How to Prepare for Your First Christmas Abroad

So after many Christmases in the UK, you’re finally getting ready for your first Christmas aboard! Whilst this may bring a lot of excitement, you may be wondering how you should go about your Christmas celebrations. Do you maintain your usual Christmas traditions from the UK, or is it time to try out something new this year?

In this article, we will look at how Christmas is celebrated in other countries and offer some useful tips on how to make sure your first Christmas abroad is one to remember!

Embracing a New Christmas Experience

The festive season is a time of joy and celebration, and experiencing Christmas abroad presents a unique opportunity to embrace new traditions and cultures. As you prepare for your first Christmas away from the UK, the anticipation of discovering how other countries celebrate this special time of year can be truly exhilarating.

Adjusting to a new environment during the festive season can be both exciting and challenging. It’s about finding the right balance between holding onto your cherished UK Christmas traditions and being open to the new and different customs of your host country. 

This might mean adapting some of your usual practices or even adopting entirely new ones to fit into the local festive spirit. The key is to approach this experience with an open mind and heart, allowing yourself to fully immerse in the joy and warmth of the season, as celebrated in your new home.

Whether it’s enjoying local holiday delicacies, participating in unique cultural events, or simply observing the different ways people come together during this time, your first Christmas abroad is an opportunity to create new memories that will last a lifetime. 

Embrace this festive journey as a chance to expand your horizons and experience the universal magic of Christmas through a different lens.

Christmas in France: A Blend of Tradition and Elegance

In France, Christmas is celebrated with a distinctive blend of tradition and elegance. The centrepiece of the French Christmas is the Réveillon, a grand feast held on Christmas Eve, featuring sumptuous dishes such as foie gras, oysters, and the bûche de Noël (Yule log cake). 

This meal, often extending into the early hours of the morning, is a time for family to gather and enjoy each other’s company. Homes and streets are beautifully adorned with decorations, adding to the festive atmosphere. Notable are the Christmas markets, especially in regions like Alsace, where the blend of French and German influences creates a unique holiday experience.

Another important aspect of French Christmas traditions is the Midnight Mass, a solemn yet joyous service held in lavishly decorated churches. Following the mass, families often exchange gifts, contrasting with the typical Christmas Day gift-giving in the UK. 

The entire festive season is marked by an air of sophistication, from the elegant decorations to the chic attire worn for holiday gatherings, embodying the ‘joie de vivre’ that is quintessentially French.

Italian Festivities: A Feast of Flavours and Lights

Italy’s Christmas celebrations are a vibrant fusion of religious traditions, family gatherings, and culinary feasts. The season officially starts on December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and continues through to January 6th, the Epiphany. 

One of the most famous Italian Christmas traditions is the Feast of the Seven Fishes, typically held on Christmas Eve, where families enjoy a variety of seafood dishes. Homes and streets are decorated with lights, nativity scenes (Presepe), and beautifully crafted Christmas trees.

Italian cities and towns often host lively Christmas markets and nativity displays, with Naples being renowned for its intricate and artistic Presepe. Another unique tradition is the Befana, a witch-like figure who delivers gifts to children on the night of January 5th, similar to Santa Claus. 

The blend of religious significance, family-oriented activities, and the emphasis on gastronomic delights make an Italian Christmas a truly immersive and heartwarming experience.

A Spanish Christmas: Lively Celebrations and Unique Customs

In Spain, Christmas is a time of lively celebrations and unique customs that extend from December 24th, Christmas Eve, to January 6th, the Three Kings Day. The season is characterised by large family gatherings, with a special meal on Christmas Eve called ‘Nochebuena’, often featuring dishes like roast lamb or seafood. 

Another highlight is the ‘Roscon de Reyes’, a traditional cake eaten on Three Kings Day, symbolising the end of the Christmas festivities.

Spanish cities come alive with festive lights, elaborate nativity scenes, and Christmas markets. A distinct feature of Spanish Christmas is the emphasis on religious processions and events, such as the ‘Cabalgata de Reyes’ (Three Kings Parade) on January 5th. 

The blend of joyous family gatherings, religious observances, and vibrant public celebrations makes Christmas in Spain a rich and diverse cultural experience.

Christmas in Portugal: A Time of Family, Food, and Festivities

In Portugal, Christmas is deeply rooted in family gatherings and religious traditions. The festive season revolves around the ‘Consoada’, a family feast held on Christmas Eve, where codfish and various sweets like ‘Bolo Rei’ (King Cake) are served. 

This is followed by the Midnight Mass, known as ‘Missa do Galo’, which is a central part of the celebration. Homes are adorned with nativity scenes, called ‘Presépios’, and Christmas trees, while streets are lit up with festive decorations.

Portuguese Christmas is also marked by a blend of religious and cultural practices that extend into January, particularly the celebration of ‘Dia de Reis’ (Three Kings Day) on January 6th.

The emphasis on family, tradition, and religious significance, combined with the unique Portuguese customs and culinary delights, makes Christmas in Portugal a warm, familial, and enriching experience.

Integrating UK Traditions with New Cultural Experiences

Integrating UK traditions with new cultural experiences can be a delightful and enriching part of spending Christmas abroad. While embracing the unique customs of your host country, you can also incorporate cherished practices from the UK to create a blend that is both familiar and novel. 

This might mean preparing a traditional British Christmas pudding alongside a local festive dish, or combining the UK tradition of Christmas crackers with local decorations and customs. By doing so, you create a festive atmosphere that respects and celebrates both your heritage and the new culture you are experiencing. 

This fusion of traditions not only enhances your holiday experience but also allows you to share a piece of your own culture with those around you, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse ways in which Christmas is celebrated around the world.

Making Your First Christmas Abroad Unforgettable

As you prepare to celebrate your first Christmas abroad, embracing the new while honouring your traditions can make the season truly unforgettable. This special time offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the customs and festivities of another culture while sharing your own. The key is in creating a harmonious blend of both worlds, making your Christmas experience rich, diverse, and deeply fulfilling.

An important aspect of ensuring a joyous and memorable Christmas abroad is starting your journey on the right note with a stress-free move. Cotswolds Carriers can play a pivotal role in this. By choosing our European Removals services for your relocation, you alleviate much of the stress and uncertainty that comes with moving internationally. 

With Cotswolds Carriers handling your relocation, you can settle into your new environment more easily and quickly, giving you ample time and energy to plan and enjoy your first Christmas abroad, making it a cherished memory for years to come.

Get in touch with us to find out more about office relocation, home moves, throughout the UK, and from the UK to Europe.