How to Feel at Home During the Holidays

The end of the year comes with a mix of emotions. Christmas arrives, followed closely by New Year’s celebrations, usually moments meant to be shared with family and close friends. To make things even more intense, my birthday falls right between those two dates. So yes, December is a lot for me.

Like many international students, I was scared of feeling lonely during the holidays. Being far from home can make these dates feel heavier than usual. But over time, I’ve learned a few ways to create that feeling of family warmth, even when I’m thousands of kilometers away. Here’s what has helped me 🤍

Travel (maybe?) ✈️

The first option is the obvious one: going back home. And honestly, if you can do it, that’s amazing. I truly envy those who only need a short flight to hug their loved ones.

In my case, Peru is very far away and plane tickets are expensive, so going home wasn’t an option this year. Instead, I chose the closest version of “home” I had. I traveled to Spain for Christmas and my birthday, where one of my best friends lives after finishing her Master’s in Barcelona.

We’ve been friends for over 10 years, so she’s basically family. We were both spending the holidays away from home, so it felt right to be together. We kept our traditions alive: hot chocolate, panetón, and Peruvian food. Sometimes, home isn’t a place, it’s a person.

Find the Friends Who Stayed 🫶

I couldn’t stay in Barcelona for long, so I had to think about New Year’s plans back in Sweden. I’m actually more used to celebrating New Year’s with friends than with family, so I reached out to those who stayed.

Even without a perfectly structured plan, just knowing we’ll be together already makes everything feel warmer. Hopefully, there will be fireworks, and of course, some Peruvian cábalas, like eating 12 grapes at midnight 🍇

Calls… and More Calls 📱

Time differences can be tricky, but I’ve made an effort to stay connected with my loved ones. Even a 5-minute call can mean so much. Hearing familiar voices reminds me that distance doesn’t erase connection.

This year, my mom called me on Christmas while she was at my grandma’s house. I got to say hello to my aunts and cousins, and it filled my heart more than I expected. I miss them a lot, but moments like that make the distance feel a little smaller.

Being far from home during the holidays isn’t easy, but it is manageable. Sometimes, home is recreated through friendships, traditions, and short phone calls that remind us where we come from, and who we carry with us, wherever we go ✨