Just cease working on your deadlines if you’re still doing so throughout the holidays. We know the urgency to complete the task you put off earlier but be assured that someone will sympathize. We’re meant to take some time off around Christmas.
We’ll look at some methods to cheer you up and get you in the holiday mood so you can unwind and rejuvenate because, as digital nomads, we don’t always get to spend Christmas with family or friends, surrounded by the traditions we know and love so well. But, as everyone knows, being apart from family may not be easy.
But after being a digital nomad, you’ve undoubtedly become used to being far from your loved ones. Yes, it is odd to be apart from them around the holidays. We have some suggestions for how you may make it a happy holiday and welcome in 2023 on a peaceful note, whether you are a digital nomad living in a remote community or are currently anchored where you and your family are.
Meet other digital nomads in your community
You’ve met a lot of individuals as a result of your participation in social activities in the town you now call home, or at the very least, you’ve gotten to know them from a distance. If you still need to do that, it’s time.
Because it’s pleasant to meet and exchange ideas with individuals who lead similar lifestyles, digital nomads say networking networks remind them of middle school or high school. Holidays may make it even better since they allow for late-night studying about various Christmas customs from across the globe.
There are certainly a few online groups for digital nomads and remote employees. So why not join them and enjoy yourself to the fullest? Whatever you’re seeking—whether it’s more enjoyable, slow time, or business ideas—you’ll discover. There may be online organizations you can join, but there may also be signs in your neighborhood advertising events.
Invite your family over for a video call
Spending the holidays away from your family could be difficult if you are used to large family gatherings, Christmas cuisine, and customs. However, by arranging a last-minute video conversation with your family, you may still compensate for the lack of closure you’re now experiencing.
Making some of the meals you used to eat at home may allow you to even wow your family with your improved culinary abilities. It might be a breath of fresh air for both of you to discuss your views with them and perhaps even your future ambitions.
If you have yet to be able to send them anything, you may still buy them a digital gift by shopping online, which is where many digital nomads hang out. Again, many choices exist, including tickets, virtual certificates, and online and virtual events.
For instance, if they enjoy animals, you might make them the virtual pet owner by adopting one and caring for it. Set up the video call by picking up the phone, pulling up your calendar, and talking about it. Here’s some advice: don’t worry about preparing large dinners alone. You may share it with a neighbor or at a bar with the other digital nomads you meet.
Look up online activities like society games
You may connect with your friends and other digital nomads to have fun on Christmas. A fantastic way to start a discussion and see where it leads is to play social games or any different game.
Because so many individuals play online games, you won’t even need to look very far. Ask your family if they want to do it with you if you can’t find somebody to do it with. This way, you may enjoy time with your family while still having fun abroad.
Embrace the holiday spirit however you want
Doing everything precisely as you would if you were at home is one approach to getting into the Christmas mood. However, embracing a bright, pleasant beach Christmas could be challenging if you’re accustomed to a landscape buried in snow.
But to help you get in the correct frame of mind, play your favorite Christmas music and watch everything the Netflix holiday movies offer. In addition, you can prepare some of your family’s traditional Christmas foods with access to a kitchen.
Take a quick trip near where you are
Do you like traveling by car? With Christmas music playing in the background of your automobile and lights along the road, it may be time to celebrate. Create a quick route plan to get you started. If you live in a community with many social opportunities, there will be many attractions nearby, and before you know it, the day will be over.
There is indeed bound to be something for you, from Christmas markets to open museums, even if it’s simply the thrill of riding that Christmas roller coaster you’ve wanted to do for so long. What if you live in an isolated, secluded location where there is no social life? No need to worry. Although we’re certain you’re a resourceful person who can think of numerous ideas for yourself, here’s one you may try: get in the automobile and see where it leads you.
Even going to a posh place is not necessary. If you circle, you can even discover some good places unexpectedly. If your digital nomad lifestyle has put you on the road enough, you may go for a stroll nearby or climb if you have the chance. You may spend a few hours participating in sports like tennis, swimming, or other activities similar to trekking. It would be best if you went outside of your comfort zone while still feeling celebratory to pull this off.
Get ready for a financial lull
Over the Christmas and New Year’s vacations, work often slows down, particularly if you’re a freelancer. Even if you are still working, bills may take longer since client offices are closed for a few weeks. So make sure you’re saving enough of your salary in the weeks leading up to December to live without receiving a paycheck for a few weeks.
That can include working longer hours in November or leading a more frugal lifestyle in December and January. You want to avoid being forced to turn down a fantastic Christmas Eve night at the bar or a quick New Year’s trip due to a lack of funds.
The commencement of a new year is an excellent opportunity to review your fees and ensure you’re getting enough for your services. However, don’t sell yourself short. Clients who have worked with you for a while will likely raise your compensation to retain your services.
See what’s happening in your community
It’s good to improve someone’s vacation, as they say. You’re already very considerate, so I doubt you’d need someone to tell you that. But have you ever considered sharing these occasions with those who need your presence? Having someone read to them or share hot chocolate with them over the holidays would make thousands of elderly or youngsters without families very happy.
Imagine the pleasure you could bring to their life if you were that person. Look for organizations and groups that share Christmas-related activities online. If you cannot locate one nearby, get in touch with these NGOs and request permission to volunteer there during Christmas. In addition to making you feel good about yourself, these activities will also brighten your life, offer you some ideas, and keep you grounded while you live a nomadic existence online.
Be Open to change
There’s little doubt that this Christmas will be different from the ones you’re accustomed to, but that’s good! The only way to establish new traditions is to undertake a novel endeavor. So accept all that comes your way, and treat yourself to a memorable vacation. You could like your holiday this year so much that it will be remembered as the “one to beat.”
Take a few moments for yourself
You can always take some time for yourself. Many philosophies stress that taking time for yourself may help you feel better and more in tune with who you are. That involves being at peace with who you are and paying attention to how things went for you. With this viewpoint, you may choose what to preserve and modify for the near future.
Since you’re used to living independently as a digital nomad, these days must be about getting back in touch with who you are—maintaining a sense of enjoyment while living in the now. Since you’ve worked so hard this year, treat yourself to something nice (like a hotel for a night or a few days and take advantage of all the amenities) if you’re searching for something new.
Always take a break
A digital nomad’s life seems ideal from the outside. It’s all just travel and fun, with a bit of work thrown in here and there. However, we are aware that it is far more stressful than that. There is a lot of preparation, late nights, early mornings, money, and hustle involved to enjoy those great days.
It is challenging to attain that work-life balance when you operate from home with flexible hours and a mobile office. However, it’s always vital to take a break and refresh, just like with any profession. As work slows down and activity decreases, the holiday season is the ideal time to do it. Create an out-of-office email notice, remove any work-related applications from your phone, and try to adopt a vacation attitude.
Conclusion
Christmas is a festival to spend with loved ones, family, and friends. But this may be difficult to do for many nomads. The issue is that doing traditional Christmas on the go may sometimes be challenging. That is why we’ve put together this guide on how to spend Christmas as a nomad.
