Go Home or Stay? Christmas Holiday Choices Explained

As Christmas approaches, most exchange students are counting down the days, not just to a well-earned break, but to time with family, friends, and festive food.

By mid-December, many students on high school exchange programs in Ireland already know whether they’ll be travelling home or spending the holidays with their host family. But what if your plans have changed, or you’re thinking ahead for next year’s exchange?

Here’s what you need to know about how holiday stays work, how to prepare for them, and why forward planning makes all the difference.

1. Why Christmas Planning Starts Early

Christmas is a major family celebration in Ireland. Many host families spend the season with relatives or travel away, so if a student wishes to stay in Ireland over Christmas, it’s something that must be arranged early in the application process.

When this preference is known in advance, HSI can match students with a host family who are happy to welcome them for the festive period. However, if you decide later that you’d like to stay, your regular host family might not be available. In that case, HSI can usually arrange a temporary host family for the Christmas period, one that’s fully vetted and experienced in hosting international students during the holidays.

These arrangements ensure that every student is looked after safely and comfortably, even if plans change close to December.

2. When Going Home Makes Sense

For many students, going home over Christmas is the natural choice. It’s a chance to reconnect with family, enjoy familiar traditions, and recharge before returning for the second half of the school year.

If you’re booked to fly home, a few practical tips make travel easier:

• Book early: December flights, especially around the 20th–24th, are among the most expensive of the year. Prices can rise sharply in the final weeks.

• Use comparison tools: Websites such as Skyscanner or Google Flights can help find the best deals or track price drops.

• Confirm permissions early: Students under 18 must have all required consent and travel documentation organised through their programme.

  
  

Students should always speak to their HSI Student Advisor before confirming bookings. This ensures welfare supervision remains in place before, during, and after the holiday period.

3. Why Some Students Choose to Stay in Ireland

Not every student travels home, and there are many good reasons to stay.

For some, especially those on Semester (1½-term) programmes ending in February, staying in Ireland avoids the disruption of two goodbyes in quick succession. It allows them to keep their rhythm, stay connected with school, and enjoy their final few weeks without interruption.

For others, the choice comes down to distance and practicality. Students from countries like Brazil, Japan, or Mexico often find that long-haul flights are too expensive or tiring for such a short break. Staying in Ireland can be both more relaxing and cost-effective.

And then there are those who stay simply for the experience itself. Students from countries that don’t traditionally celebrate Christmas often choose to remain in Ireland to see what all the festive fuss is about, from decorating a tree for the first time, to joining an Irish family around the dinner table for turkey, stuffing, and a few questionable cracker jokes.

Many describe their Irish Christmas as one of the highlights of their exchange year - warm, family-centred, and full of cultural surprises.

4. The Cost Side of Christmas

Money can also influence the decision, and it’s not always straightforward.

Flights booked early can be surprisingly affordable, especially for students travelling within Europe. But for those booking last-minute, prices can easily exceed €600–€800 for a round trip.

Equally, staying with a host family over Christmas will come with an additional hosting cost, since it extends beyond the standard academic term. Host families who host during this period are giving up traditional family-only time, and the contribution helps cover the extra meals, heating, and activities that come with the festive season.

For some students, this extra cost might still be less than a transatlantic flight; for others, it might make going home the more practical choice. Either way, early planning makes all the difference.

5. What Happens if Plans Change?

Sometimes, despite best intentions, plans shift. Maybe your natural family have unexpected travel plans, or you have a last-minute change-of-heart.

If this happens:

• Contact your HSI coordinator immediately. They’ll guide you through next steps.

• Alternative hosting can often be arranged. HSI works with a network of experienced host families who can provide short-term placements over the holiday period.

• Communication is key. The sooner everyone knows your plans, the smoother the process will be for all involved.

  
  

HSI ensures every student, whether staying or travelling, is covered by full 24/7 emergency support throughout the holidays.

6. Keeping Everyone Connected

Whether you’re home or abroad, staying connected matters. Here’s how to keep communication balanced:

• Plan calls ahead rather than messaging constantly - it helps you be present wherever you are.

• Share your plans with both your parents and host family so everyone feels informed.

• Exchange traditions: Bring a bit of your home culture into your Irish Christmas, and embrace the new traditions you encounter here.

  
  

Small gestures, like making your country’s favourite festive dessert or sending a family photo, can bridge the distance beautifully.

7. Thinking Ahead for Next Year’s Students

If you’re reading this as a future exchange student or parent, the best time to start thinking about Christmas is before the placement begins.

During your application process with HSI, you’ll be asked about your holiday preferences. Letting us know early helps us:

• Match you with a host family open to hosting over Christmas, or

• Plan for a smooth return home and back after the break.

  
  

That way, by December, you’ll already know exactly what to expect, and can look forward to a festive season full of confidence and excitement.

Final Thoughts

There’s no single “right” answer between going home or staying. Each choice offers its own rewards, whether it’s the comfort of home or the adventure of experiencing Christmas in a new culture.

At HSI, our goal is to make sure every student, wherever they spend the holidays, feels supported, safe, and connected. After all, the memories you make at Christmas, whether around your family’s tree or your host family’s, will stay with you long after your exchange ends.

Speak to us before booking your travel or confirming your holiday plans.

Visit hsinet.org/contact or talk to your HSI Student Advisor today.