As a student living abroad, celebrating Christmas can be a bittersweet experience. For the past two years, I've been far from the familiar warmth of my family and lifelong friends, finding myself feeling homesick most of the time. This feeling intensified, considering I also celebrate my birthday in December, leading to three consecutive celebrations - birthday, Christmas, and New Year - all far from my loved ones. However, little did I know that these Christmas celebrations would evolve into an unexpected adventure of joy and connection.
The first thing that lifted my spirits was the twinkle of Christmas lights adorning Czechia's streets, the Christmas markets, and the enchanting days of snow. This created an atmosphere I had never experienced back home, finally immersing myself in the Christmas spirit I had only seen in movies.
To plan a dinner for Christmas Eve, I reached out to my friends, most of whom were also expats. Some had already booked trips, while others were flying back home for the holidays. Surprisingly, many were in the same boat – away from their families and yearning for a taste of home. So, we decided to come together and create our own little Christmas family.
The diversity among us was astounding – different cultures, beliefs, and traditions. Some friends didn't celebrate Christmas, but that didn't dampen the spirit. We embraced our differences, including opting for a chicken with Indian spices for dinner instead of my traditional Mexican fare, turning it into an opportunity to learn about each other's customs. Small, thoughtful gift exchanges transformed a simple gathering into a memorable experience.
Surrounded by friends who had become like a second family, I realized that the key to overcoming homesickness during the holidays is actively building a community. Staying social and fostering connections with those around you can transform a lonely Christmas into a joyous celebration. It's about creating your own traditions, blending cultures, and finding comfort in the shared warmth of friendship.
This year, after two years, I am fortunate to spend Christmas with my family back home. However, if you shared the last two Christmases with me and are reading this, thank you, and I love you <3