Chapter 5 - Home is Where the Traditions Are
Discover the inspiring stories of expatriates featured on @WeAreXpats through this article series, written by our dedicated PR volunteer, Aleksandra. Through these narratives, Aleksandra aims to capture the voices of those who generously shared their experiences as part of the @WeAreXpats initiative. Click here to explore the initiative further.
Never had I realised how much I care for Polish celebrations more than I did during Christmas in America, far away from my loved ones, craving some family time and local foods. Following the journeys of @WeAreXpats curators on X (Twitter), I find myself deeply relating to the experiences of celebrating holidays while living abroad and I finally feel like I am not alone. On one hand, I empathise with the homesickness and nostalgia for familiar traditions and memories of home. On the other hand, I share the excitement of immersing myself in new cultures, especially during their unique celebrations. As I scroll through the threads, I can’t help but smile at the expatriates navigating and sometimes feeling confused by unfamiliar traditions. Their experiences resonate with me, reflecting the blend of longing and discovery that comes with celebrating holidays away from home.
Celebrating Christmas at my family home in Poland
Discovering a Slice of Home on the Far Side of the World
As people around the world celebrate various holidays with unique traditions, Fat Thursday in Poland stands out as an event that is fun and indulgent but also treated quite seriously. Happening somewhere around February, when the weather is gloomy and depressing, the celebration serves as a getaway from a truly grey daily routine.
Known locally as Tłusty Czwartek, this day is dedicated to enjoying sweet treats before Lent begins, with pączki (typically rose jam-filled doughnuts) playing the main role. Celebrated on the last Thursday before the Catholic Ash Wednesday, it symbolises enjoyment and excess, offering a final chance to feast before the more solemn, fasting period. It’s not just about eating a few pączki—many people join in the fun by competing to see who can eat the most doughnuts, adding a playful twist to the celebration. Bakeries are packed, with long lines forming as people rush to grab the treats before they sell out.
Pączki from an American supermarket
Personally, I find Fat Thursday a bit silly, but I couldn’t help feeling my heart melt when I spotted authentic pączki in an American supermarket. After spending over a year away from Poland, finding a piece of traditional pastry and getting a chance to celebrate Fat Thursday with the only Polish friend I had back then—even in a small, playful way—brought back so many memories and flavours from home. It made the day a little sweeter and filled me with a sense of comfort.
I enjoyed sharing the concept of Fat Thursday with others, as it wasn’t something people in the U.S.—at least not my friends—had ever heard of. It felt good to share a bit of home after immersing myself in American culture.
Pecan Pie, a traditional Thanksgiving treat in Southern U.S
Finding Belonging Through Immersing in Local Traditions
In the U.S, I got to experience holidays I had never celebrated before. Moving to Texas in late September, I was quickly introduced to Halloween and Thanksgiving. Holidays I had only seen in Hollywood movies but never were a part of Polish culture, became a real part of my life. I remember the excitement of neighbourhood kids picking their Halloween costumes and visiting pumpkin and apple-picking farms. During my time in America, I had the first chance to have some Thanksgiving turkey, apple cider, or pecan pie. I remember being almost desperate to experience and learn about these days as well as I could. As if it was to determine how quickly I adapt and belong.
Visiting pumpkin farm in Connecticut
Following the autumn traditions, Christmas arrived with its own unique celebrations. I learned about Elf on the Shelf, a popular American holiday tradition where a small toy elf "comes to life" each night to watch over children and report back to Santa Claus on their behaviour.
My friends and I would spend hours visiting Christmas markets, or exploring the best hot chocolate spots. We even participated in the hayride - riding on a trailer filled with bales of hay, which is pulled by a tractor past festive displays of Christmas lights and decorations.
From the left: Christmas decoration I spotted during a walk; Elf on the Shelf
Unlike in Poland, where Christmas lights are common but modest, Americans go all out with elaborate displays, turning front yards into festive expositions. Driving around the neighbourhood to see Christmas lights is a cherished holiday tradition. Families sometimes spend weeks decorating their homes with elaborate decorations. During the season, people will get into their cars and drive slowly through these areas, admiring the creativity and effort that went into the displays. Some communities even organise official light tours or contests, encouraging residents to participate and showcase their decorations. This tradition not only brings people together to celebrate the season but also fosters a sense of community spirit and joy.
From the left: Christmas tree in front of the Rockefeller centre; snow weather during Christmas
While experiencing American holiday traditions felt new and exciting, pop culture and Hollywood movies had somewhat prepared me for what to expect. The same could not be said for the celebrations in the Netherlands.
Saint Nicholas Day, or Sinterklaas, celebrated on the evening of December 5th, introduced me to a fun and creative approach to gift-giving. Instead of simply exchanging presents, the Dutch prepare surprises—gifts cleverly disguised inside handmade crafts that often playfully reference the recipient’s personality. The gifts are presented anonymously, adding an element of mystery and surprise to the evening. The elaborate packaging was a new experience for me, and I found myself anxiously constructing a real-sized cardboard cage with a cardboard canary bird inside, which was quite different from the simpler approach to gift presentation in Poland.
Another Dutch holiday that surprised me was King’s Day (or Koningsdag), celebrated on April 27th, the birthday of the king. This vibrant national holiday showcases Dutch pride and festivity, with orange as its central theme. The day honours King Willem-Alexander’s birthday. The entire country turns a bright shade of orange in his honour.
Rotterdam streets during the King’s Day
People embrace orange clothing, accessories, and decorations, creating a sea of this lively colour throughout cities and towns. The celebrations feature street parties, music festivals, and a nationwide flea market, where people sell second-hand items in a festive atmosphere. King’s Day, although quite strange for someone who does not know much about Dutch monarchy, is a great opportunity to join local celebrations. On that day, it is enough to wear orange to feel like you belong.
Creating a Sense of Home Through the Traditions You Celebrate
In the end, creating a sense of home through the traditions you celebrate is about more than just holding onto familiar customs; it's about embracing the new ones as well. Experiencing holidays like Thanksgiving or King’s Day didn’t replace my Polish traditions, but instead added new layers to what 'home' means for me. Thanksgiving, with its focus on family gatherings and gratitude, resonated deeply with the warmth I associate with Polish Christmas. However, it also brought new meaning—spending it with friends and neighbours I had met in the U.S. made me realise that home isn’t confined to a single place or group of people. It expanded my sense of belonging, as I learned that I could create meaningful connections wherever I was.
@WeAreXpats curator celebrating the British Royal Family
Similarly, King’s Day, with its bold displays of Dutch pride and communal spirit, offered a fresh perspective. In Poland, national holidays are more sombre, but here, the streets were alive with music and laughter. Wearing orange and joining the locals, I felt welcomed into a new cultural rhythm. These celebrations didn’t diminish the importance of my Polish roots; rather, they complimented them. I found that by embracing new traditions, I wasn’t losing my identity—I was enriching it, weaving together the old and the new to create a more complex, but fulfilling sense of home.
@WeAreXpats curator on celebrating Christmas
By celebrating both our native and adopted traditions, we build bridges across cultures, finding new ways to define 'home.' The @WeAreXpats community, reminded me that no matter how far we are from our birthplace, we are never alone in this journey. Together, through shared stories and experiences, we create a global network of support and belonging.