Global Notes
Issue 5 - Week of Dec. 22nd
I am writing to you from a cozy corner in England, where the sound of my girls giggling with their cousins fills the house. There's something magical about holiday traditions, even (or especially) when you're an expat family.
This year, we flew in from Doha with an empty suitcase (seasoned expat move!), knowing it would soon be filled with Christmas presents and family memories. Watching Mia and Elise soak up time with their grandparents, having midnight snacks during cousin sleepovers, and creating our own blend of traditions across cultures - moments like these remind me that 'home' is so much more than a place.
Being an expat doesn't mean losing these precious family connections - it means getting creative about how we maintain and celebrate them. Sometimes it's Christmas in England, sometimes it's video calls opening presents together, and sometimes it's creating entirely new traditions that blend all the cultures we've come to love.
As we wrap up 2024, I'm reminded that the expat journey isn't just about finding new places to live - it's about expanding our definition of home and family. Whether you're celebrating the holidays in your home country, your adopted country, or somewhere in between, remember that the connections we maintain and the new ones we create make this lifestyle so rich.
If you are planning your own global adventures in 2025, know that these moments of family connection don't end when you move abroad - they just take on new, sometimes even more meaningful forms.
Sending warm wishes from our family to yours, Sonaya
P.S. If you're curious about creating your own global life, we still have a few spots left for the Your Expat Life Summit on January 18th. Learn more here: summit.yourexpatlife.com
Here for you,
Sonaya
Until next Sunday!
Resource Spotlight: Are you secretly dreaming of moving your family abroad but unsure where to start?
I've noticed something fascinating: every family that successfully moves abroad does it differently. Some create detailed spreadsheets (hello, 3 AM research sessions!), while others pack six suitcases and figure it out as they go.
That's why I created The What Type of Global Family Are You? - a 2-minute quiz that reveals your family's unique path to living abroad.
What You'll Discover:
Your family's natural approach to international living
Which countries actually match your family's style
How other families like yours made it work
Your personalized roadmap for next steps
Real Quiz Results in Action: "I showed my husband our results and he said 'This is exactly us!' For the first time, we feel like we have a clear direction for our move to Portugal." - Sarah, mom of 2
"The quiz confirmed what I suspected - we're ready for this change. Now we know exactly what steps to take next." - Michael, dad of 3
Stop wondering if you're doing this "right." Discover your family's unique path today:
P.S. After taking the quiz, you'll get custom resources matched to your family's style. No more sifting through generic advice - just clear steps for YOUR family's journey.
In The News:
(Below are links to useful information I’ve found in the news this week)
🌎 Why expats are flocking to this affordable city
🌎 These 5 countries will pay you to move there
🌎 The Top 15 Budget-Friendly Digital Nomad Hubs for 2025
Happy week! Do hit the ❤️ if you enjoy this Sunday Note.