The holidays carry a special kind of magic. Families gather, traditions unfold, and even the smallest rituals feel rich with meaning. Yet, when you are living out of suitcases, everything about the season feels different. The comfort of a decorated home, the smell of your favorite meals filling the kitchen, and the simple act of unwrapping gifts under a familiar tree suddenly seem out of reach. Instead, you may find yourself in a hotel room, temporary housing, or a small apartment that never quite feels like your own.
Still, holidays have never truly been about perfect settings. They are about creating joy with whatever you have at hand. Living in transition teaches you how little you need to build moments that matter. Over the years, I have learned how to reshape the season in ways that bring warmth and laughter even when home feels far away. Here are eight ways to improvise the holidays while living out of suitcases, and why these small shifts may make your season shine brighter than you expect.
1. Create a “Portable Tradition”
Traditions do not need to be tied to one specific home. When everything feels unsettled, create a tradition that can move with you. A small ornament you carry from place to place, a holiday playlist that plays no matter where you are, or even a signature recipe that can be made in any kitchen can turn unfamiliar spaces into something festive. The beauty lies in repetition. Even when you are far from home, your tradition reminds you of continuity.
2. Redefine Decorations
Hauling boxes of holiday décor is impossible when your life fits into a suitcase. Instead of feeling the absence, turn it into creativity. Paper snowflakes, a string of fairy lights, or even a tabletop branch transformed into a “mini tree” can fill your space with cheer. Some families choose a small travel-sized artificial tree that folds down neatly into a bag. Others decorate with photos or postcards from loved ones. These small touches may not mirror your usual display, but they infuse warmth into the room and make it feel like yours.
3. Celebrate with Food You Can Manage
Food anchors every holiday. When you cannot prepare a lavish feast, focus on the flavors that carry meaning. Even in a hotel kitchenette, you can whip up a dish that speaks to your roots—something as simple as hot cocoa with whipped cream or a favorite holiday soup. If cooking feels impossible, treat yourself to takeout that feels indulgent or reminds you of home. The point is not to replicate the entire spread but to let one bite carry the nostalgia of tradition.
4. Schedule Virtual Celebrations
One of the hardest parts of the holidays on the move is the distance from loved ones. Thankfully, technology makes connection easier. Schedule a time to open gifts on video call, cook alongside family virtually, or simply sit and chat with friends over tea while holiday music plays in the background. These virtual moments bridge the miles and remind you that celebration is not defined by location but by the love you share with those who matter most.
5. Lean Into Experiences Instead of Things
When suitcases hold your life, the idea of adding more “stuff” feels heavy. This is the perfect chance to focus on experiences rather than material gifts. Plan a holiday outing such as ice skating, visiting a local holiday market, or simply taking a walk to admire neighborhood lights. These experiences live in your memory long after the decorations come down. They cost little but often mean more than any wrapped present.
6. Share the Season With Others in Transition
You are not the only one living out of suitcases during the holidays. Students, military families, business travelers, and others also find themselves between homes. Connecting with others in similar circumstances creates a sense of community. Host a small potluck, exchange homemade cards, or spend an evening watching holiday movies together. These simple gatherings remind you that even when life feels transient, friendship brings roots wherever you land.
7. Pack a “Holiday Essentials” Bag
When your suitcase is already packed tight, it may feel impossible to set aside extra space for holiday items. Still, dedicating a small pouch for essentials like a favorite candle, holiday-scented tea, or a tiny ornament makes a big difference. Each year, when you unpack these familiar items, they instantly mark the beginning of the season. Even if the walls around you change, those little details anchor you to something familiar and comforting.
8. Give Yourself Permission to Do Things Differently
Perhaps the most freeing lesson of living out of suitcases during the holidays is the realization that tradition is flexible. You may not celebrate the way you used to, and that is okay. The heart of the season lies in joy, kindness, and gratitude—not in perfection. When you release the pressure of “should,” you open yourself to the possibilities of what “could” be. Maybe your new tradition becomes eating pizza on Christmas Eve or unwrapping a single gift each night while sipping tea. What matters is that you find joy in the moment, however unconventional it may be.
Another Good Read: Life as a Military Spouse: A Journey of Resilience, Solo Parenting, and Creative Problem-Solving
Holiday Survival Kit – Products That Make Suitcase Living Easier
When the holidays meet a suitcase lifestyle, small items can make a huge difference. A few carefully chosen products can help you carry tradition, comfort, and cheer wherever you land. These are compact, practical, and easy to pack without weighing you down.
- Mini Travel Tree with Ornaments – A tabletop-sized artificial tree that folds neatly into a bag. It brings instant holiday spirit to any hotel room or rental space without taking up precious space in your luggage. ($26, Amazon)
- Portable String Lights – Battery-operated fairy lights or USB-powered strands that clip onto windows or walls. They set the mood instantly, making even a plain space glow with festive charm. ($15, Amazon)
- Collapsible Hot Pot or Mini Electric Kettle – Perfect for hot cocoa, tea, or quick comfort meals when a kitchen is not available. The warmth of a drink can sometimes mean more than the most elaborate holiday spread. ($20, Amazon)
- Lightweight Holiday Blanket – A soft, packable throw adds comfort and warmth while also serving as a personal touch of holiday style when paired with your makeshift decorations. ($25, Amazon)
Wrapping Up
Living out of suitcases during the holidays may feel heavy at first. You long for the comfort of a decorated home, the smell of familiar food, and the closeness of family traditions. Yet the absence of those comforts opens a new space for creativity and resilience. Each choice you make—whether it is crafting portable traditions, sharing experiences, or savoring simple meals—reminds you that the holidays are not about perfection but about presence.
These eight ways show that the heart of the season travels with you wherever you go. Even in the most temporary spaces, joy has a way of finding its place. And when you look back, you may discover that the holidays spent in transition carry some of the most meaningful memories of all.
