With such a huge community of expats, many of Luxembourg’s inhabitants will be spending the Christmas period far from home but it can still be special.
Traditions, both old and new
No matter where you are in the world, you can still try to keep up your festive traditions by cooking your favourite foods, decorating your home, or watching your favourite Christmas films. Having said that, if you’re celebrating far from home, it can also be fun to experience the holiday season through a different cultural lense. Join in local events and soak up the atmosphere – you might discover a new family tradition!
Taste of home
If you are craving a particular Christmassy food from your own country, perhaps a relative could post you a box of goodies for that special taste of home. Otherwise, check out some of the expat shops around Luxembourg, or treat yourself to a meal out at a native restaurant to enjoy some homemade cuisine. Don't forget the age-old tradition that has shaped the cuisine of many an immigrant family, of recreating family dishes by opting for slightly different local ingredients.
Virtual get-togethers
It’s something that most expats excel at already – keeping in touch with friends and family around the world. Christmas is no different. Send photos and videos of your children’s Christmas shows so the grandparents can still feel part of the celebrations. Connect with loved ones online for gift opening, family games, or even carol singing! You can still keep those family traditions despite the distance. And with the virtual world we live in, you can even play online games together. Not sure where to do that? Check out online game platforms like Jackbox Games or Skribbl.io, and Codenames.
To scroll or not to scroll
For some of us, it might help to check social media channels to see what our loved ones are up to over the festive period. For others, it might be too upsetting to be reminded that we’re far from home and feeling a bit left out. So take a moment to intentionally understand what move is right for you so you can make yourself happy.
Self-care
If you’re feeling low because you miss home, don’t forget to nurture yourself. Take time to do something you enjoy, be it getting lost in a good book, going for a long walk, or treating yourself to something special. Keeping busy should help to fend off the FOMO.
How will Santa know where I am?
Little people easily become anxious if they are not sure how Father Christmas will find them. Sit your children down and reassure them that the Big Guy is all-seeing and all-knowing. If they need a little more convincing, why not write a letter together and send it off to the North Pole, to make doubly sure there isn’t a mix up? Or if you’re heading off on holiday, you could leave him a note underneath the Christmas tree to say where you’ve gone.
Plan ahead
The Christmas period is a wonderful time to take stock and plan for the future. So perhaps if you can’t be with your family right now, it’s a good time to start thinking about your next trip home. Pick a date, book a flight, and get something in the calendar so you have something to look forward to in 2025!
