Christmas Décor Tips for Expats

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Christmas has always been my favourite season because it is filled with tradition and fun memories.?

I think this is why it has always been important to create a warm and homey Christmas atmosphere regardless of where we were located.

While you are going to want to incorporate your favourite decorations and traditions, it is also important to embrace the local culture which can make the holiday season truly special.?

Here are some décor tips for expats to infuse a sense of coziness and familiarity into your Christmas celebrations abroad.

1. Blend Local and Traditional Ornaments - Integrate locally-inspired decorations with your traditional ornaments. This fusion adds a unique touch to your Christmas tree and showcases the diversity of your cultural experiences.

My favourite is this Christmas pyramid (Weihnachtspyramide) that I got when we were in Germany. ?

The Christmas pyramid is this beautiful wooden decoration with a central carousel that turns thanks to a rotor at the top traditionally driven by the warm air of the candles burning at its base. ?

They are decorated with nativity scenes, angels, wise men, forest scenes or animals.

Today you can buy electric ones such as mine which is pictured.

2. DIY Ornaments with a Personal Touch - Crafting your own ornaments not only saves money but also adds a personal touch to your decorations. Consider making ornaments that reflect your expat journey or incorporate elements from your new surroundings.?

This one has actually turned into one of my favourites and is great for family bonding as well.

Every year I buy bare ceramic or wooden decorations and we sit around the table eating cookies and drinking hot chocolate while we each create our own decoration.

For small children this also creates fun Christmas gifts they can give to share their new culture with loved ones that are not able to celebrate with you.

?3. Cultural Centrepiece - Create a captivating centrepiece that combines elements from your host country and your home country.?

This could be a table setting featuring traditional dishes from both cultures or a centrepiece that incorporates local flora.?

?4. International Advent Calendar - Build excitement throughout December with an international twist on the classic advent calendar. Each day, incorporate a small item or treat from both your home and host countries to make the countdown more diverse and interesting.

5.? Multicultural Wreath - Create a multicultural wreath by combining traditional Christmas greenery with local flora. This not only embraces your new environment but also symbolizes unity and the beauty of cultural diversity.

6. Memory Lane Display - Craft a display that showcases memories from both your home and host countries. Incorporate photos, mementos, and souvenirs to create a visual timeline of your expat journey, making your home feel like a cozy haven of memories.?

7. Virtual Family Photo Frame -? For expats missing family during the holidays, set up a digital photo frame displaying pictures and videos from your Christmases and winters past.?

This adds a personal touch and helps bridge the gap between physical and virtual celebrations.?

8. Local Scented Candles -? Candles burning in the evening creates an intimate ambiance and add to that the scents of the season and you can be transported back home.

Going to a local boutique is perfect for supporting your new community and building relationships with the locals plus you will be more likely to find scents typical for your area.

I like to buy the one recommended because it is what they always burned and then I always buy cinnamon scented as well because it brings me back to my grandmothers house when I was a little girl.