Finding the Festive Spirit Away from Home
The holiday season is often depicted as a time for family, togetherness, and tradition. But for many students, especially those far from home or navigating difficult family dynamics, Christmas can take on a different shape. Whether you’re spending the holidays in a new country, apart from loved ones, or choosing to celebrate in your own unique way, this season still holds the potential for joy, connection, and new traditions.
Acknowledging the Challenges
For international students, the distance from home can feel even greater during Christmas. The absence of familiar faces, foods, and traditions might make the season bittersweet. Similarly, students who are estranged from their families or unable to travel often find themselves facing the holidays without the warmth of a ‘traditional’ family gathering.
On top of that, financial pressures or feelings of loneliness can add to the complexity of these circumstances. Seeing others around you immerse themselves in festive celebrations can be a reminder of what’s missing—or it can inspire you to create something meaningful of your own.
Embracing a New Kind of Celebration
Even if your Christmas looks different this year, there are countless ways to discover or create a festive spirit that feels just right for you:
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Start New Traditions: This is your chance to redefine what Christmas means. Host a small gathering with friends, cook a dish from your culture, or plan an activity that brings you joy—like crafting, hiking, or exploring holiday lights in your city. You can do all of this with others, or take some time to yourself.
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Connect with Others: You’re not alone in feeling far from home. Reach out to classmates, join student-hosted events, or check if the local community offers holiday programs for students. These connections can help you find a sense of belonging.
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Give Back: Volunteering during the holidays can be incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s helping at a shelter, organizing a toy drive, or contributing to a community meal, giving to others is a wonderful way to spread cheer and feel connected to something bigger.
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Celebrate Yourself: Take time to indulge in activities that make you happy. Light candles, listen to your favorite music, or treat yourself to a gift. Small acts of self-care can bring comfort and joy to the season.
Student Stories
Finding the festive spirit away from home isn’t just possible—it can lead to unexpectedly beautiful experiences. For example, Celina (PSU Vice-President Engagement Officer) is from Germany, and she created new traditions with her friends.
“I’ve never been one to struggle with homesickness, but last Christmas, it crept up on me. In Germany, the festive season is filled with traditions that you barely notice until they’re missing. Christmas markets are everywhere, with the cheerful sound of carols and the smell of freshly baked Baumstriezel, Pretzels, and Poffertjes. Lights twinkle on every street. While Ireland also sparkles during the season, it still felt different.
As an international student, I discovered the joy of creating new traditions or blending old ones with those of my friends. On December 6th, I introduced my friends to Saint Nicholas Day. Traditionally, we leave shoes outside to be filled with small gifts, but in student accommodation, we improvised by hiding gifts and turning it into a Christmas treasure hunt. We also tried each other’s holiday foods, gathering on Sundays to enjoy festive teas or mulled wine.
One of the most heartwarming experiences was sharing Christmas with friends who had never celebrated it before. We bought advent calendars, baked cookies, and built a gingerbread house together. Watching my twenty-something friends light up like children reminded me of the magic of the season. It rekindled my festive spirit and made me grateful for these shared moments of joy.” - Celina Papendorf.
When I was a student, I was also estranged, and I have actually spent several holidays away from my family, so I created my own traditions. It’s become something I look forward to every year. The first year was difficult because I was only twenty years old and didn’t know that my Christmas could look different. I put a lot of pressure on myself to have the perfect Christmas. I ended up spending it alone, and it was the most peaceful holiday season that I have ever had. Now, I spend it with friends and volunteering in Limerick. It reminds me that family isn’t always about blood—it’s about the people who make you feel at home.
Support
If the season feels overwhelming, know that support is available over the holidays:
A Message of Hope
The festive spirit isn’t bound to any one place, tradition, or family gathering. It can be found in the laughter of friends, the kindness of strangers, or the quiet moments of reflection. If your Christmas this year looks different, take heart in knowing that it’s an opportunity to embrace the season on your own terms. Whether you’re making new traditions, reaching out to others, or simply taking time to rest and recharge, the holiday spirit is still within reach—just waiting to be discovered.