Thursday 23 December 2010

How to Celebrate Christmas While Traveling

How to Celebrate Christmas While Traveling

Not everyone is home for Christmas and there can be a number
of reasons why you're traveling over Christmas, including
for work, travel experiences, emergencies, studies, and the
like. This doesn't mean that Christmas has to be an event
that passes by without recognition, and it's still possible
to celebrate Christmas while traveling. Here are some ideas
to help you make the most of a Christmas on-the-go.

!! Steps !!

Find out whether there are Christmas celebrations happening where
you are. If you're still in your own country, this shouldn't be too
difficult to find at local churches, community centers, municipal
parks, etc. If you're traveling overseas to another country and
you're in a country with Christian traditions, there should be a lot
of similar opportunities available, subject to local traditions. And
when attending church services and Christmas events, even if you
don't speak the local language, it's still a great chance to soak up
the atmosphere and see how other parts of the world celebrate
Christmas.

* If you're in a country that is not predominantly Christian, there
are still often Christmas celebrations but you'll need to find out
where the Christian communities are holding these. An online
search is a good place to start, as is speaking to locals.

* Even if you don't find any local celebrations, this doesn't
prevent you and your companions from celebrating Christmas in your
own way while traveling. You can still make the day festive by
doing special Christmas related things including reflecting on the
occasion.

Gather your friends. It's a lot more enjoyable if you can celebrate
with someone else at Christmas time. This might include your travel
companion(s), people you've recently met and made firm friendships
with, family and friends you know in the country you're in, etc.
Just do your best not to spend the day alone but to share the
occasion with at least one other person.

* If you are alone that day, look at ways to be around people, such
as attending church services, having a restaurant meal, etc.

Consider taking a Christmas memento with you. If you know you'll be
traveling at Christmas time, it can be heartwarming to have a small
memento from home that represents Christmas, such as a fabric
ornament, a card, or a Christmas message from your family. Take it
out on Christmas Day and display it or wear it as appropriate, to
give yourself a little personal Christmas cheer.

Try to link up with family back home. With Skype, emails, and other
technological marvels, it's very easy to keep in touch by video for
Christmas and to say your hellos and greetings, however short.
Making this connection will help make it feel like a true Christmas.

* Give yourself a treat you've been yearning after... Give
yourself a gift. It's Christmas, so give in to your desire to buy
something or do something that you've been holding off on. This
can help to make the day feel more special and can reward your
anticipation about something that you might not otherwise get or
do.

Enjoy the opportunity to celebrate Christmas somewhere different.
If you're celebrating Christmas overseas, it's worth enjoying the
fresh take on Christmas. Take photos of the displays and other
Christmas elements, and take time to walk around seeing what other
people are doing.

!! Tips !!

* Many restaurants will close on Christmas Day, depending on their
location and local laws. However, even where this occurs, there
are usually some places that remain open, such as restaurants and
cafes located in international hotels, stores and food outlets in
specialized tourist quarters, and restaurants run by people who
don't celebrate Christmas, such as Chinese restaurants.

* Realize that many people celebrate Christmas without snow and cold
weather. It might seem unusual to you but for people in many
countries, it's the normal Christmas season and it's a great
opportunity to enjoy something new, such as Christmas in the heat!
Go surfing, water skiing, and enjoy a seafood lunch for a change;
just remember to slap on the sunscreen.

!! Warnings !!

* Avoid making too much of Christmas or you can risk feeling
particularly down on the day if nothing "Christmassy" happens for
you.

* Be aware of Christmas hours when traveling. Closures are
commonplace for stores, museums, zoos, galleries, theme parks,
banks, and many businesses. This could impact your ability to
travel, get cash, find help, etc., so it is important to plan
ahead if you're in a country where this will be an issue.

!! Related WikiHows !!

* How to Deal With Homesickness

* How to Make Your Own Christmas Gifts

* How to Travel Safely Alone

* How to Travel by Air

* How to Travel With One Bag

!! Article Tools !!

* Read on wikiHow

*

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