Preparing for the Holiday Season as an International Student
🎄 Preparing for the Holiday Season as an International Student
Let’s talk about it.
The holiday season in the U.S. is magical, twinkling lights, cozy cafés, holiday markets, and people everywhere talking about travel plans and family time.
But if you’re an international student, this time of year can feel… different.
Exciting? Yes.
Emotional? Also yes.
Confusing? Sometimes!
And that’s okay.
You’re navigating a new culture, a new school routine, and a season filled with expectations. So let’s walk through how to make this time meaningful, fun, and stress-free.
🎉 Embrace the Experience (Even If It’s All New)
You’ll notice quickly that Americans treat holidays very seriously.
Between Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and cultural celebrations from around the world, there’s always something happening.
Here are a few ways to jump in:
✨ Check out winter markets
🕯️ Attend a holiday cultural event
🦃 Learn what “Friendsgiving” means
🎄 Walk around neighborhoods to see lights
Curious what each holiday is about?
👉 https://www.usa.gov/holidays
Reminder: You don’t have to celebrate everything. But trying new traditions is a great way to feel connected.
💬 Stay Close to Home — Without Feeling Stuck There
Homesickness hits harder during the holidays, trust us, we’ve seen it every year.
Stay connected with family in a way that feels healthy:
📱 Plan weekly video calls
🎥 Send short update videos or voice notes
📦 Exchange small gifts or snacks from home
🍲 Cook one traditional dish and share it with classmates
And when the time zones get tricky…
✅ World Time Buddy: https://www.worldtimebuddy.com/
Your family is cheering for you. And we are too. 😊
💛 Take Care of Your Mind & Heart
Let’s be real, holiday stress is real.
Even local students feel it.
If you’re feeling homesick, overwhelmed, or lonely, you’re not failing.
You’re human.
One of our favorite talks for emotional resilience:
🎤 Brené Brown,The Power of Vulnerability
https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_the_power_of_vulnerability
Need a daily reset? Try:
🧘 Headspace: https://www.headspace.com/
🙏 Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com/
Even 5 minutes of breathing can change your whole mood.
🎁 Spend Smart, Your Wallet Will Thank You
Holiday sales are tempting (hello Black Friday 👀).
But smart budgeting now = more peace later.
Try these:
💵 Set a spending limit
🎁 DIY small gifts (they’re cute & thoughtful!)
📉 Look for student discounts
☕ Bring your own coffee & snacks
Helpful budgeting tools:
📱 Mint: https://mint.intuit.com/
📱 YNAB: https://www.ynab.com/
Your future self will appreciate your discipline. 😉
📚 Balance School & Festivities
The end of the year = deadlines, projects, tests.
Holiday fun + school stress can mix fast, unless you plan for both.
Tips to stay on track:
✅ Use a planner
✅ Study 25 minutes / Break 5 (Pomodoro!)
✅ Find a study buddy
✅ Break tasks into tiny steps, tiny wins count!
Organizing tool:
📂 Notion for Students: https://www.notion.so/students
You can enjoy the season AND crush your goals. Both are possible. 🎓✨
❄️ Build Community & Give Back
The holidays feel best when you’re connected.
So don’t isolate yourself, join in.
Ideas:
🤝 Attend school holiday events
🍽️ Invite another student to eat together
🧤 Volunteer at a coat or food drive
🎶 Go to community cultural winter events
Volunteer links:
New York Cares → https://www.newyorkcares.org/
Philadelphia Volunteer Programs → https://www.phila.gov/volunteer/
Helping others = instant holiday spirit boost.
✨ Final Thought
The holidays abroad can feel like a mix of wonder and nostalgia.
You’re growing, stretching, learning, and becoming more independent every day.
That in itself is a victory.
Take this season slowly.
Celebrate your courage.
Connect with people.
Give yourself grace.
You’re not just studying, you’re building a life, a story, a global identity.
And we’re honored to be part of your journey.
Happy holiday season from Amlotus 💙🎁🌟
🔗 Stay Connected with Amlotus:
📸 Instagram: @amlotusny
🎥 TikTok: @amlotus
📍 Campuses in Manhattan • Flushing • Philadelphia
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