Hi guys,

I am new to Reddit, and this is my first post ever. I want to express how I feel today since I have recognised a pattern in my life that has been repeating for the past five years. I spend most of the holidays alone, Christmas and Easter, mainly because I live alone in Germany, working and studying away from family who all live in India. 

I am 23 years old, single, a very outgoing social person, made many friends in many cities, and some I consider my family here. My relationship with them has just gotten better in the last few years, and Ive been asked to spend time during the holidays with some of my close friends, whether with their family or just a trip somewhere. Naturally, I am very grateful for that, but I couldn't afford to join any of them given my financial situation since it all involved a bit of travelling. 

My real family loves me and is happy that I am sorting my life out in a better country by myself. But, still, I am gradually becoming an outcast in my family because of cultural and physical barriers such as distance, different time zones and values in life. Also, as a student, it is financially challenging to visit them every year, so realistically I get to see them for a few weeks every two years. Anyway, I wanted to say that my friends have become my family here, but most of them are Europeans, and they have their own families here, and during every holiday, I hope someone invites me somewhere this time haha.

Certainly, holidays give me the creep but are they the by-product of my choices in life? What do you think? Can someone relate to my story? I would really appreciate your views!

cheers,

Son of a fanny