Basically, culture shock is feeling like a fish out of water—like the new kid on the block. Or the first time you had to wear braces or glasses. Or when the bully got at you in school. Except with culture shock, no one’s really trying to intimidate you—it’s just a new language or something that is making your self-esteem take a huge bashing.

Take a deep breath, look around you, and you’ll know there’s only one time of year it could possibly be. It’s Christmas again! The excitement in the air, nights sparkling with all colours of lights, shop windows all decked out…