How to Make the Holidays Feel Like Home as an Expat?

For many expat women, the holiday season can be bittersweet. While it’s exciting to live in a new country and experience different cultures, being away from family, friends, and familiar traditions can leave you feeling like something’s missing. But here’s the thing—home isn’t just a place. It’s a feeling you can create, wherever you are.

The beauty of expat life is that it gives you a unique opportunity to reimagine the holidays, blending traditions from home with fresh new ways to celebrate. Here’s how to make the season magical and meaningful, even when you’re far from "home."

1. Bring Your Holiday Traditions to the UAE

The holidays are all about nostalgia and familiarity, so recreating the traditions you love from back home is a great starting point.

• Decorate Like You Mean It: A twinkling tree, a string of lights, or a wreath on the door can instantly transport you into the festive spirit. The UAE has plenty of places to stock up on holiday decorations, from IKEA to Spinneys, Carrefour, and even Dragon Mart for affordable finds. You can also shop online on Noon or Amazon. Add a personal touch by making DIY crafts with your kids or friends, or bring out sentimental items from home to tie it all together.
• Cook Your Comfort Foods: Nothing feels like the holidays quite like a kitchen filled with the smells of festive dishes. Whether it’s a roasted turkey, mulled wine, gingerbread cookies, or a vegan version of your family favorite, recreating traditional recipes can be deeply comforting. Don’t know where to find ingredients? Local supermarkets like Waitrose, Spinneys, or specialty stores like Organic Foods & Café often carry imported products during the holidays.
• Play the Hits: Put on a playlist of your favorite holiday songs or set up a holiday movie night with classics like Home Alone, Love Actually, or Elf. Most streaming platforms like Netflix and OSN+ have curated holiday collections to make it easy.

2. Create New Traditions in Your Expat Life

While holding onto old traditions is important, it’s equally fun to embrace new ones that fit your expat lifestyle.

• Blend Cultures: One of the joys of expat life is experiencing new traditions. Why not infuse a bit of the UAE into your holiday celebrations? Serve local treats like dates and gahwa alongside your holiday spread or host a festive desert picnic under the stars—an experience you wouldn’t get back home!
• Celebrate Outdoors: While many of your friends back home might be shivering through snowstorms, you’ve got the gorgeous UAE winter weather to enjoy. Plan a festive BBQ at the park, a beach gathering with Santa hats, or a rooftop dinner party with fairy lights and cozy vibes.
• Mini-Holiday Getaways: Use this time to explore the UAE or nearby destinations. A festive staycation in Ras Al Khaimah or Al Ain, complete with holiday dinners and spa treatments, can be the perfect way to recharge and make new memories.

3. Connect with Your Expat Community

The holidays are about togetherness, and your expat community can become your extended family during this time.

• Host a Holiday Potluck: Invite friends over for a potluck where everyone brings a dish from their home country. Not only will you get to enjoy a global feast, but it’s also a chance to learn about how different cultures celebrate the season.
• Join Local Festive Events: Check out what’s happening in your area. Many expat communities host holiday markets, tree-lighting ceremonies, or festive brunches. If you’re part of Coffee With An Expat, join one of our holiday-themed meetups to share the festive cheer with like-minded women.
• Stay Connected Back Home: Just because you’re far away doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate with loved ones back home. Schedule a Zoom call to open gifts together or watch a holiday movie "together" virtually. A little creativity goes a long way to bridging the distance.

4. Focus on the “Feels” of the Season

Sometimes, it’s the small things that make the biggest difference when it comes to recreating the magic of the holidays.

• Surround Yourself with Comfort: Light candles that smell like cinnamon, pine, or vanilla to create a cozy atmosphere. Grab a fluffy blanket, a mug of hot cocoa, and just lean into those cozy vibes.
• Practice Gratitude: It’s easy to focus on what you’re missing, but try shifting your perspective. Start a gratitude journal and write about what makes this season special in your expat life. Maybe it’s the chance to meet new friends, experience the UAE’s festive charm, or simply enjoy a slower pace.
• Give Back: One of the most fulfilling ways to feel connected is to give back to your community. Look for volunteer opportunities at local charities, or organize a small toy or food drive with your friends. Giving back will fill your heart with holiday joy.

The holidays may feel different as an expat, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be meaningful. By combining your favorite traditions with new experiences, you can create a festive season that’s truly your own. Remember, home isn’t just a place—it’s the feeling you create with the people, rituals, and moments that bring you joy.

So, light the candles, play your favorite holiday songs, and embrace the magic of celebrating in the UAE. This might just become your most memorable holiday season yet.

Ready to make this holiday season even more special? Join Coffee With An Expat and connect with an incredible community of women who just get it. From festive meetups to shared experiences, our membership is all about making your expat life richer, warmer, and more connected.

🎄 Don’t spend the holidays feeling alone—there’s a seat waiting for you at our table!