It is getting near that time of year. The lights are up but not yet turned on. Decorations are spanning the width and length of the avenues, silently waiting to glow and light the cold wintery nights. It can’t be far away now. Your thoughts turn to your usual habits with loved ones, food, presents and other traditions you follow at this special time of year called Christmas.
If this is the first time you are away from home at this time of year, you quickly realise there are some significant differences to the celebration of Christmas. I am sure if you look closely you will also find some similarities no matter what culture you are from.
While you may be dipped into a bout of homesickness there is a little sugar to be had to help you through the jolly season. Acknowledge your homesickness, loneliness, lack of good cheer at times and let significant others know so they can support you through the season. This new location for Christmas may just be a perfect holiday from having to partake in the routine obligatory traditions that you love and loath all at the same time.
Remain open to new experiences of Christmas traditions. Research, talk to your friends, find out all information possible to learn the common thread of Christmas traditions for the French. If you prefer to not leave behind all your own long held traditions you may even be able to blend a little of both cultures creating a unique Christmas of your own.
Organise to spend Christmas with new-found friends or if you are still very new to the country, look to your closest city for expatriate groups. There are often many organising lunches and dinners for expats to celebrate together. The main point here is do not spend Christmas alone. Take action now and make plans to spend Christmas with people.
It will help to feel close with your loved ones if you can share some of the Christmas celebrations with them. The internet is a great tool for keeping in touch – with ‘live’ video and audio software available. If time difference allows you could sit through some of the festivities with them using the video-audio software of your choice. You will then be able to watch, talk and share the experience. Bittersweet it may be, but it will mean you won’t miss out altogether.
Christmas is one of the times of year, where it is best to take extra notice of your health. The warnings for your physical health may very well be well entrenched. The warning here is, be mindful of your psychological health as well. A time when you are normally with loved ones to then find yourself alone can be challenging. Acknowledgement of its challenges and creation of plans for the season will help support you through what may be a very rewarding life growth experience this Christmas.