It can be a little tough being away from home for the holidays, but you can take advantage of being abroad to make unique holiday memories in a few easy steps.
PHOTO SOFIA JOHNStep One:
Find a new kissing plant. Mistletoe has prompted countless awkward kisses from the dawn of time. While abroad you can adopt a plant native to the region in which you are traveling as a holiday plant. For example, if you’re traveling in a dry forest, a jungle vine can cue a smooch. As for other holiday plants, nothing is quite like the majesty of an ornamented Douglass Fir, but decorating a cactus can be a fun spin on a classic holiday tradition.
Step Two:
Cut out snowflakes. Kindergarten was all about yummy glue and fine crafts. While abroad, capitalize on the skills you honed back in the day to decorate your home away from home. To make snowflakes fold a piece of white construction paper into at least four sections, and while the paper is folded, cut out designs. To add to the fun, ask friends and family to craft snowflakes and send them to you in the mail. Whether or not you are in a place where it snows, you can still have a white Christmas sprinkled with pretty little snowflakes.
Step Three:
Write “warm-fuzzies.” The holiday spirit calls us to take the time to value our relationships with those around us. While traveling, consider inviting fellow travelers and people you meet along the way to participate in warm fuzzies. All you need is something to write on and something with which to write. Every participant writes their name down on a piece of paper, and everyone takes turns writing anonymous compliments to each other. It is hard to be away from the comfort of home for the holidays, but while abroad you can still feel warm and fuzzy.
