Managing Homesickness During Australian Holidays
Holidays in Australia - think sun-soaked Christmas barbecues or Easter beach trips - can spark joy, but for some, they stir a quiet ache for home. Some students feel homesickness most when campus empties out, leaving them far from family traditions. Whether you’re missing snowy winters or festive markets, you can ease that longing and make holidays here feel special. These five practical tips will help you stay connected, find cheer, and create new memories Down Under.
Host a Virtual Family Feast
Gather your loved ones online for a holiday meal via Zoom or WhatsApp. Cook a shared dish - like your mum’s pavlova or a family curry - and chat over dinner. Schedule calls around time zones using apps like World Time Buddy. Experts say virtual rituals strengthen bonds, making home feel closer despite the miles.
Dive into Local Holiday Vibes
Explore Australian holiday events, like Sydney’s Carols in the Domain or Melbourne’s Christmas markets. Join free community festivals or beach picnics listed on local council websites. Research suggests engaging in local culture lifts spirits, turning unfamiliar holidays into warm, new traditions.
Recreate Your Holiday Traditions
Celebrate your roots by cooking a traditional dish - use affordable ingredients from markets to make tamales, mooncakes, or samosas. Host a small gathering with friends to share stories. Guides on Headspace Australia recommend cultural rituals for emotional grounding, helping you feel at home.
Volunteer for Connection
Give back by volunteering at holiday events, like serving meals at a Salvation Army Christmas lunch or helping at a local shelter. Find opportunities through Beyond Blue community boards. Studies show volunteering boosts mood and builds local ties, easing loneliness during festive times.
Plan a Holiday Adventure
Use the break to explore Australia - hike in the Blue Mountains or visit a nearby town. Budget-friendly trips via bus or carpool keep costs low. Experts say new experiences spark joy, shifting focus from homesickness to creating memories that make Australia feel like a second home.
Holidays don’t have to feel lonely. By hosting virtual feasts, embracing local events, recreating traditions, volunteering, and adventuring, you’ll weave new joy into the season. For more mental health tips, visit Headspace Australia. Make this holiday season uniquely yours, wherever you are!
References
Australian Government (2023) Headspace Australia: Mental health resources for young people. Sydney: Headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation. Available at: https://www.headspace.org.au (Accessed: 19 December 2025).
Beyond Blue (2023) Mental health and community support resources. Melbourne: Beyond Blue Ltd. Available at: https://www.beyondblue.org.au (Accessed: 19 December 2025).
Sawchuk, C. N. (2017) ‘Coping with homesickness: The role of social support’, Journal of American College Health, 65(5), pp. 343–350. doi: 10.1080/07448481.2017.1312410.
Thurber, C. A. and Walton, E. A. (2012) ‘Homesickness and adjustment in university students’, Journal of American College Health, 60(5), pp. 415–419. doi: 10.1080/07448481.2012.673520.
Disclaimer
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