Finding Christmas Far from Home: An Expat’s Holiday Journey

Living as an expat often means learning to navigate the holidays in ways you never imagined. Christmas, in particular, can be a mix of emotions—a cocktail of nostalgia, joy, and sometimes a touch of bittersweet longing. For me, it’s been a journey of creating new traditions, sharing unforgettable moments with friends who became family, and occasionally laughing through the chaos that inevitably arises.

The Epic Failures That Made Memories

Christmas Eve dinners have always been memorable, though not necessarily for the reasons one might expect. Every year, we gathered with friends, and while the company was always fantastic, the food often turned into a hilarious adventure. One year, my pavlova collapsed into a sticky puddle; and as per tradition, my best friend’s turkey was never ready until midnight. By then, we’d all had a bit too much to drink, and our late-night feast became a comedy show that left us in stitches.

Those evenings were chaotic and imperfect, but they were ours. With that group of friends, three of us moved abroad, and unfortunately, one of us has since passed away. My best friend is still there, holding the fort. It’s a reminder that nothing is permanent—and that’s okay. The memories will be with me forever.

An Ever-Changing Christmas

Spending Christmas in sunny locations added a whole new dynamic to the holiday. Gone were the cozy indoor nights and sometimes snowy landscapes of my childhood; instead, we embraced beaches, barbecues, and the warmth of the sun. It felt strange at first, but over the years, it became part of our tradition. We’d host gatherings with new friends, sharing meals that reflected a blend of cultures and flavors. Every year, the faces around our table changed, but the spirit of coming together remained constant.

Over the years, our family has built traditions that are uniquely ours. Now that our daughters are older, we’ve introduced Secret Santa, which has become a highlight of the season. The laughter and creativity that go into choosing and exchanging gifts have brought us closer as a family. This year, we’re taking it a step further and attempting to create a fine dining experience for the five of us. It’s a new challenge, and knowing my history, it’s bound to come with its share of challenges :-).

The Bittersweet Moments

Every few years, we make it back home for Christmas. Those times are incredibly special, a chance to reconnect with loved ones and savor the traditions we grew up with. But this year, we’ll be staying put. It’s never easy to be away, especially when you Zoom your family and see what you’re missing out on—the familiar faces, the shared meals, the little rituals that only make sense when you’re together.

This year, our beautiful neighbors, seeing that we couldn’t make it home, invited us to join their family for Christmas. Their offer wasn’t just an invitation—it was filled with love and intention. When they extended their traditions to us, it brought a tear to my eye. It was a reminder of the incredible connections we’ve built overseas, where strangers become friends, and friends become family.

Reflecting on the Journey

Living abroad during the holidays is always a journey. Sometimes, it’s epic and loving, filled with new people and chosen family. Other times, it’s bittersweet & lonely as you long for the traditions and people you left behind. But one thing remains true: Christmas is what you make of it. It’s in the laughter over failed desserts, the joy of new traditions, and the kindness of those who welcome you with open arms.

This year, as we sit down to our fine dining experiment and join our neighbors for their family traditions, I’ll be reminded once again of the magic of Christmas. It’s not about the gifts or what’s on the table; it’s about the people you share it with, the love that surrounds you—whether it’s your family or your chosen one. We will miss our family back in Holland, but we are very much looking forward to spending Easter with them.

I wish all of you, wherever you are, a Merry Christmas & a happy 2025.

with love, Amelia x