The pumpkins are not yet gone, the air smells like cinnamon, and suddenly the world is sparkling again. November has arrived — the season of cozy sweaters, comfort food, and connection. For exchange students, it’s also the start of something special: your first American holiday season.
You’re about to experience Thanksgiving, winter concerts, and holiday lights — maybe even snow! But along with all that excitement, this time of year can bring mixed emotions. You might miss your family’s traditions, your favorite foods, or the way your friends celebrate back home. That’s completely normal.
Here’s the good news: there’s a simple secret to making this season one of the most meaningful parts of your exchange year — and it’s not about gifts or decorations.
Gratitude doesn’t change your situation — it changes how you see your situation. And that shift can turn homesickness into warmth, and ordinary days into moments that truly matter.
Let’s be honest — being away from home during the holidays can be tough. You might notice the way people celebrate here feels unfamiliar, or you might wish you could join your family’s traditions back home.
But what if, instead of focusing on what’s missing, you started looking for what’s good? Notice the little things that make this experience uniquely yours:
The smell of your host family’s favorite meal.
The kindness of a teacher who asks about your holiday plans.
The joy of trying something new — like pumpkin pie or sledding.
The more you look for things to appreciate, the more you’ll find. Gratitude grows that way — quietly at first, and then everywhere you turn.
Ready to give it a try? Here’s a simple one-week challenge to spark some joy and help you connect with people around you. Start anytime this month — it’s an easy way to turn November into your month of gratitude.
Day 1: Thank your host parent(s).
Say something specific — like “Thanks for letting me help with dinner” or “I really appreciate how you include me.” Simple, sincere words mean a lot.
Day 2: Compliment someone at school.
Maybe a classmate helped you study or made you laugh. Tell them! You might make their day — and your own.
Day 3: Share a piece of your home culture.
Teach your host family how to say “Happy Holidays” in your language or make a dish from your country. Gratitude grows when you give a little of yourself.
Day 4: Write down three things you’re thankful for.
It can be small — warm socks, sunshine, or a funny text from home. Writing them down makes them real.
Day 5: Do something helpful without being asked.
Offer to help decorate, clean, or take out the trash. Acts of kindness are gratitude in motion.
Day 6: Send a thank-you message to someone back home.
Maybe it’s your parents, a friend, or your teacher. Let them know you’re grateful for their support.
Day 7: Reflect on the week.
Did you smile more? Feel lighter? Gratitude doesn’t make challenges disappear — it just helps you notice the good things that were there all along.
Research shows grateful people are happier, healthier, and less stressed. But beyond the science, it just feels good. That moment when you pause to say “thank you,” notice something kind, or share a smile — it changes your day.
Gratitude also deepens relationships. When you show appreciation, people feel it. Your host family feels valued. Your friends feel seen. Even you start to feel more grounded — more at home, wherever you are.
And the best part? Gratitude doesn’t require perfect circumstances. It shines brightest in ordinary, real-life moments — and turns them into memories worth keeping.
As November unfolds, try to make gratitude your daily focus. Keep a list, snap photos of moments that make you smile, or share one good thing each day at dinner.
Your holiday season might not look exactly like the ones you’ve known — and that’s the beauty of it. You’re part of something new, something different, something uniquely yours.
When you lead with gratitude, you discover that joy isn’t something you find — it’s something you create.
So here’s to an awesome holiday season — one filled with laughter, learning, and thankfulness that lasts long after the decorations come down.