Find out whether there are Christmas celebrations happening where you are. If you're still in your own country, this shouldn't be too difficult to find at local churches, community centers, municipal parks, etc. If you're traveling overseas to another country and you're in a country with Christian traditions, there should be a lot of similar opportunities available, subject to local traditions. And when attending church services and Christmas events, even if you don't speak the local language, it's still a great chance to soak up the atmosphere and see how other parts of the world celebrate Christmas. If you're in a country that is not predominantly Christian, there are still often Christmas celebrations but you'll need to find out where the Christian communities are holding these. An online search is a good place to start, as is speaking to locals. Even if you don't find any local celebrations, this doesn't prevent you and your companions from celebrating Christmas in your own way while traveling. You can still make the day festive by doing special Christmas related things including reflecting on the occasion. Gather your friends/family. It's a lot more enjoyable if you can

celebrate with someone else at Christmas time. This might include your travel companion(s), people you've recently met and made firm friendships with, family and friends you know in the country you're in, etc. Just do your best not to spend the day alone but to share the occasion with at least one other person. If you are alone that day, look at ways to be around people, such as attending church services, having a restaurant meal, etc. Consider taking a Christmas memento with you. If you know you'll be traveling at Christmas time, it can be heartwarming to have a small memento from home that represents Christmas, such as a fabric ornament, a card, or a Christmas message from your family. Take it out on Christmas Day and display it or wear it as appropriate, to give yourself a little personal Christmas cheer. Try to link up with family back home. With Skype, emails, and other technological marvels, it's very easy to keep in touch by video for Christmas and to say your hellos and greetings, however short. Making this connection will help make it feel like a true Christmas. Give yourself a gift. It's Christmas, so give in to your desire to buy something or do something that you've

been holding off on. This can help to make the day feel more special and can reward your anticipation about something that you might not otherwise get or do. Enjoy the opportunity to celebrate Christmas somewhere different. If you're celebrating Christmas overseas, it's worth enjoying the fresh take on Christmas. Take photos of the displays and other Christmas elements, and take time to walk around seeing what other people are doing. Take a note from Scrooge. Find a way to do something good and important for someone else, a friend or relative, or perhaps a person you don't know so well in your Christmas location. You will not go to bed feeling you haven't had your Christmas. Guaranteed.