The Emotion of Christmas away from home

Opening thoughts

To be honest, this isn’t my first Christmas spent away from home, but it’s only my second time celebrating the holidays as a university student in the UK. And I’ve got to say, it hits very differently. There’s a big difference between traveling to a dream destination for Christmas and staying somewhere because you just can’t make it home for the holidays. While Christmas in the UK is undeniably magical, with its twinkling lights and festive charm, it’s not the same when you’re away from your loved ones.

I miss my family, of course, but I also really miss my “Coco”—my 7-year-old ball of white fluff —who’s been part of the holiday magic back home in the past years. Spending Christmas in Leeds, far from the sunny summer vibes of Chile, has made me appreciate what the holiday season means to me on a whole new level. The UK’s chilly weather and sparkling decorations feel like an entirely different world compared to the warmth and sunshine I’m used to.

Oh, and I forgot one big plus—sipping hot chocolate, indulging in biscuits, and seeing Santa wrapped up in his thick red suit makes so much more sense in this weather! It feels like stepping into a holiday movie—fuzzy socks and all. Haha!

Embracing the Cold Weather: From Summer to a (very cold) Winter!

Back in Chile, my hometown sits between the Pacific Ocean and the desert. For me, Christmas has always been about summer vibes: celebrating outdoors, heading to the beach, and firing up the barbecue (we call it a Chilean asados). I know—it sounds totally crazy, right? So, when I experienced my first Christmas in the UK, the freezing cold came as a huge shock! Suddenly, I was layering up like a polar bear, throwing on scarves, gloves, and the iconic Xmas jumper I’d only ever seen in movies.

It was a huge change, but I’ve grown to love this warm fuzzy feeling that comes with wrapping up in blankets and embracing the season’s festive cheer. It’s different, sure, but that difference has a charm of its own— it’s like finding a hidden cosiness amid the cold, and it makes the experience uniquely special.

Speaking of warmth, I’ve been lucky enough to connect with other international students who couldn’t make it home either. We’ve created our own little holiday crew in our student shared house, and spending the season together has made Christmas feel a lot less lonely. If you’re lucky enough to see snow, don’t miss the chance to build a snowman (fan of social media? snap some Insta-worthy pictures!), sip on the best hot drink, and just have fun. Those little moments will stick with you forever.

Embracing the UK’s Xmas spirit and Traditions

One of the best parts of being in the UK for Christmas is exploring all the holiday traditions. The Christmas markets in Leeds are a must for students on a budget. Picture yourself wandering through charming stalls, sipping mulled wine, toasting marshmallows, and nibbling on festive treats—all while soaking up the twinkling holiday vibes. It’s also a great way to take a breather escape the stress of exams and indulge in a little seasonal joy.

Feeling adventurous? If your budget stretches a bit further, a trip to London’s Winter Wonderland or a day in Edinburgh during the festive season will blow you away with their Christmas magic. But staying closer to home doesn’t mean missing out, don’t worry—York and Manchester’s Christmas markets are just as enchanting. With a bit of planning, they’re totally student-friendly, too.

The Homesickness Struggle is real

For me, Christmas has never been about fancy presents. It’s about spending time with the people you love most. So yeah, homesickness definitely hits hard—especially when Christmas dinner doesn’t include Mum’s cooking, or when you can’t hug your family and share those small, special moments with them. And for me, it’s even tougher because my mum’s birthday falls during the Christmas season. Not being there to celebrate with her makes the distance feel so much more nostalgic.

Thankfully, video calls make the distance a little more bearable. Keeping in touch with my family in Chile during the holidays has been a lifeline. It’s not the same, of course, but seeing their faces and hearing their laughter over the screen reminds me that love travels far beyond borders.

Celebrating Xmas with New people in my life

At the end of the day, spending Christmas away from home is all about embracing new experiences. This is a new chapter in my life, and the new friends I’ve made along the way feel like they were meant to be part of it. Together, we’re creating unique traditions that make this Christmas feel different but just as meaningful. Whether it’s enjoying a classic roast dinner, cracking Christmas crackers, or dancing to holiday carols, we’re finding our own special ways to celebrate.

Through this journey, I’ve discovered so much about myself and created memories I’ll carry with me long after the festive season ends. It might not be the Christmas I grew up with, but it’s a Christmas that perfectly reflects where I am now, the people who’ve become part of my story, and how I feel in this moment—and that’s something truly special.