New Immigrant? Here’s How to Stay Connected During the Holiday Season

Were you recently moved to a new country? Of course, a lot goes into settling in – from setting up a home to buying a car and a new phone plan. But one of the most pressing challenges you’ll face as a new immigrant is the holiday season. There’s nothing quite like being away from your loved ones and support system during the coziest time of year.

But there are a few simple ways you can stay connected to your community – both in your new city as well as back home. Here, LNJ Life Coaching details how.

Connect with Support

According to PewResearch, the U.S. has over 1 million new immigrants coming in every year, and over 470,000 of them are of Nigerian origin. Helping others is a great way to build social bonds and meet new people from your community going through a similar life experience. In addition, giving back is linked to increased happiness, satisfaction, and fulfillment – a must for a thriving and vibrant life.

Here are some ideas to get you started on helping your Nigerian community in the U.S.

Volunteer

Look for volunteering opportunities near you to give back to others from your community. Do some research online to find a local soup kitchen to help out at or a shelter to volunteer your services. 

Donate

Not quite ready to donate your time? There are always non-profit organizations looking for monetary donations or belongings such as clothes, furniture, books, and toys. The best part is, you get to give your well-loved items to a loving new home of people who need them more than you.

Host

Another way to support your community is to host a family near you. Offer them dinner, drinks, and some games and fun. It’s an excellent way to make them feel the love and brighten up their day.

Connect by Supporting

If you’re looking for ideas to connect with family back home, here is some inspiration.

Send Money

Sending money is always an evergreen idea if you’re stumped for gift ideas or if your family needs a little extra monetary support. However, international money transfers can set you back a significant amount. For example, if you’re looking to transfer money to Nigeria from the U.S., sending cash through international wire transfers or payment platforms can be cost-prohibitive. Instead, a reliable, low-cost money transfer like Remitly is the best bet as it is speedy and offers low fees.

Care Packages

Sending a little package of joy is a great way to cheer up loved family members. You could put in some of their favorite snacks or introduce them to new ones. And if you’re looking for a more personal touch, why not add in some handwritten letters or perhaps a DIY gift? When looking for ways to send care packages, look for low-cost carrier services servicing international destinations. For example, Parcel Monkey will deliver your care packages to family and friends in Nigeria with cheap shipping and fast timelines.

Video Calls

There’s nothing like seeing your loved ones up close and personal – but seeing them on a screen comes a close second. Using a platform like a Zoom or Skype will allow you to schedule your meeting time and use a chat and video, and audio feature to talk to them. 

Letters

Sending letters is an old-fashioned art, but one that is guaranteed to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Personalize your letter with stickers, drawings, or nice handmade paper for a special touch.

We all go through challenging periods in life. But through all the mistakes, loneliness, and difficulties thrown your way, it is your support system that remains constant. Having the right community can make all the difference – in fact, Medical News Today reports that having good social relationships improves psychological well-being! Thus, be sure to prioritize unique relationships this holiday season for a little extra cheer.

If you’ve been struggling to eliminate negative thoughts and fears to achieve success, we have the solution for you. LNJ Life Coaching helps individuals like yourself overcome mental blocks and trauma to find their true life calling. Be sure to check out our life coaching services here or contact us at 646-535-6339 for more information today!