The holiday season, which includes observed traditions affiliated with cultural beliefs and religions, is a joyous time of year to reflect on what you're grateful for and give and receive gifts to friends and family. Keeping the spirit of festivities alive worldwide is important, even more so for international students who might feel nostalgic or homesick. Also, holidays can be a relaxing time away from studies to learn more about another country's culture and traditions.
Therefore, here are some tips on how you can spend your holidays to make the most out of them:
Find your Christmas Family
Just because you're away from your real family during Christmas doesn't mean you can't find the perfect people to spend the holidays with. You can check in with international student societies at your university or plan your holidays with more international students in your classes. You may be surprised by how many people search for a company through the holidays.
Play Secret Santa
Christmas is closely associated with spreading joy and showing gratitude, so people often give and receive gifts on Christmas. However, as international students, we understand that the budget might not be too high. This is where Secret Santa – a practice that's quickly becoming a tradition worldwide comes in handy!
Within a group, each of you will secretly be assigned one other person in the group that you will have to buy a gift for. Then, you can agree on a budget so that gifting remains fair to everyone in the group, and you can open your gifts together on Christmas.
Decorate your Christmas Tree
If you want to do something fun with your friend to get into the Christmas mood and spirit, one ideal way to do so is to decorate your Christmas tree together. Depending on your budget and space, buy a Christmas tree and spend some time with your friends putting up lights and decorations.
Share your traditions
Just because you're spending Christmas in another country shouldn't mean you have to do everything their way. Instead, make time and space to own and honor your traditions – songs, games, meals from your hometown, etc., are a good way to keep your tradition alive while absorbing in the others.
Explore winter markets
Most towns and cities host some kind of winter market or Christmas market for a few weeks around December. You can explore these markets and bask in the holiday atmosphere. Drink a little mulled wine or eggnog, shop from local and international shops, listen to live music, and try all manner of food from around the globe with your friends.
Catch up on your sleep
Christmas holidays are perhaps the only time you can lie on the couch, watching movies and drifting off to sleep without feeling guilty. But, beyond Christmas itself, remember that you're on a break from your studies, so make sure and take the time to rest up.
Do some charity work
Christmas is a great time for doing some charity work and spreading joy. With that thought in mind, it's important to remember those less fortunate at this time of year. You can enroll for volunteer work to help the poor, homeless, or elderly. This could be an excellent opportunity for you to give back to the community on this joyous day.
Stay in touch with loved ones back home
Even if you follow all these tips, as mentioned earlier, it's totally okay if you still get a little homesick or nostalgic; it's natural. Even if you're having too much fun to miss them, make sure to stay in touch with them. Let them know you care and think about them on this special day.
If you’re looking to apply to international universities or exploring overseas higher education options, The Headmaster Consulting can help you narrow your selection while also giving you an overview of what life at university would be like. We help you decipher what the universities seek from their candidates through our Dean’s Desk. If you’re unsure about your applications, get in touch with one of our consultants to help you build an extraordinary application and profile
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