The holiday season is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and creating memories with loved ones. But for many working holidaymakers spending their time in New Zealand, the festive season can feel a little different. Being away from home during the holidays can be challenging, especially when you’re used to spending this time surrounded by family and friends. While you may be miles away, it’s still possible to stay connected and feel close to those back home.

Whether you’re new to a working holiday or have been abroad for a while, keeping in touch with loved ones can make a huge difference to your well-being. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to maintain strong connections with family and friends, even when you’re on the other side of the world. In this guide, we’ll explore some practical tips for staying connected during the holiday season, helping you feel less isolated and more engaged in the festivities.

1. Schedule Regular Video Calls

One of the simplest and most effective ways to stay connected with family and friends is through regular video calls. Seeing a familiar face and sharing live conversations can make you feel as though you’re right there with your loved ones. Set up a recurring schedule that works for both parties, taking into account time zone differences, to ensure you have dedicated time to catch up.

Popular platforms like Zoom, Skype, and FaceTime are free and easy to use, offering a range of features to enhance your calls. Try planning a video call over a shared meal or cup of coffee, or even coordinate to watch a Christmas movie together while chatting.

Tip: If you’re travelling or have a busy schedule, let your family and friends know your availability in advance so they can plan around it. Being consistent with your video calls will help establish a routine that everyone can look forward to.

2. Share Your Experiences Through Social Media

Social media is a great way to share your experiences and keep loved ones updated on your life abroad. Post photos, stories, or short videos of your holiday season in New Zealand, whether you’re enjoying a barbecue on the beach, hiking through lush national parks, or exploring local Christmas markets. This allows your friends and family to feel connected to your journey and see what life is like for you during the holidays.

Create a private group or chat where you can share more personal updates and receive instant feedback from those who matter most. Consider using platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp to build a digital scrapbook of your adventures that you can look back on together.

Tip: Be mindful of time zones and schedule posts or messages when your family and friends are likely to be awake and available to engage.

3. Send Personalised Holiday Greetings

Taking the time to send personalised holiday greetings can make a world of difference. Instead of the standard “Happy Holidays” message, consider creating a short video or voice recording expressing your feelings and well wishes. If you’re feeling creative, send a digital holiday card or a small gift that reminds your loved ones of your time in New Zealand—perhaps a postcard, local craft, or unique Kiwi souvenir.

For a more traditional touch, send handwritten Christmas cards or letters. While it may take longer to arrive, receiving a physical card or letter in the mail can be a delightful surprise that your loved ones will cherish.

Tip: Plan ahead if you’re sending physical items internationally, as holiday shipping times can be longer than usual. Aim to post your cards or packages by early December to ensure they arrive in time.

4. Organise Virtual Holiday Activities

Don’t let distance stop you from celebrating together. Organise virtual holiday activities that everyone can participate in, such as:

• Virtual Christmas Dinner: Cook a meal and eat together over a video call, sharing stories and laughter as if you were seated around the same table.
• Holiday Quiz Night: Prepare a Christmas-themed quiz and host a fun game night online. Include questions about family traditions, favourite holiday movies, or New Zealand-specific trivia.
• Secret Santa Gift Exchange: Arrange a virtual Secret Santa with your family or friends. Send your gifts ahead of time and open them together on a video call.

These activities can help recreate the festive atmosphere and give you something to look forward to, even when you’re far away from home.

Tip: Keep the mood light and focus on enjoying each other’s company rather than trying to replicate everything perfectly. The aim is to create positive memories, even from a distance.

5. Set Up a Holiday Playlist

Music is a powerful way to evoke the festive spirit, no matter where you are. Create a shared holiday playlist on Spotify or another streaming service, filled with your family’s favourite Christmas tunes. Everyone can add their preferred songs, creating a mix that reflects your shared traditions and tastes.

Play this playlist while decorating your space, cooking a holiday meal, or just relaxing with a hot cup of cocoa. Knowing that your loved ones are listening to the same music back home can provide a comforting sense of connection and nostalgia.

Tip: Include a few new Kiwi Christmas songs to share a taste of your experience in New Zealand, such as “A Pukeko in a Ponga Tree” or “Sticky Beak the Kiwi.”

6. Celebrate with New Friends

While staying connected with loved ones back home is important, don’t forget to embrace your surroundings and celebrate with new friends you’ve made in New Zealand. Many fellow working holidaymakers will be in the same boat, away from home and looking for ways to celebrate the holidays. Organise a potluck dinner, go on a day trip together, or participate in local Christmas events.

Connecting with others who share similar experiences can provide a sense of community and support, making the holidays feel less lonely. You might even create new traditions to carry forward in future years.

Tip: Look for local events like carol singing, Christmas markets, or beach barbecues that are popular in New Zealand during the summer holiday season.

7. Stay Positive and Focus on the Benefits

Being away from home during the holidays isn’t easy, but try to focus on the unique opportunity you have to experience the festive season in a new country. Reflect on the personal growth, independence, and resilience you’ve developed throughout your working holiday. This is a chance to create new memories, expand your horizons, and learn more about different holiday traditions.

Remember that your time abroad is temporary, and you’ll be reunited with your loved ones eventually. Keeping a positive mindset and maintaining regular contact will help you stay connected and make the most of your time away.

Find the job you love I Find the right talent
Get in touch with Frog Recruitment
Auckland I Wellington

As a white-collar recruitment agency, Frog Recruitment is committed to supporting businesses in navigating the evolving landscape of inclusivity and diversity. We specialise in accounting and finance, business support, education, executive, government, HR, legal, marketing and digital, property, sales, supply chain, and technology sectors. As the proud recipients of the 2024 RCSA Excellence in Candidate Care Award, we are dedicated to helping businesses achieve success through a people-first approach.”