How do you avoid isolation and create connection, community, and belonging during the Christmas holidays?

The holidays can be a season of joy but for immigrant and expat women, it can feel like an extra layer of homesickness and longing. In this episode, we explore how to transform that loneliness into connection by blending traditions from back home with new rituals that feel authentic to where you are now.

 Our guest today is Manuelita Antonio Rangel Sosa. She is a Venezuelan-American artist, architect, and designer, living in California. 

You'll takeaway:

• Practical ideas for creating fellowship and intimacy, even in small gatherings
• Encouragement to design holidays that reflect your needs
• Why holidays can trigger homesickness for immigrant and expat women  

You’ll hear stories of festive celebrations, creative ways to honor cultural roots, and how to transform—even if you’re far from family. Together, we’ll uncover how to design holidays that are less about recreating the past and more about creating belonging in the present.

Whether you’re navigating your first Christmas abroad or have spent decades away from your homeland, this conversation offers warmth, inspiration, and tools to help you feel less alone and more connected this holiday season.

Here is a podcast about courage—the courage to transform your life and to tell your own story. Here, we dive into the journeys of expat / immigrant women who've left their countries of origin for adventure or the American dream. Together, we explore the ache of homesickness, the challenge of cultural differences, and the search for identity—while sharing practical tips and inspiring success stories. This isn't just about living overseas. It's about finding resilience, purpose, and belonging. It's creating a home wherever you are. This is your space to learn, connect, and gather tools to navigate the emotional cost of building a life in the USA.

https://www.instagram.com/theplaces_wecallhome