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It\u2019s that time of year when everyone at home is traveling to be with family for festivities, holiday treats, and all the traditions your relatives take part in. Meanwhile, you\u2019re in a small apartment in China feeling nostalgic, and maybe a little lonely, maybe missing mom\u2019s holiday dessert tray. Let me dispel the idea that being abroad for the holidays is a bad thing. I\u2019ll even go so far as to say it\u2019s vastly superior to doing the same thing everyone does, and that you\u2019ll have plenty of opportunities for in the future. Life abroad is an adventure and this is exactly that, so let\u2019s talk about what\u2019s weird, what\u2019s tough, and what\u2019s awesome about spending the holidays abroad.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s weird? Well, first off, you work on days like Christmas that are typically off days at home. While there is some acknowledgement of the holiday and things are a little slower, it\u2019s mostly business as usual. You go to work, you have to do your paperwork, you eat your cold lunch, all the usual things. This throws you off even more because there are decorations in shopping malls and tourist districts, and even music. Weird.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s tough? The hard thing is just missing your family and friends. All your high school buddies having a drink at the old haunt, your favorite food, the festive decorations, and just spending time with everyone. It\u2019s hard to miss out on these things, and there will likely be at least one sad phone call. Also, while this may not be true for everyone, the vast majority of new teachers overseas are taking a path far different from your friends at home that are on career path that matches their degree, purchasing real estate, getting married, and doing what most people do at home. This is one of the most exciting things about living abroad, but during the holidays many of us have the inevitable \u201cwhat am I doing with my life?\u201d moment. Don\u2019t worry, it\u2019ll pass<\/p>\n
What\u2019s awesome? Exactly the last point on what\u2019s tough \u2013 what are you doing with your life? You\u2019re living outside the same path everyone is on. Instead of listening to your uncle rant about politics and watching your brother drink too much, you are standing on a city wall watching maddening traffic half a world away. You are living the adventures everyone else dreams about. Also, new fun traditions come out of this and you still celebrate, expat style. I spent one Christmas in a restaurant by myself with a good book, and another with an apartment full of friends cooking spaghetti. There is nothing more invigorating than the thrill of new adventure.<\/p>\n
Happy holidays to all of you abroad, living the life everyone wants!<\/p>\n