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Yes, Christmas is about spending time with loved ones like family and close friends, but that shouldn't stop you from being adventurous if your heart belongs somewhere halfway across the world. Many of us choose to spend the holidays right here at home, but we're here to suggest an alternative. Have you ever considered traveling abroad to spend Christmas?

If the thought has never crossed your mind, we get it! Christmas and home just go together like peanut butter and jelly. But if you're tempted by this idea or feel even remotely interested in learning more, let us tell you all the reasons why spending Christmas in a different country can be the amazing experience you never knew you needed.

Different Traditions

In America, we know Christmas traditions by heart. Whenever December rolls around, it's all about making gingerbread houses, putting up the Christmas tree, going ice skating, and more. And while these activities are all incredibly fun and festive, why not change things up this year?

Christmas is a holiday that's celebrated all around the world, but the most beautiful part of that is, not all countries celebrate it the same way. If you travel the world during the holidays, you'll get to embrace so many new and amazing cultural traditions you never dreamed of.

For instance, did you know KFC is a very big Christmas tradition in Japan? Every year, instead of the usual roast turkey and mashed potatoes, you'll find Japanese families pre-ordering buckets of KFC chicken for their holiday feast. Or how about in Iceland, where children will leave their shoes by the window in hopes of being visited by the 13 Yule Lads, who, similar to Santa, will leave behind candy or rotten potatoes depending on how naughty they've been!

Getting to experience these interesting and unfamiliar traditions is a great way to grow on a personal level. It'll open your eyes to new possibilities, and what better time is there than the holidays when everyone is extra happy, cheerful, and full of love? You'll truly get to see each country at its best during this season.

A Change In Weather

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Do you live in California where the winters are never really that 'wintery?' Or do you perhaps live in Alaska, where snow is a constant, not a random possibility? Depending on where it is that you live, you might be tired of seeing the same weather during the holidays. Maybe you're not a fan of all the snow that makes it impossible to go outside, or maybe you're sick of seeing the sun that makes Christmas feel less festive. Whatever it is that you're feeling, we've got a quick fix for you. Just travel!

For those of you tired of the cold, travel somewhere warm this winter, like Australia, the tropics, or Southeast Asia. In these countries, you'll be guaranteed hot weather that welcomes shorts, tank tops, and flip flops. It'll definitely be a nice change of pace from what you're used to back home! If one thing's for sure, you can say goodbye to your snow shovel this year if you choose to go somewhere warm abroad.

On the flip side, maybe you're craving that cold winter's bite. For some of you who have never experienced true snow on Christmas, it might just be a bucket list wish you want to experience once in your life. If it is, there's no need to wait—just make it happen this year!

For a beautifully snowy Christmas holiday, consider visiting countries like Canada, Russia, Iceland, or Switzerland! Just remember to bring your warmest clothes (which we know you're not used to). After witnessing the beauty of a real winter wonderland, you'll finally understand what all those Christmas songs are about.

Avoiding Family Drama

Does your holiday break feel more like a ticking time bomb rather than a relaxing vacation? Christmas might be a time to spend with your loved ones, but that doesn't always mean it's easygoing. In fact, many people have to deal with tons of family drama and stress that come from get-togethers, dinners, and more.

From figuring out who's hosting the big dinner to buying gifts for your cousin's cousin, it can all quickly build into one big chaotic mess. In fact, trying to plan the holidays with your family might start feeling more like you're building a work schedule rather than a fun and exciting festive calendar!

So if you know it's going to be a rough holiday and you would really rather use an escape, there's no better excuse to say no to your family dinners than saying you'll be out of the country. Don't be afraid to take time for yourself this year; you deserve it! Treat yourself to a truly relaxing vacation and enjoy December 25th somewhere new and exciting that you've always wanted to go.