7 Tips for a Christmas like home

Living abroad may be an adventure, a new beginning or just something you had to do. No matter the reason, you may find yourself more aware of the distance once you hit Christmas time. Don’t worry, though. At KeepCalling, our mission is to bring you closer to everyone back home. So we brainstormed for you a list of must haves for your “Christmas like home”.

Start by cleaning, to make room for the magic

Housework is something you do that nobody notices until you don’t do it. Sounds familiar? Well, it is true most of the times. You might have gathered loads of things you don’t use anymore. This is the time to give them away to charity. Others will put them to good use. What about actual cleaning? A freshly washed drape and scrubbed floor will certainly bring a new odor to the room. Give it a try. And if the environment is on your mind, do check these recipes for homemade cleaning product.

O Christmas tree sounds better with friends around

Now that you cleaned up the house, you’re ready to get down to Christmasing. People have different customs in decorating the tree. Some do it right after December 1st, to enjoy the decorations longer. While others start decorating on the 24th. Most probably, you will do it like your family does it at home. This is part of our Christmas like home plan, of course. Feel free to choose the right time for you, but make sure you gather your friends or neighbors to give a hand. You can even get creative and make your own decorations. This can be fun for everyone!

There’s nothing like a home cooked meal

Speaking of fresh smells inside of your house, do you remember what Christmas smelled like at home? A big part of that once in a year experience is to have a home cooked meal ready for the big day. Call your mom or grandma to get the family recipe. With a bit of exercise, you’ll get it right. Jamie has a few great tips if you need any assistance.

Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. – Berthold Auerbach

Make a soothing Christmas playlist to listen to while doing all of the above. It will make the chores seem easier and the work more rewarding. And for a real Christmas like home feeling, make sure the playlist also includes songs in your mother tongue. What a feast this turns out to be!

What’s Christmas without presents?

You know everyone is expecting presents for Christmas. You probably do, too. How about this year you make the presents more personal. Not the object itself, but the time you invest in picking the gift, prepare it and wrap it in a mist of magic. Surely it will be appreciated.

Call everyone far away

Christmas is the perfect time to catch up with old friends. The farther away they are, the better you’ll feel having heard their voice. Don’t worry about your phone bill, we’ve got you covered with some great international rates. Lay down and seek for those old numbers. Your friends will love hearing you, as well.

Don’t forget the folks back home

You may find yourself so caught up in the heat of the preparations that you forgot you are not home. That was the plan, right? Congratulations! However, you can make up for your absence, at least partly, by calling home more often. At KeepCalling, we have a special Speed Dial list for you to set up all the important numbers from home.

Now, grab your phone and call! It’s a Christmas like home, after all!