Merry Expat Christmas 2025

Department store window with Christmas scene

Living in Germany may feel like a blessing at this time of year. Naturally the northern hemisphere grows darker and central Europe cloudier. Precipitation respects no borders, even if it can, at times, feel highly selective.

At the airport this morning, I met a woman from Spain returning home after eight years. Not to join the festivities, but to escape the country’s inclement weather. Since we are unable to alter aspects of our location, we change our environment. With all that entails.

Cultures everywhere celebrate the season in wonderfully different ways. The United States, for example, is famed for its festive ambience. Private homes shine so brightly they seem visible from space. Indoors, another sea of lights glows as stockings hang on mantelpieces in anticipation of an old bearded guy who will, hopefully, descend through the chimney.

Saint Nick

Dressed in red and widely known as Santa, Father Christmas is embraced across the globe. Finland, however, proudly claims Joulupukki as their own and he is said to reside in Rovaniemi when he’s not busy guiding his sleigh around the globe.

Meanwhile, Germany elevates another beloved Yuletide tradition. The country is filled with Christmas markets. Some cities scatter smaller markets across neighbourhoods while others present grand, cohesive gatherings. All are cherished by locals, expats and visitors alike.

The air is rich with the scent of glühwein, a mulled wine served hot, spiced and sweet. The white version is a touch lighter than the red. A favourite appetiser known as flammkuchen is a delightful cross between a crepe and a pizza.

Wherever one finds themselves, this season can stir deep emotions for those living abroad. Some travel very long distances to be with family and friends. Others miss a familiar drink from home such as eggnog. Yet more international residents settle in with a VPN to watch classics such as Miracle on 34th Street, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Home Alone, It’s a Wonderful Life, Die Hard or Love Actually yet again.

Reflections

Childhood memories can help hold us high during one of the most sentimental times of the year. Especially for foreign citizens. They reveal the true spirit of Christmases past and cause us to reflect deeply upon our personal circumstances.

So spare a thought, if you will, for those among us who have chosen the calling of international life. A path that sees professionals offering their expertise to an employer abroad, embracing new cultural experiences and adapting to unfamiliar surroundings. Sometimes even years after leaving their place of origin.

Settling into a new country and culture, while absorbing a new language and navigating a different societal system, is a unique journey. Access to reliable, in-depth knowledge about one’s location and acquiring trustworthy insights are essential for a smooth relocation and lasting success. All year round.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

In joy, kindest,
Garry

Join Amazing Capitals.

By Vincent Green, Dec 19 2025

Filth Away Day

People beside river

Anyone who has been to a funeral may know the phrase “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust”. Wait long enough and we all become earth, whether cremated or not. Which is good, because the life force of this planet is the soil.

In contrast to our decomposing bodies, we humans are great at inventing things that seem to never disappear. Consumption has increased exponentially as has the quest for convenience. Thus the use of packaging has skyrocketed. Unfortunately though, the paper bags and plain cardboard boxes of other lifetimes have long seen better days.

So many items are sold in plastic and most are destined for human consumption. Sadly, more convenient portions require almost as much wrapping as their larger counterparts. In addition, while the use of glass bottles has been reduced, that of plastic, styrofoam and bubblewrap has not.

Furthermore, while waste separation and recycling have improved, our ability to stem the tide of troublesome habits has declined. To use the term “to throw aware” makes light of the fact that our “away” is somebody else’s “here.” To dispose of trash does not imply a more meaningful solution either.

Dramatic Situation

The resulting drama should be obvious to us all by now. When rivers rise to their flood plains and beyond, they leave not only logs and branches behind when waters recede. They pass other people’s rubbish on to us. Quid pro quo. Literally.

The best of intentions and inventions are almost meaningless in light of the bigger picture that is unfolding each and every moment around the globe. Seen collectively as a species, homo sapiens are generally disrespectful of their environment. We’ve all noticed media reports about swathes of non-decomposable items in the tropics. Some of our own countries even pay others for permits to allow export of their societal garbage.

The sad reality is that, in spite of methodical waste disposal, more needs to be done.

Helping Hands

Enter the Filth Away Day, a movement that was started already in 1999, and originally designed to remove rubbish from the riverbanks of the majestic Rhine in Düsseldorf. The so-called Dreck Weg Tag has grown way beyond its humble beginnings and affects other areas of the city too.

This organised cleanup event has grown in popularity year after year, attracting thousands of volunteers in 2025. This year, the event is expected to surpass that number when it celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary. on Saturday March 21 2026.

Literally everything can be discovered blemishing our natural landscapes. From bottles, packaging, shopping trolleys and toys to portable grills or bags of trash left behind by inconsiderate picnickers. Some half buried, others scarring the surface. Even crutches and walking sticks have been collected. Maybe false teeth too? Meanwhile, stories have been told of volunteers focussing on single items such as cigarette stubs and filters.

Expat individuals and groups who wish to join in can be supplied with various items such as bags and gloves as long as stocks last. Attendees are also requested to register by March 19 2026 using the official link.

By Vincent Green, Dec 8, 2025