Navigating the Holidays When You’re Living Abroad

Finding Calm, Connection, and Meaning During a Tender Season

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, closeness, and celebration. But when you’re living abroad, it can bring up something very different: homesickness, loneliness, cultural disconnect, or the pressure to “make it special” while feeling anything but.

If you’re an expat navigating the holidays far from family, familiar traditions, or a sense of belonging, you’re not alone. This season can feel tender—especially when life already feels full or overwhelming. Here are some gentle ways to support yourself and create meaning, even from afar.

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings Instead of Pushing Them Away

You might feel excited for a break—and sad at the same time. You might enjoy your new country’s traditions, yet long for what’s familiar. Both can exist at once.

Giving yourself permission to feel what you feel is often the first step toward grounding yourself. Instead of telling yourself you “should be happy,” try asking:

• What do I need right now?

• Where is the heaviness coming from?

• What small comfort can I offer myself today?

Your emotions make sense. They’re part of being human—and part of being far from home.

2. Create New Traditions That Feel Nourishing

Living abroad offers a unique opportunity to reinvent the holiday season on your terms.

Maybe it’s:

• A quiet morning ritual you’ve never had time for at home

• A dinner with other internationals who “get it”

• A long walk in a place that feels grounding

• A small, symbolic tradition that connects you to your roots

New traditions don’t replace the old ones; they expand your experience. Ask yourself what would feel genuinely supportive—not what you “should” do.

3. Let Go of the Pressure to Recreate a Perfect Holiday

Many women feel responsible for making the holidays magical—for partners, for children, for family back home. But being abroad often means limited time, energy, and emotional bandwidth.

It’s okay to simplify.It’s okay to protect your peace.It’s okay if it doesn’t look like it used to.

Try focusing on what truly matters for your well-being right now. The season doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.

4. Stay Connected in Ways That Feel Genuine

Technology makes it easy to stay in touch, but that doesn’t mean constant video calls are required. Choose what nourishes you:

• A planned video call rather than last-minute pressure

• Sending voice messages throughout the week

• Mailing something small and heartfelt

• Setting boundaries around communication that drains you

Meaningful connection—rather than constant connection—is what reduces loneliness.

5. Seek Out Your Local Community, Even in Small Ways

Loneliness often softens when we feel even a small sense of belonging. This might look like:

• Joining a local holiday event or market

• Connecting with a local expat group

• Taking part in a cultural activity you’ve never tried

• Reaching out to someone you’ve been meaning to get to know

You don’t need a huge social circle—sometimes one shared moment can make the season feel lighter.

6. Be Gentle With Yourself During Triggers

For many people, the holidays bring up memories, family dynamics, grief, or unresolved feelings. Living abroad can amplify these emotions—because distance often reveals what we miss and what was painful.

If you notice old wounds resurfacing, try meeting yourself with compassion rather than judgment. You’re not “regressing”—you’re responding to a naturally emotional time of year.

7. Consider Talking to a Professional for Extra Support

When you’re far from your familiar support system, therapy can offer a grounded, steady place to process your emotions and find clarity. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, lonely, or simply reflective this season, you deserve support that feels understanding and culturally sensitive.

A Final Reminder

The holidays don’t have to feel one specific way. Living abroad changes the meaning, shape, and emotional texture of this time of year—and that’s okay.

However you spend the season, I hope you can offer yourself gentleness, space, and the permission to experience it in a way that feels authentic to you.

If you’re navigating the holidays abroad and would like support, I’m here to help.