Schedule a Zoom or WhatsApp video chat with your family on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning.
Take time during your video calls to share stories from past Christmases, reminiscing about favorite memories and family traditions.
Cook a family recipe and enjoy it together online to keep the festive spirit alive despite the distance.
Record short video greetings and share them with relatives and friends; it’s a thoughtful surprise they’ll cherish.
Explore Local Festivities
Experiencing local Christmas celebrations abroad can help you feel connected to your new community and add excitement to your holiday season. Some of the best places to travel during Christmas are New York, London, Vienna, Paris, and Prague, among others. Learning how Christmas is celebrated in other cultures can broaden your perspective and make your holiday experience even more meaningful.
Visit Christmas markets, attend church services, and participate in community events that welcome people from all cultures.
Enjoy the festive lights, music, and new experiences that help you feel part of something bigger, especially when you are immersed in a completely different culture during the holidays.
Join local Indian community events, such as festive dinners or parties, especially common in countries like Australia, the UK, and Canada.
Meet new friends and create a sense of family away from home through these gatherings.
You may even have visited places where Christmas is celebrated in unique ways, giving you the chance to appreciate the diversity of traditions around the world.
Make it Meaningful
Christmas is not just about gifts or parties. It’s about kindness and gratitude. Take this time to do something thoughtful: Volunteering can be a great way to connect with others and spread holiday cheer during Christmas.
Volunteer at a shelter, animal shelter, or food drive.
Donate warm clothes or food to those in need.
Send Christmas cards to friends or coworkers.
Local charities, soup kitchens, animal shelters, or community events often seek volunteers during the Christmas season, providing a meaningful way to give back.
Small acts of kindness build deep connections and spread true festive joy.
Travel or Take a Mini Break
If you have time off, plan a short trip during the Christmas period. Many Indians living abroad or in metro cities use Christmas holidays for a weekend getaway. Some even take a ten days holiday to fully immerse themselves in festive celebrations.
You can:
Visit a nearby snowy town for a white Christmas and enjoy winter activities like exploring winter lights or a winter wonderland.
Try local versions of Christmas dinner—eat turkey if available, or sample mulled wine for a cozy festive treat.
Head to a peaceful beach or hillside for a quiet celebration, and plan activities for the whole day on Christmas Day to make it special.
Travel with friends for new experiences and memories—you’re sure to have a great time whether you’re exploring new places or relaxing together.
Experience Boxing Day traditions in a new country, which can add a unique touch to your holiday adventure.
Book your flight early to get the best fares, and pack light but warm. Don’t forget your travel essentials like snacks and chargers. Following essential Christmas travel tips will help ensure your trip is enjoyable and stress-free. Booking through trusted platforms like BookMyTrip AU can simplify your travel arrangements.
Treat Yourself
Being away from home shouldn’t mean you skip all the fun. Christmas is a wonderful time to celebrate your achievements from the year—treat yourself with something special, like a new outfit, a nice dinner, or a relaxing Christmas movie night. If you have kids with you, plan special activities or family-friendly entertainment to make the holiday memorable for them. Consider spending time with a friend or reaching out to new friends you’ve met during your travels. Let Christmas be a pause to reflect, recharge, and enjoy meaningful connections.
Quick FAQs
Decorate your space, cook your favorite meal, watch Christmas movies, and video chat loved ones. Little things make a big difference.
Try butter chicken roast, fruitcake, spiced cookies, or masala chai with plum cake.
Absolutely! Most churches and communities warmly welcome everyone, regardless of background. There are also courses and guides available for those spending Christmas away from home, offering tips and ideas to make the most of your experience.
Stay connected digitally, share traditions with friends, and keep yourself engaged in positive activities. Moving abroad or choosing to live abroad brings unique challenges during Christmas, so embrace new experiences while cherishing memories from home.
Consider personalized gifts like photo calendars, hampers, or online vouchers for family back in your home country.
Christmas away from home can be just as warm and wonderful—only different. By blending traditions old and new, and using helpful Christmas travel tips, you’ll find your own way to celebrate, no matter where you are in the world. For seamless travel planning and bookings, don’t hesitate to contact BookMyTrip to make your holiday stress-free and joyful.
