According to a new global study, the main reason that expat families move home early is the lack of emotional support.
How quickly an expats settle in a new country is as much about what they have left behind, as it is about getting to grips with their new surroundings. It takes nearly 25% expats more than a year to feel settled, but once they do they spend between five and 10 years abroad. 

Even with the squeeze on expat packages, employees are often well supported, surrounded by colleagues and a recognisable business structure. However, economic migration isn’t often possible without the help of spouses and families.

A strange change has taken place across the world, hiding under the leathery wing of a vampire bat. Hallowe’en has carved its way onto the calendar as a regular event to be celebrated. I find this as strange as seeing a pint-sized Superman walking down the road.
 
This needs some explaining. When I was a child Hallowe’en was about cowering in the living room with the light off to avoid the eggs and flour being pelted by boisterous teenagers. And this didn't just happen on the 31st October, but for a period of up to two weeks.
 
I was taught that trick or treating was akin to begging, afterall it is a little strange to knock on the door of a complete stranger and ask for sweets.
 
Then I moved to America. These guys know how to party. Hallowe’en is a family affair with hoards of parents and children on the streets, dressed up in every costume imaginable. It didn’t have to be anything ghoulish or ghastly. We even saw a horse dress as Clifford the big red dog. We joined in, and apart from the ridiculous amount of confectionary that would send a toddler hyperactive for a decade, it was a fun event that allowed us to feel part of the fabric of our new home.
 
So why was it different? For a start the local council stipulated when trick or treating could take place; not just the day, but the hours too. It was also known that if you didn’t want to get involved you simply left your porch light off, avoiding the element of “trick” altogether. Really this is treat or treating.
 
More than anything it’s the irony that gets me, wrapped up in the distance past.
 
The history
The origins of Hallowe’en are intertwined: first there was the Celtic pagan festival to mark harvest and the end of summer, and then came the Christian celebration on the Eve of All Hallows. Yes, All Hallows’ Evening becomes contracted to Hallowe’en. From as far back as the 11th century, food was given in exchange for a poem or song. It wasn’t until the 19th century that tricks were involved.
 
Strictly speaking the festival doesn’t belong across the pond at all. It was introduced by immigrants, although the phrase “trick-or-treat” was first used in the US, in 1927.
 
Confusing, isn’t it? Even the church is confused. I’ve seen a pumpkin with a Christian cross carved out of it. I’m not sure how I feel about the church endorsing a festival that is so intrinsically linked to Pagans, or begging by another name.
 
The changing face
We’ve now returned to the UK after nearly seven years, and this year’s Hallowe’en has been a much more orderly affair. We live in a fairly rural area so trick-or-treating isn’t really done; the lanes are too dark, the houses are too far apart and I think there is a greater respect for elderly neighbours.
 
However, other neighbourhoods have been getting organised. Hallowe’en happens on the 31st October and that’s where is should stay. The role of the porch light seems to be understood. Children are accompanied by adults, rather than the marauding hoards of bored teenagers. It’s about children, and of course the children are excited about sweets. I hope all neighbourhoods are experiencing this changing face. It could be a great way to invigorate our communities.
 
I can’t change that Hallowe’en occurs, but I can get into the spirit of it, and it looks like everyone else is too.
 
What’s your Hallowe’en experience? Like it or loathe it?
 

Christmas is just around the corner, and there is nowhere quite like home for its traditions.

 But every country is different, so it got us thinking: what traditions are we missing out on?

Here are just a few:

1. Smelly feet in France: The Noël season starts on 6th December. Instead of stockings, children leave out shoes for Father Christmas to leave gifts in. Food to try: The Bûche de Noël is a traditional Yule log.

2. Strong herbs in Greece: Families attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve. To ward away evil spirits (Killantzaroi) they hang up sprigs of basil. Food to try: Christopsomo (which translates to “Christ’s Bread”) is a sweet bread baked on Christmas Eve.

3. Put another shrimp on the Barbie in Australia: I’ve never actually heard an Aussie say this, especially as my Aussie friends call them prawns. Anyway, I digress. Christmas is in the middle of the summer holidays Down Under so barbecues are popular on Christmas Day. Food to try: Pavlova with fresh berries and passion fruit.

