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Plan for gift-sending

The key to a smooth holiday season when you're miles away is planning. Postal services get swamped with packages starting mid-November. To make sure your gifts arrive on time, it's crucial to start early. Experts recommend sending your packages by the first weeks of November to ensure they make it under the tree in time.

Our foolproof tip

Want a simple yet effective strategy? Set a calendar alert for several weeks before December. This early reminder will nudge you to purchase and dispatch your gifts well ahead of time, helping you dodge the last-minute holiday rush.

What to do after November?

If it's already late in the season, consider express delivery options or digital gifts. Online gift cards, subscriptions, or experiences that can be enjoyed locally are thoughtful alternatives that bypass shipping delays. These gifts demonstrate your care and thoughtfulness, even from afar.

How to ship your parcels

When it comes to sending your gifts, you have multiple options. International mail is the traditional and often more economical route, although delivery times can stretch up to 30 days, depending on the destination. For quicker delivery, or if you prefer to keep tabs on your package, express courier services like DHL, FedEx, or UPS provide options that range from 3 to 7 business days and include real-time tracking.

Consider direct shipping

A savvy option is to use direct shipping. Order gifts through local websites in the recipient's country to potentially secure better prices and more reliable delivery times. Just be cautious—product specifications can differ between countries, so ensure you're getting exactly what you intend.

The importance of packaging

Never compromise on packaging quality! Opt for sturdy, new boxes that can endure the journey. For delicate items, generously use bubble wrap for protection. Choose simple, durable packaging over excessively festive or ornate options that might get damaged during customs inspections. And remember, when securing your package with tape, it's better to use too much than too little!

Opt for trackable parcels

Adding traceability to your shipments offers peace of mind. Always opt for shipping options that include tracking, and keep those tracking numbers accessible. Additionally, take a photo of your parcels before sending them off and retain all shipping receipts. This documentation can be invaluable in the event of loss or damage.

The tricky issue of customs and taxes

Navigating customs can be complex, as each country has its own ever-changing regulations. For example, Japan taxes any parcel valued over 16,000 yen (approximately 100€), and Australia has stringent rules against importing food items, including Christmas chocolates. The best approach is honesty: always declare the true value of your items and retain your receipts. While it might be tempting to underdeclare values to save on taxes, this can lead to fines, additional taxes, and even parcel detention during inspections. To avoid these complications, ensure you provide a truthful and detailed description on the customs form.

Regarding taxes

Tax rules vary widely by destination. Within the European Union, gifts under 45€ are generally exempt from customs duties. Outside the EU, the regulations can be much stricter, with some countries imposing taxes starting from the first euro. Exercise extra caution with food items, as countries like Australia and the USA have stringent import restrictions. For instance, items like foie gras or candied fruit chocolates might be confiscated by Australian customs, while the USA prohibits raw milk cheeses and certain alcohol-containing products. Being aware of these rules can help prevent your items from being seized.

Create your own traditions digitally

Distance often inspires creativity, and today's digital tools open up a world of possibilities for holiday gifting! Consider electronic gift cards, which let recipients choose exactly what they want. Streaming subscriptions or monthly subscription boxes provide joy throughout the year. For a more personal touch, gift local experiences such as cooking classes or spa days. These thoughtful gifts create lasting memories that are truly priceless.

Personalize your gifts

Adding a personal touch is a powerful way to make your gifts meaningful, even from a distance. Consider creating custom digital photo albums to share snapshots of your life and maintain a strong connection with your family. Alternatively, crafting original video messages with your family can offer a deeply emotional and personal experience that's sure to warm the hearts of your loved ones. These personalized gifts help bridge the gap and keep your bonds strong.

Remain close across the distance

Technology provides fantastic ways to stay connected during the holidays. Consider organizing a virtual meal that accommodates different time zones, unwrapping gifts together over a video call, or sharing the moment you decorate your Christmas tree live. These virtual gatherings help maintain a sense of closeness and shared celebration, ensuring that distance doesn't diminish the holiday spirit.

Blend local traditions and family heritage

Living abroad offers a unique chance to enrich your holiday celebrations by blending cultures. Explore how Christmas is celebrated in your host country—for example, indulging in KFC in Japan or enjoying a beach barbecue in Australia. Rather than viewing these differences as something missing, embrace them as opportunities to create new family traditions. Incorporate these local customs into your own festivities and share these experiences with your family back home. You could send local specialties, explain the unique traditions, and even suggest incorporating some of them into your family reunions.

Preserve some traditions, too

While embracing new customs, don't forget the charm of classic traditions like sending physical greeting cards. Select cards that showcase aspects of your life in your host country, giving your family and friends a glimpse of your experiences abroad. Include a heartfelt, personalized message along with some photos from your daily life to make your card even more special. To ensure they arrive in time for the holidays, aim to send your cards in early December.

Plan your travel during the holidays

If you're considering a trip back home for the holidays, booking your flights 3 to 4 months in advance is advisable to capture the best fares. Opting for midweek travel can also reduce costs significantly. Amidst the excitement of planning your holiday travel, it's crucial to pay close attention to the cancellation and modification policies of your tickets, especially since this is a peak travel period.  

Have a backup plan

Always prepare a Plan B! Investing in travel insurance can provide peace of mind, covering you against unforeseen circumstances. Consider arriving a few days earlier than your main holiday events to cushion against any travel disruptions. It's also wise to reserve a portion of your budget for last-minute contingencies.

Prepare for a return to normal

Anticipate the transition back to daily life after the holidays. The post-festivity period can often bring mixed emotions, especially for expatriates. The shift from intense family gatherings back to routine can sometimes lead to feelings of nostalgia or even mild depression. To mitigate this, it's crucial to keep engaging with your host country. Continue investing in local projects and activities.  

Enjoy the holiday spirit, even far from home

While distance may heighten emotions, a blend of organization and creativity ensures the holidays remain magical. Whether you decide to uphold your cherished traditions or embrace new ones, the key is to celebrate in your own unique way. The true magic of the holidays isn't tied to a location—it's created wherever you choose to celebrate!