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Celebrating Holidays Abroad: What to Expect
Trivia: What is the only planet in our solar system that rotates clockwise on its axis?
RetireHub
December 25, 2025
Rise and shine, RetireHub community! ☀️ Your Thursday newsletter is here!
Today we’re sharing fun tips on Celebrating Holidays Abroad: What to Expect, along with the best deals, fun trivia, and more!
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What We’re Reading
Get these e-book deals before they’re gone.
 | By: Renee Pawlish Retired nurse Evelyn Chambers is pulled into an unexpected holiday adventure when the CIA recruits her to pose as the winner of a trip to Munich’s International Cat Fanciers’ Exhibition. What begins as a simple undercover assignment quickly turns dangerous as she uncovers a web of suspicious characters and a far-reaching conspiracy. Navigating festive streets, bustling convention halls, and layers of deception, Evelyn must rely on her sharp instincts rather than any formal spy training. With Christmas approaching and the stakes rising, she races to stop a threat that could have serious international consequences. |
On this day in 1977, the final episode of The Carol Burnett Show aired on CBS, ending an 11-season run that became one of the most beloved comedy-variety programs in television history.
Celebrating Holidays Abroad: What to Expect
Spending the holidays in another country can be one of the most memorable travel experiences you’ll ever have. Whether it’s Christmas in Europe, Lunar New Year in Asia, or a sunny beach holiday far from winter weather, celebrating abroad offers a fresh perspective on familiar traditions—and introduces you to entirely new ones.
One of the first things travelers notice is how holiday customs can differ dramatically from place to place. In some countries, celebrations are quieter and centered on family meals, while others embrace public festivals, parades, or fireworks. You might find shops closing earlier than expected, or discover that the “big day” isn’t the same one you celebrate at home. Embracing these differences rather than comparing them can make the experience far richer.
Food often becomes the highlight. Holiday meals abroad may feature unfamiliar ingredients, regional specialties, or dishes that look nothing like what you’re used to—but that’s part of the joy. Trying a traditional feast or seasonal treat can be a delicious way to connect with local culture. Even simple moments, like enjoying coffee in a café decorated for the holidays, can feel special and grounding.
It’s also important to plan with flexibility in mind. Transportation schedules may change, attractions could have limited hours, and popular destinations often book up well in advance. Building extra time into your plans—and letting go of rigid expectations—helps reduce stress and allows for spontaneous moments that often become the best memories.
Perhaps most meaningful is the sense of connection that can emerge. Being away from home during the holidays can feel bittersweet, but it often encourages deeper reflection and gratitude. Many travelers find kindness from strangers, invitations to local celebrations, or quiet moments that feel unexpectedly intimate and memorable.
Celebrating holidays abroad isn’t about recreating home exactly as it is—it’s about experiencing the season through a different lens. With curiosity, openness, and a bit of patience, it can become a deeply rewarding way to mark a special time of year.
Have you ever celebrated a major holiday while traveling abroad? |
Yesterday’s Poll Results: Which retro toy or game movie brought back the most memories for you?
It’s clear that nostalgia packed a powerful punch in this poll. Barbie stood out as the runaway favorite, reminding many readers just how deeply those early memories — and recent cinematic reinventions — can resonate across generations. G.I. Joe and Clue also drew solid interest, suggesting that action figures and classic board games still hold a special place in people’s hearts.
Meanwhile, a sprinkling of votes for Transformers, The Lego Movie, and “another favorite” shows that nostalgia isn’t one-size-fits-all. Everyone has their own touchstone toy or game that sparks a smile — proof that childhood memories come in many playful forms.
TOP COMMENTS
“Monopoly”
“I enjoyed the Transformer movies and a few others not on this list. They are not my favorite movies, but Chucky is a favorite.”
“The Parent Trap. Loved the original with Hailey Mills!”
“I absolutely loved Barbie dolls. We weren’t rich, so I only had one, but I also loved paper dolls—especially changing their outfits!”
“My dollhouse. Every Saturday I bought a piece of furniture etc. with my $.25 allowance…post WWII.”
“Toy Story - it featured multiple toys from my childhood.”
“I really enjoyed seeing Barbie with my daughter and granddaughter. We celebrated girly moments together”
Small Money Habits That Add Up to Big Confidence
Building better financial habits doesn’t require a total overhaul — small, steady steps can make a real difference. Our brains naturally tune out familiar routines, which means short, simple money tasks are easier to stick with than long, stressful sessions. Spending just a couple of minutes a day reviewing a balance, organizing paperwork, or noting expenses can quietly build momentum.
Breaking financial goals into bite-sized actions helps remove the feeling of overwhelm that often stops people from starting. Over time, these tiny efforts become automatic, creating habits that support clarity and confidence. Keeping a simple snapshot of your finances — what you have, what you owe, and where things stand — can also make future decisions feel far less intimidating.
The key is consistency, not perfection. Pairing financial tasks with something enjoyable, like your morning coffee or a favorite playlist, can turn money management into a comfortable routine rather than a dreaded chore. Small habits, repeated regularly, can lead to lasting financial calm and a stronger sense of control.
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Slang Phrase of the Day
Phrase: Zippy
Meaning: “Zippy” means lively, energetic, or quick-moving. It’s often used to describe a person, activity, or even a device that feels fast, upbeat, and full of pep.
In a sentence: “After her morning walk and a good cup of coffee, Marlene felt surprisingly zippy and ready to tackle the day.”
Good News of the Day
Firefighters Bring Holiday Magic to Hospital Windows with High‑Flying Surprise
Firefighters in Georgia surprised young patients at a children’s cancer hospital by rappelling down the exterior walls dressed in festive gear, creating unforgettable holiday moments for kids confined to their rooms. As they descended past the windows, the brave rescuers waved, high‑fived through the glass, and brought smiles and excitement to children who rarely get to feel the holiday spirit outside clinical settings. The joyful event turned an ordinary day into something extraordinary, showing how unexpected acts of kindness can lift spirits and remind families that they’re seen and supported during challenging times. These efforts highlight how community heroes can spread cheer and connection — even from the outside looking in — making this season a little brighter for those who need it most.
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RetireHub Trivia
Want more trivia? Play our “Nostalgia Trivia Game” on our site! We add fresh questions daily, so there’s always something new to test your knowledge.
Not into trivia? No worries! We’ve got plenty of other fun games to enjoy, like:
In which city did the famous “Miracle on Ice” hockey game take place during the 1980 Winter Olympics? |
What is the largest internal organ in the human body? |
What is the only planet in our solar system that rotates clockwise on its axis? |
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- Jay
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