Being an expat is one of the most exciting things that I’ve ever done. It’s equal parts terrifying and liberating to take the leap to move abroad. Just over two years ago, my boyfriend and I made the big decision to move to the Netherlands for his job. Life abroad is amazing, but it’s also full of a lot of challenges.
Since living abroad, I’ve struggled with things like finding a job and making friends. But one of the things that shocked me most is spending the holidays abroad as an expat. With the amount of technology we now have connecting the world, on a day-to-day basis I sometimes forget how far away I am from family and friends in the US. When the holidays roll around, it really does feel like we are an ocean apart.
The first time I was suprised about the holidays abroad was our first Thanksgiving two years ago. We had just moved a few months earlier and were still trying to adjust to life in the Netherlands. And then the holiday came… and we had to work. While all our friends and family gathered together to celebrate and give thanks, we only had each other and our jobs.
It’s a surreal feeling when you know there’s a major holiday going on in the United States, but life continues like it’s just another day for everyone else. It can be especially lonely during these times. Being away from family is hard, but it’s even harder when you don’t get to celebrate at all.
It can also be very difficult because travel home to the United States is expensive. So holidays that you’d want to be home for (Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas) become a big burden. Last year, Jon and I chose to celebrate Christmas in Europe – just the two of us. Something that happens a lot for expat couples.
It can definitely be lonely and isolating to spend the holidays abroad as an expat. Having some family or friends who are also abroad can help. But the one beautiful thing is the amount of appreciation you’ll develop for family time at the holidays. A trip back home (like our recent Thanksgiving visit) becomes so much more special.
This year, Jon and I will be spending Christmas with my parents in Australia. They made the transition to expat life earlier this year. I can’t even imagine how far away they feel, so I’m glad that my family will be making the trek out to spend the holidays with them.
Wishing you all the very best holidays whether you’re home with family or abroad.
Xx, Kelsey
OUTFIT DETAILS:
Similar jacket here and here| Banana Republic turtleneck | J. Crew Factory jeans | J. Crew boots (so soft and warm!)
