Living in a new country can be both an exciting and challenging experience. The new surroundings, people, and culture can offer endless opportunities for growth and learning. But it can be quite challenging to be away from one’s loved ones during the festive period, particularly over Christmas. One can feel isolated and homesick, especially if your family is celebrating together back home. Our hearts long for our loved ones and for that what is familiar to us. However, it’s vital to remain positive and find ways to stay connected with family, despite the kilometres that may separate you. With the advancement of technology, there are so many ways to communicate and keep in touch with loved ones, such as through video chats, phone calls, emails, or even sending traditional, handwritten letters. Additionally, creating new traditions or hosting a Christmas party with fellow expats can also help to alleviate the feelings of loneliness and foster a sense of community. Remember that while it may not be easy being away from family during this time, with a little effort, we can still make the holiday season special and memorable.
Staying in touch
When you cannot be together physically, try organising an online get-together. You can organise a “bederf boks” for everyone, filled with items like traditional home-baked goodies, biltong and droewors, something to drink and a small gift. Organise games to play like charades. You can also make it a themed party and ask people to dress up.
Below are pages with ideas for online get-togethers and ways to connect cost effectively.

Keeping in touch virtually
As an ex-pat, it is essential to keep in touch with family and friends from back home. We yearn for news and contact with loved ones,

Phoning Home
In today’s world most of us have apps that we use to chat with family back home. But not all our relatives, especially the older
Sending gifts to people
Alternatively, you can buy gifts from online shops in South Africa. We did a lot of research and created a list of online shops in South Africa. It is by no means a complete list, and you are welcome to make suggestions via our Contact us form.
Some of these businesses are also listed on our Shops and Services space. Just search for “Gift service in SA”. You can also rate these shops or read what others had to say about their service.
Sending online Christmas cards

Yabulela Gift Hampers SA
I support and assist South African ex-pats to close the distance with high-quality gifting, connecting their hearts with family & friends when they cannot be

Plaaslik (The Pretoria Shop)
I’m your local gifting girl in South Africa! Click on photos to see our great gift ideas for Father’s day! Do you live overseas or
Websites
here is a list of websites where you can send online cards
Create cards online and have them delivered
Create a group card, all participants sign the card
Apps
- Greeting Cards and Wishes from 123 Greetings
- Greetings: Custom Photo Cards– iPhone
- Merry Christmas Photo Frames – Android
South African Christmas Recipes

Traditional South African Christmas Recipes
A selection of traditional South African Christmas recipes. You are most welcome to share your recipes with us via the link below. Click here to
German Christmas Traditions
If you want to experience a more German Christmas, have a look at the German Christmas Traditions. We also have a page with a list of traditional Christmas dishes

German Christmas Recipes
Baking cookies for Christmas is what childhood memories are made of. We will list some websites here where you can find authentic Christmas recipes. Typical

German Christmas Traditions
St. Nicholas Day St Nicholas Day, known as Nikolaustag in Germany, is celebrated on the 6th of December. Children leave a pair of cleaned boots
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