Tips for Spending Christmas in a Foreign Country

The first thing to remember is the not every country celebrates Christmas at the same time. Some celebrate on St. Nicholas, some on Christmas Day and some on January 6th, Three Kings Day. Then some follow a different calendar entirely. If you are visiting a family, then you will follow their customs. But if you are staying in a hotel, especially one that caters to westerners, then they probably will have a western Christmas celebration. Check with your hotel or travel agency in advance to see what they offer.

In many countries, Christmas holidays last longer than they do in the United States. You may find many businesses closed for weeks. In countries in the Southern Hemisphere, it is the opposite. It is the time of their summer holidays. Christmas holidays are over on December 26 and families take off for summer vacations. You will find that your hotel will be very full if you plan to stay from the 26th onward.

In some countries, Christmas is not celebrated as a major holiday. I mean countries that have a national religion that is not Christianity. Christmas will be more toned down than you are used to. Again, your hotel will be the key to how much Christmas celebration you will have.

Food is another thing to take into consideration. Not every country celebrates Christmas with a turkey dinner. You might find yourself with choices that you are not used to . Again, your choice of hotel will make a difference. Some of them will cater to tourists and offer a Christmas meal and some will only have local choices.

One thing that you can take advantage of when spending Christmas in a foreign country is the chance to buy Christmas presents that you would not be able to get anywhere else. Make the time to come in advance of Christmas when the local stores sell local goods. They will not be the usual tourist items. They will be what the local citizens buy for their families and friends.