The most wonderful time of the year is finally here! This has always been true for me, even when I lived in Brazil. I’ve loved Christmas since I was a child, and spending it in the United States feels like a dream come true.
Growing up in Brazil, we watched countless American Christmas movies and shows. I fell in love with the dazzling decorations, snowy landscapes, and magical stories that defined this time of year.
Embracing Holiday Traditions in a New Country
Although it’s different not having a warm beach and my family close by this year, I’ve been focusing on enjoying every special moment of this holiday season. The United States truly feels like the country of Christmas.
The festive spirit is everywhere! It’s so exciting to see beautifully decorated homes, lively parades, and giant Christmas trees in city squares. Inspired by all this magic, I decided to start preparing early for our first Christmas here.
Shopping for Holiday Decorations
In mid-November, I began searching for decorations to create a festive atmosphere at home. Since it’s our first year here and we’re still getting settled, I didn’t buy everything on my wishlist. However, I found some wonderful pieces that made a big difference.
One of my best finds was our Christmas tree on Amazon. It’s exactly what I dreamed of—wide, full, and pre-lit with sparkling lights.
To add a personal touch, I made bows similar to the ones I used to create in Brazil. Now, our home is glowing with holiday cheer.
I also picked up a few additional decorations from Walmart and Michaels, which brought a special charm to our space.
Simple Decorations for the Outdoors
For the outside of the house, we kept it minimal this year. I really wanted string lights for the roofline, which I saw on Amazon, but we decided to save that for next year.
(Insert a picture of the outdoor decorations here)
Cozy Nights
With the chilly weather setting in, I’ve been indulging in cozy Christmas movie nights with hot chocolate in hand. It’s such a treat to relax in this warm and festive setting.
Now, we’re counting down the days until our Christmas Eve dinner. Although traditional Christmas dinners might not be as common in the U.S., we’re planning to host one with a long video call to Brazil to ease the homesickness.
Final Thoughts on Our First American Christmas
Christmas is not just about the decorations or the gifts; it’s about creating memories and cherishing traditions, old and new. This year, even though we’re far from home, we’re embracing the magic of Christmas in the U.S. and building beautiful moments to remember forever.
What are your favorite Christmas traditions? Share them in the comments below!
