Christmas is my favorite holiday, and I love virtually everything about it.
I love the constant holiday music that can be heard at most retailers, and the vast array of decorations and lights that can be seen as soon as you step out on your front door and into your car. I never seem to tire of it. As soon as Thanksgiving day arrives, this marks the beginning of the Christmas season for me and my family. Some years we put the tree up Thanksgiving night, but we always aim to have our decorations put up by December 1st. This has been my experience pretty much every year except for this one.
Christmas in a different culture
I knew that the traditions would be different while abroad, but I wasn’t expecting to miss the Christmas traditions in America as much as I have these past few days. After all, I wanted to experience the different cultures of Europe, and get away from some of the commercialism that has taken hold of Christmas.
What can you do to get in the Christmas spirit when living overseas?
In order to combat some of those homesick feelings for Christmas, Scarlett and I decided to visit one of the famous Christmas markets in Madrid at Plaza de Mayor.
As you can see, the market opened a couple of days prior to the advertised November 27th date. There were already several people looking around at the Christmas ornaments, nativity scenes, and array of Christmas hats and gag gifts that were for sale in the red Christmas themed shops that have been set up for the season.
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Watching favorite Christmas movies
Another way we have tried to keep our traditions somewhat normal is by watching a couple of Christmas favorites on Netflix and Amazon. Isn’t technology great?
The best thing to do is to embrace the experience and opportunity you have and immerse yourself in a wonderful new experience of colors, language and food.Ā
Aside from maintaining a certain familiarity with your normal traditions, venturing out to see how other cultures experience the holiday season is the best way to get involved. It is easy to get sucked into the gloom of being homesick and apart from what you are normally accustomed to, especially during the holidays. The best thing to do is to embrace the experience and opportunity that you have and immerse yourself in a wonderful new experience of colors, language and food. Tis the season!
Christmas lights on the streets of Madrid, Spain
I would love to experience the holidays in a different country. But Iād have to have all of my family with me!
Yes, it is a cool experience, and of course I have my daughter with me. š
Madrid se ve bellisima! š Neat post!
Thanks! There are parts of Madrid that are gorgeous!
Someday I hope to travel more, I hope the holiday is a good one, even in another country.
Thank you! Yes, when you get the chance you should travel more! š
My aunt was working in Germany a few years ago at Christmas time, it was sad that she wasn’t here to spend the holidays with us, but we did a big Skype call where she toured us around with her computer and let us see what it looked like there.
That’s wonderful! Yes, technology is a wonderful thing when it comes to keeping in touch with friends and family. I have heard wonderful things about the Christmas markets in Germany.
Lovely way to profile all that Madrid has to offer during the Christmas season.
Thank you so much! I will be on the lookout for more interesting things to post. š
I love Christmas markets! I remember going to them in Scotland last year and I just loved them!
Oh! I want to visit Scotland as well! š
That looks so beautiful! What a great experience.
Thank you!
I travel a lot but have never spent a major holiday abroad (just realized that). Love the article, and again that market looks cool!
Thank you! This is my first time experiencing the Christmas season outside of America.
Christmas in a foreign country is so fun to see the traditions and cultures that come out. So fun!
I am looking forward to seeing new things with my daughter!
I’m actually okay with being away for Christmas as long as my hubby and kids are with me.
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It sounds so fun to experience something new in another country, but I can see how it would be a challenge not to feel too homesick at the same time.
It can be challenging some days, yet exciting the next.
I agree. I would miss American holiday traditions, but I bet its just so beautiful in Spain.
They are a very religious country and I imagine a lot of people partake in the festivities. Churros and chocolate sound good to me
Chocolate and churros are tasty!!
I will need to share this with my son. He will be in Japan for Christmas, in the Navy. Not sure how much “liberty” time he will have, but I hope he gets to explore some to get a sense of Christmas in Japan.
What a great idea! I bet you are so proud of your son!
Going to be a special Christmas!
I’ve never been anywhere but home for the holidays. If you’re going to be abroad though, this looks like a fantastic way to celebrate! Love the photos.
I’ve never spent a holiday outside of the U.S., and I could see that I would miss some things. But it would also be fun to experience Christmas in another country. The marketplace looks like it would be a great experience.
What an incredible experience, I would love to have an opportunity like this!
I love how you are creating memories for a lifetime!
Thank you! We are trying!
What an informative and fun post! I hope you have a wonderful holiday and thanks for sharing!
Thank you! Have a wonderful holiday!
It will be a Christmas to remember! Enjoy. Merry Christmas.
Thank you! Merry Christmas to you! šš
Good for you for embracing it all Amie! I think what you are doing is amazing! And yes to technology, Netflix and Amazon bring you a little bit of “home.”