how to celebrate christmas while traveling
TRANSCRIPT
Not everyone is home for Christmas and there can be a number of reasons why you’re traveling over
Christmas, including for work, travel experiences, emergencies, studies, and the like. This doesn’t
mean that Christmas has to be an event that passes by without recognition, and it’s still possible to
celebrate Christmas while traveling. Here are some ideas to help you make the most of a Christmas
on-the-go.
*
Steps
1. Find out whether there are Christmas celebrations happening where you are.If you’re still in your own
country, this shouldn’t be too difficult to find at localchurches, community centers, municipal parks, etc. If you’re
traveling overseas to another country and you’re in a country with Christian traditions, there should be a lot of
similar opportunities available, subject to local traditions. And when attending church services and Christmas events,
even if you don’t speak the local language, it’s still a great chance to soak up the atmosphere and see how other
parts of the world celebrate Christmas.
2. If you’re in a country that is not predominantly Christian, there are still often
Christmas celebrations but you’ll need to find out where the Christian communities
are holding these. An online search is a good place to start, as is speaking to locals.
3. Even if you don’t find any local celebrations, this doesn’t prevent you and your
companions from celebrating Christmas in your own way while traveling. You can
still make the day festive by doing special Christmas related things including reflecting
on the occasion.
4. Gather your friends/family. It’s a lot more enjoyable if you can celebrate with someone else at Christmas time.
This might include your travel companion(s), people you’ve recently met and made firm friendships with, family and
friends you know in the country you’re in, etc. Just do your best not to spend the day alone but to share the
occasion with at least one other person.
If you are alone that day, look at ways to be around people, such as attending church services, having a restaurant
meal, etc.
5. Consider taking a Christmas memento with you. If you know you’ll be traveling at Christmas time, it can be
heartwarming to have a small memento from home that represents Christmas, such as a fabric ornament, a card, or
a Christmas message from your family. Take it out on Christmas Day and display it or wear it as appropriate, to give
yourself a little personal Christmas cheer.
6. Try to link up with family back home. With Skype, emails, and other technological marvels, it’s very easy to keep
in touch by video for Christmas and to say your hellos and greetings, however short. Making this connection will help
make it feel like a true Christmas.
7. Give yourself a gift. It’s Christmas, so give in to your desire to buy something or do something that you’ve been
holding off on. This can help to make the day feel more special and can reward your anticipation about something
that you might not otherwise get or do.
8. Enjoy the opportunity to celebrate Christmas somewhere different. If you’re celebrating Christmas overseas,
it’s worth enjoying the fresh take on Christmas.Take photos of the displays and other Christmas elements, and take
time to walk around seeing what other people are doing.
9. Take a note from Scrooge. Find a way to do something good and important for someone else, a friend or relative,
or perhaps a person you don’t know so well in your Christmas location. You will not go to bed feeling you haven’t had
your Christmas. Guaranteed.
Sources and Citations : www.imtalking.org