4. Make them wait in Mexico: Children aren’t allowed to open presents until the final day of the festive season on 6th January, which is called El Dia de los Reyes. Food to try: Salt cod with spicy vegetables, a dish known as bacalao.

5. A 12 course meal in Russia: The Orthodox Church uses the traditional Julian calendar, so Christmas is not celebrated until the first week of January. When the first evening star appears a huge 12 course feast, to represent the 12 apostles, starts. Food to try: Russian King Cake made with three layers. The secret ingredient is poppy seeds.

6. Burn the goat in Sweden: In the town a Gavle, a huge straw goat is built every Christmas, and every year vandals try to burn it down. Despite its guards, it has only survived until Christmas Day ten times since 1966. Food to try: Rice pudding, or risgrynsgröt, flavoured with cinnamon.

And finally:

7. Pants down in Spain, Portugal and Italy: Some villages set up a traditional Bethlehem model. “That’s not unusual”, I hear you cry. These models include a Caganer, which is a figurine with his pants around his ankles caught in the act of defecating. Charming. Now on to food to try: Stuffoli is popular in Italy. They are small nuggets of fried dough flavoured with lemon. Reindeer poo anyone?

What's your favourite family Christmas tradition? Drop us a line.

Planning is the key to settling your pet into its new homeland, according to Ross Fraser from airfreight specialists Extrodinair. He tells us why….

Most responsible owners naturally have concerns about transporting the four-legged members of their family, but the process is easier than you may think.

However, advanced planning plays a big part in ensuring everything goes smoothly, especially as most countries have different rules and regulations.

Travelling pets are well looked after in the cargo hold. The area is kept dark to keep your pet calm; it is the same air pressure and temperature as the cabin (between 12-18°C).

Here’s our top tips:

• Follow the rules and regulations precisely, to avoid your beloved pet spending a period of time in quarantine, which can be expensive. Hold ups can be caused by incorrect health paperwork, e.g. incorrect microchip reading, rabies paperwork, invalid tapeworm treatment etc. You can send your pet’s paperwork to your destination airport Border Inspection Post in advance so that it can be checked with the requirements;
  
• Do not to feed your pet before their flight to avoid sickness and mess in their kennel. This may cause your pet unnecessary distress;
  
• Buy a suitable kennel/cage, which meets International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations, before your trip so your pet can get used to it as their bed, particularly if they have never travelled in one before. This will help them feel more secure as they will be familiar with their new surroundings. We would recommend that our clients come to our office with their pet for a ‘fitting’.
  
• Contact your destination airport to ensure they have space to accommodate your pet on arrival (Animal Reception Centre);
  
• If travelling to the UK from a non-EU country you will need to complete a C5 customs form. 
  
• Work closely with your freighting company who should:

               o   check with the airline to confirm they have an approved route for transporting your pet to the        required destination;
               o   check with destination authorities, for advice on the health regulations, e.g. export/import licence requirements;
               o   Liaise with the destination airport to ensure there are suitable facilities for animals i.e. Border Inspection Post;
               o   advise you on the kennel/cage required depending on the size of your pet. It is very important that you use the correct size as per the regulations. If you arrive at the airport with a kennel that is too small the airline will refuse to carry your pet on-board.
               o   line your chosen kennel with vet bedding, which is absorbent and keeps your pet comfortable during its journey.

Some airline routings require an overnight stop before onwards travel. Your pet will be housed in an animal facility with staff in attendance 24/7. They will be let out of their transport box, into a bigger kennel, where they have access to food and water.

At your destination you’ll need to make arrangements to get your pet home. Remember some of the larger travel kennels do not fit into cars. Check whether your transporter offers a pet taxi service. If you are travelling on the same flight as your pet, this means that you can travel home, unpack and settle in while your pet is brought to you.

Then you can put the kettle on and enjoy your new home with your pet.
………
With more than 20 years’ experience assisting furry friends to travel safely and correctly, Extrodinair offer their advice for free. Contact them for more information. www.extrordinair.co.uk or email [email protected]

The DEFRA website confirms the UK import requirements and approved routings.
www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad