Photo Essay: Holding Onto Holiday Traditions While Living Abroad

The longer I live abroad the more important it seems to hold onto holiday traditions from my childhood. Retaining at least aspects of these habits helps keep a past part of me alive in addition to lessening the distance between loved ones. Although I don’t make it home for Christmas as often as I’d like, I try to find ways to bring home to the table wherever I may be. Just as important as clinging to familiarity is adaptation and creating newness. Throughout my travels I’ve sampled different ways to celebrate Christmas, and have combined these with what’s always been to sort of form my own way to do the holidays.

Opening presents on Christmas Eve, a meat and cheese tray at dinner, as well as pussy willows are all favorite memories from my past. Mulled wine, having a gingerbread house, and deciding to take turns smashing the gingerbread house to bits with a wooden spoon are all acquired customs.

What are some ways in which you hold onto holiday traditions while at the same time as embracing fresh ones? This photo essay provides a peek at the small gathering I hosted this year, and features old and new traditions I’ve combined to celebrate Christmas while living abroad.