Christmas is fast approaching, and all of us are excited and eager to be with friends, family and love ones during this yuletide season.
Millions of Filipinos will spend again their Christmas away from home due to their location, jobs and priorities in life especially to our overseas Filipinos and overseas Filipino workers around the world.
Department of Migrant Workers is a new government agency for overseas filipino #owwabenefits #ofwguide workers.https://t.co/6mGWtyRrbs pic.twitter.com/YS9xVdfxkb
— Overseas Filipino (@OverseasPinoy) November 7, 2022
It is indeed for some that this holiday season is possibly the time homesickness clicks in with intense impact. Perhaps we could say or remember that this is a good occasion for our families and friends to gather and enjoy each company.
But there are many ways that we can celebrate this holiday season even we are away from home. It is a matter of creativity and a bit of preparation. We can create a cheerful environment wherever we are in this holiday season.
E-how website has practical suggestions on how to celebrate Christmas away from home:
Plan ahead. There are many Christmas traditions that you can do while you are away from home. Consider what traditions you enjoy celebrating and plan to take the things with you that you need to do so. For example, if you read “Twas the Night Before Christmas” every year, take a copy with you.
Ship your gifts. If you know your destination ahead of time, ship your gifts. You should wrap your gifts before packing them for shipping. This way the gifts will arrive ready to be opened, and you did not have to travel with them.
Tell people your expectations. Every family has its own traditions and ways that they celebrate Christmas. If you are going to stay with relatives, let them know what your family expects at Christmastime. Ask how you can help to ensure that the most important traditions are fulfilled.
Have Christmas before you go. For some people, the traditions of Christmas are more important than the day Christmas is celebrated. If you are going to be away from home at Christmas, try scheduling Christmas on a different day. Schedule Christmas in July and celebrate Christmas on July 25.
Stay connected. If you will be away from home at Christmas, and your family will be at home, stay connected to the activities. Sing Christmas carols over the phone, or schedule times to use a web camera to watch as activities are celebrated.
Find a place that celebrates Christmas. Today more and more commercial businesses celebrate for Christmas. As vacation travel becomes more popular at Christmastime, some tour-oriented businesses such as cruise lines and resorts are offering traditional Christmas celebrations.
On the other hand, if it is difficult to do the given suggestions due to your work or financial condition, and even to the extent that you are alone to spend Christmas, it doesn’t mean you have to be lonely. You can still play your favorite Christmas song, eat good food and make something different.
Always remember that Christmas is only one day of the year and it is not a lifetime to be alone. Time will bring back the happy moment with your love ones.
We pray in God’s time that the real and true meaning of the Christmas song we hear each year such as “Peace on earth and good will toward men” will become a reality. Merry Christmas, Kababayan.
Overseas Filipino – OFW Guide
Sana po mabigyang ninyo ako ng pangkabuhayan dito kase ayuko ng malayo sa pamilya ko gusto kunang mag negosyo para magkasama kami ng pamilya ko