Celebrating American Holidays Overseas

Just because you’re not home during the holidays doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the season. Here are some tips for celebrating American holidays when you’re in a foreign country.

Make Your Own Decorations

You won’t find many flags on the Fourth of July or ghoulish costumes on Halloween everywhere you go in the world. The trick here is to get creative and make your own. Pull together some craft supplies and make great holiday-themed works of art to get you into the spirit.

Share the Fun

One of the great things about celebrating holidays overseas is you can help make them fun for people who would’ve never experienced them otherwise. Bring your new friends into the tradition by inviting them over for a cookout or dinner in your room.

Video Chat Your Family

If you’re overseas during the holidays and miss your family and friends, there’s no better way to chat with them than video chat. Cook up a delicious meal and dine with them over the computer. Is it the same as having them there in person? No, but it’s the next best thing.

Be Respectful

Some American-specific holidays might not seem so great to foreigners due to cultural or historical reasons, so make sure you’re respectful about celebrating them. Keep your parties small with a few close friends and don’t insult a country just because they don’t celebrate something we do.