The holidays have always meant something special in our home. They were sacred, not because of any commercial hype, but because of the love that filled every corner of our house, led by the heart and hands of our mother. She was born and raised in Texas, and with everything she did—especially during the holidays—you could hear, see and taste her roots.
From the aroma of Collard Greens, Black-Eyed Peas, Mashed Potatoes with Giblet Gravy, and Baked Macaroni and Cheese, Candied Yams, Corn on the Cob, Creamed Corn, Dressing, Dirty Rice, Fried Chicken, Pot Roast, Turkey, Honey-Glazed Ham, Smothered Pork Chops, Chitlins, Cornbread, and buttery Dinner Rolls—the house felt alive. All of it guzzled down with Sweet Tea, Lemonade and Strawberry Kool-Aid.
Lord Have Mercy: That Dessert Table.
Pies, cakes, shortbreads, cookies, cobblers, and candies. My mom’s famous peanut brittle, which tasted strikingly like the Ghanaian Nkate Cake, was a highlight for everyone.
Each of us had our favorites. My oldest brother loved her Sweet Potato Pie. My other brother couldn’t get enough of her Sock-It-To-Me Cake. My sister lived for the Lemon Meringue Pie. And me? I adored her Pecan Pie—rich, perfectly sweet, all made from scratch and filled with love.
That table was a sacred space, lovingly prepared all week long. She knew how to strategize: some ingredients were bought early to avoid shortages, others just a day before to ensure maximum freshness. The results? Unforgettable.
Even our dog, Dex, got a holiday plate.
She taught us to cook as well—as she stood as the captain of that kitchen, the glue that held our family together.
When Absence First Hit Home
The first time I truly felt the sting of distance during the holidays was when my oldest brother joined the Navy. His deployment to Japan meant missing Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s—even birthdays. He would send letters and call when he could, describing Japanese customs and how they celebrated their holidays. I remember sitting by the fireplace with my family, reading his letters aloud and realizing I never want to be away from home during the holidays.
But providence led me to where would never imagine I’d be and I’m glad.
Now I live in Ghana, a beautiful country rich with history, culture, and festivals. And yet, as the holidays approach, I miss so much as Ghana doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving, and even the way they celebrate Christmas or New Year’s differs widely—from the music in the stores to the decorations or the kinds of foods eaten. Some ingredients for our traditional dishes are hard to find, extremely expensive, or simply unavailable.
A Different Kind of Holiday
For the extroverted, social butterflies among us, the transition can be especially tough. You’re used to knowing where you’ll go, who you’ll see, and how you’ll celebrate. Now, you’re in a place where none of that is familiar. There’s no crowd to dive into, no venue that feels like home. Loneliness or feeling disoriented can sneak in unexpectedly.
For the introverted, the challenge is different—but no less real. You may not miss the big gatherings, but you miss your people—that one friend or small tight circle who got you, who made the holidays feel grounded and full.
Raising children in a new environment adds another layer of complexity. They, too, sense the changes. Traditions may look different, and their favorite foods, sounds, and decorations might be missing. It’s important to be cautious when leaning on the idea that “children are resilient.” Yes, they can adapt, but they are also in the midst of developing their identities. If they’re used to celebrating holidays in a certain way, approach the transition with grace and sensitivity.
They will have questions—some you may not be able to answer right away. That’s okay. Reassure them that you’re on this journey together, figuring it out side by side. There are ways to soften the new holiday landscape. Blending old traditions with new ones, creating familiar rituals, and holding space for their emotions can go a long way in helping them feel rooted and supported.
Tips to Help You Adjust Emotionally and Practically
- Find Your People.
Join our Listing Pro GH community. We exist to help you find real connections and have meaningful conversations with others who get it—because they’re walking this journey too.
- Own Your Traditions, Unapologetically.
Whether you keep celebrating holidays from your home country or let them go completely—stand firm. This is your journey. Don’t feel pressured to conform or explain to others who have moved here and have changed their beliefs about holidays.
In time you may change your approach, ideology or beliefs, but today, your choice is valid.
- Communicate With Family Abroad.
Plan in advance for video calls. Use two mobile services in case one fails. Have enough data, backup power banks, and turn off background apps. If you don’t have solar or generator power, try scheduling calls during daylight hours or keep battery-powered lights nearby to stay visible in case of dumsor (power outages).
- Prepare Emotionally for Cultural Differences.
For example, in some Ghanaian tribes, it’s seen as disrespectful to celebrate anything festive (including birthdays or Mother’s Day) if there’s been a recent death in the family and the deceased is not yet buried. I found this out the hard way when I tried to honor my future mother-in-law during Mother’s Day. Her sister had died and hadn’t yet been buried. In my culture, we grieve and still can celebrate other events, often at the same time. In her tribe, it was a cultural no-go. That was eye-opening and something that my fiancé must discuss for our future.
- Create New Traditions With Others.
Invite people to a neutral public space like a garden or open-air venue. Share a potluck of familiar dishes—ask around for farmers who might grow ingredients you miss. Sometimes shared food and shared stories go further than you think.
- Educate Yourself on Local Holidays.
Learn which holidays overlap with those in your home country. For example, Ghana’s May Day (Worker’s Day) is similar to the U.S. Labor Day, but Thanksgiving is not celebrated here. Knowing what to expect can help you better plan and manage expectations.
In Conclusion
Living abroad—especially during the holidays—isn’t just about adjusting your taste buds. It’s about adjusting your heart. It’s about holding the memories of your past traditions and the beautiful bonds created surrounding them, or making the decision to release and let go of them to embrace something new.
Whether you decide to fully embrace Ghanaian holidays/festivals, hold tightly to your country born traditions, or create something entirely new, the most important thing is to stay connected—to your loved ones, to yourself, and to a community that understands and celebrates your beliefs.
And if the holiday seasons feel hard, remember: you’re not alone and help others feel a sense of home with your kindness and care.
- Letra Davis
