8 ways to cope with spending Christmas away from home

Will you be spending Christmas away from home this year? We know it may be a tough time for you, but do give our ideas a try. We are certain they will help you cope with being away from your family during the season.

Spending Christmas Away from Home

You don’t have to feel homesick, sad and lonely this Christmas. Yes, you would be most happy to spend Christmas with the people you love most but if time and circumstances do not allow it, then you just have to be thankful and enjoy your time.

Click 'Next' to check out some tips on spending Christmas away from home.

Coping when you're away

The home is where one’s heart belongs because it is where you your family is – the people you love most and the people who love you most. It's bad enough to be living or working in a country away from them; but having to spend the holidays away from your loved ones can definitely get lonesome and sad.

But there's no need to sink into a world of depression. Read the following ideas for celebrating Christmas even when one is far from one’s family.

1. Be in touch with your family

In this day and age, technology helps us connect with loved ones around the world in a matter of seconds. If you are away from your family during Christmas, call them regularly or better yet - Skype!

You might not be there physically, but you can join in the celebrations on Christmas day with the use of technology. be with your family and share the joy and laughter of the season - virtually.

2. Surprise your family with gifts

If you have to be far away (whether by choice or by chance) from home on Christmas time. It will be good to send gifts earlier to avoid the Christmas rush and to make sure they arrive just in time.

Of course, the gifts won’t be able to replace your physical presence but it will tell your family that you remember them the most during the holidays. And even if you are not with them on Christmas day, you have still celebrated it with them and you have shown you care to send them gifts.

3. Spend time with your family away from home

During the Christmas holidays, being away from one’s hometown or country can really be lonely. If you have made a lovely lot of friends who are your support system in the absence of your family, spend time with them.

Some of them too might be away from their families and will relate to you; while others will have celebrations of their own in their homes which you can join and feel the warmth of the season. Your family too will feel reassured that you will be surrounded by happiness and love during the season.

4. Write Christmas messages through email

A simple email or a classy e-card can bring a smile to your family and friends who are far away. It’s always good to know someone remembers you and keeps you in his or her mind especially at this time wherever you are.

5. Reunite with long lost friends and family members

What better time to connect with long lost relatives than Christmas. They too, like you, may also be away from their families. So, Christmas can still be a time for reunions just the way it was in your home country.

6. Spend time for introspection

Leave aside the commercial aspect of the season, get in touch with your faith during this time. Use your time to be thankful for everything you have been blessed with in your life during the year passed. Think about what you want for your family and yourself in the coming year.

7. Attend a Christmas service

Remember the true meaning of Christmas by attending a carol service or nativity play. If you’re in a country where Christmas is not widely celebrated, you can find people who have the common faith and beliefs, customs and traditions, and you can join together with them in a church service.

You will be surprised to know that there are so many people like you and you will be comforted that you are not alone.

8. Give to the less fortunate

Christmas is a time for giving and sharing and it shouldn't just be done on the month of December or on December 25 but should also be done the whole year through.

Wherever you are there will be people who need someone to make their day! Giving and sharing doesn't only involve money but it can be of time and effort. Volunteer your time at a kids's or elders' home and help bring some joy to their lives.

Written by

Karen Mira

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