Living abroad as an FS family is an experience of a lifetime—new cultures, new traditions, new celebrations, and a whole new way of seeing the world. But when the holidays roll around, the distance from family and friends can feel just a little heavier. Being far from the people and traditions you love most is one of the biggest emotional challenges of life at post.

Over the years, we’ve learned that staying connected during the holiday season takes a little creativity, a little planning, and sometimes a little tech magic. Here are 7 festive and meaningful ways to bridge the miles and stay connected with the people you love, no matter where you’re posted.

1.  Video Calls — But Make Them Festive

Regular video calls are wonderful, but holidays call for something extra special. Pick a theme—ugly sweaters, holiday pajamas, festive hats—or plan a mini virtual activity like:

• Decorating cookies “together”
• Sharing a favorite family recipe and cooking it at the same time
• Doing a holiday trivia night
• Reading a holiday book to the youngest cousins
• A little planning turns a simple call into a memory.

2. Holiday-Themed Care Packages

Sending and receiving care packages around the holidays is pure joy. Think:

• Your favorite local snacks
• A holiday decoration from your host country
• Local treats your loved ones have never tried
• A handwritten holiday card
• Something festive from a recent market

And ask them to send a touch of “home” your way too. It becomes a fun cultural exchange wrapped in holiday spirit.

3. Use Digital Gift-Unwrapping Apps When Presents Don’t Arrive in Time

International shipping has a mind of its own—especially in December—and sometimes gifts just don’t make it by the big day.

Enter digital gift-unwrapping apps like SwipeWrap (such a lifesaver!). These clever apps let your recipient unwrap a digital version of their gift by tapping, sliding, or “peeling back” virtual wrapping paper. It adds surprise, delight, and a sense of tradition—even when the real package is still bouncing through six warehouses around the world.

We’ve used this for Christmas, Hanukkah, and even birthdays overseas, and it turns potential disappointment into a really fun moment.

4. Celebrate Together on Zoom or FaceTime — All Day Long

One of the sweetest holiday traditions our family stumbled into while living overseas is staying on Zoom or FaceTime for the entire holiday gathering happening back home.
Truly—keep the call running in the background.

You cook your holiday meal in your kitchen abroad, they cook theirs stateside, and you all celebrate in parallel. People wander over to the laptop to chat, the kids pop in to say hi, and when no one’s right in front of the screen, you can still hear the laughter, carols, clinking dishes, board game shouts, and all those little moments you’d otherwise miss.

It creates this warm sense of “we’re still together,” even if you’re oceans apart. Our kids always say it feels like they were actually at the party, not just calling in for ten minutes.

5. Social Media — But More Intentionally

If you’re already sharing holiday moments online, take it a step further:
– Create a “close friends” list to share more personal holiday-day-to-day moments.
– Make a private Facebook group for extended family—perfect for swapping holiday photos and videos without the noise of your main feed.
– Mark your closest loved ones as “Favorites” so you don’t miss their holiday updates.

It keeps everyone close, even if you can’t physically be together.

6. Surprise Holiday Moments

Surprises hit extra hard during the holiday season.
Try:

• Sending a Cameo from a celebrity they adore
• Mailing a surprise ornament or decoration
• Leaving a digital note, video message, or funny holiday meme in their inbox
• Sending a small Amazon gift (think cozy socks, a holiday mug, a book you loved)

It’s a simple way to remind someone that even far away, they’re woven into your holiday season.

Celebrating the holidays abroad can be both magical and emotional. But with a little creativity and intention, you can stay connected in meaningful ways that make the season feel warm and full—even from the other side of the world.

Here’s to cozy connections, joyful surprises, and celebrating together… no matter the distance. 🎄✨