You’re Not Going Home for the Holidays (Copy)
Photo by Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash
How to Handle Staying in the U.S. When Everyone Else is Going Home
It’s that time of year again!
Mistletoe, bright lights, gift-giving, loads of food, and holiday music everywhere you go!
Classmates are excited to go home for the holidays…but you’re staying in the U.S.
You might be feeling sad, frustrated, lonely, or any multitude of negative feelings.
I still remember how I felt during my first holiday season in the U.S. — when looking out my kitchen window and seeing my neighbors gathering together with their family, whereas it was just me, myself, and I in my apartment.
Just because you’re not going home doesn’t mean your holidays can’t be special. This can be a great opportunity for you to get to know American culture and how Americans celebrate the holiday season.
Find Out What’s Happening in Your School Over the Holidays
Many schools put together events for students who are staying on campus during the holiday break.
For example, Brigham Young University in the State of Utah has hosted a “Freeze Fest: Winter Party” which includes ice skating, broom hockey, human curling, dodgeball, crafts, photos, and treats to one place. They also had a Polar Express-themed party as well as numerous special events and musical celebrations such as, “Celebration of Christmas,” “Christmas Around the World,” and “Tuba Christmas.”
Seton Hall University in New Jersey often kicks off the season with a Tree Lighting Ceremony during the first week of December. Then, throughout the following weeks, they’ve had carol-singing, Crèche blessing, a pancake breakfast with Santa, Jazz Band Christmas Performance, Winter Ball, Lessons and Carols, University Christmas Party, and Young Alumni Christmas Party. Also noteworthy at Seton Hall is the “12 Acts of Kindness” originally inspired by nursing student, Hillary Sadlon, who spurred the SHU community to give unselfishly to others.
At Michigan State University, they’ve hosted an Evening of Lights in their Hidden Lake Garden, a botanical garden and arboretum, with lights and luminaries depicting many colors and themes. They’ve also hosted a Holiday Festival with lights and luminaries plus holiday craft activities and refreshments for families, and a visit from Santa Claus.
There could be exciting and fun events occurring around your campus. Contact your international student office, counselors, or advisors. They can be a wealth of information and resources to find out what’s happening in your area this holiday season.
Organize Your Own Event for International Students
Do you have the party planner itch? Scratch it!
Organize a fun event with other international students who are also staying on campus during the holidays.
Here are some fun holiday-themed activities you could host:
Dinner Dish Showdown:
Ask your friends to whip up their favorite dinner recipe for everyone in the group to try. Vote on the best dish and give the winner a special gift to remember the fun night. Bonus! You get to have a delish dinner!
DIY Christmas Ornaments:
Make your own Christmas tree ornaments. Try personalizing them with your friends over a glass of wine and some great snacks. And hey! Maybe even gift one or two to someone you care about.
Gingerbread House Contest:
Buy some gingerbread house kits, grab a group of friends and see who can build the nicest looking house! The winner gets to eat it, too!
It’s Cocktail Hour:
Mix martinis and mistletoe with this light and fun cocktail hour party. Serve seasonal drinks like a Dirty Snowman, a Cranberry Mimosa, or another festive drink and enjoy the evening!
There are thousands of ideas all around you. It doesn’t need to be costly on your time or finances, and you can still have a ton of fun!
Spend the Holidays with a Family in the U.S.
Some international students already have family in the U.S. that they can visit during the holidays.
Others have good friends that come from great families.
If you receive an invitation to join them for the holidays, don’t be shy! Say “Yes!” and start packing! Don’t forget to bring a gift with you as well.
It might not feel quite like you’re home, but you’ll be with people who care and you’ll get to benefit from new experiences.
If you’ve never celebrated Christmas before, it’s also a fantastic opportunity to learn all about it!
Living in the New York City Area? Check Out These Fantastic Events!
One To World is a not-for-profit organization and their mission is to create face-to-face experiences among local communities, international students and Fulbright scholars.
One of the ways they do this is by holding activities for international students who live in NYC and the adjoining area.
They’re hosting a number of activities this season, such as community service events and One To World Walk.
Click here to see a list of their events.
Tune into the next blog that will be chock-full of things to do over the holidays and winter break to keep you busy and merry!
Schedule a Free Call with Me!
If you’re an international student struggling to navigate feelings from being away from your family during the holidays or having trouble building a strong support network in the U.S., schedule a free 30-minute call with me!
About The Author
Many years ago I came to the U.S. from Taiwan and studied in a field that rarely accepted “fresh off the boat” international students from non-English speaking countries. I’m Dr. Vivi Hua, Psy.D. and I help international students navigate the cross-cultural aspects of their experience in the U.S., so they can succeed academically and socially and build a life and career that they desire!