At last, after almost 5 years I went back home. My emotions piled up when I was on the plane. I`m uneasy and feel like vomiting because of excitement and mixed emotions because finally, I will be going home.
These are some of the emotions that many overseas Filipino workers feel every time they come back to their motherland. Filipino workers desire to be home for Christmas each year. This year’s holiday season, I returned to embrace my family. The essence of celebrating Christmas lies not only in the glow of the festive decorations but also in the shared warmth of reunited families.
For those who have embarked on the journey of working abroad like me, Christmas is not just a season. Instead, it is a deeply cherished tradition that transcends borders. For families, the presence of their loved ones is always better than them playing Santa Claus and sending home a box of presents. During the Christmas season, Filipinos abroad, particularly OFWs, usually come home and spend time with their families. This joyous homecoming is often full of well-loved Filipino traditions during the holiday season.
I enjoyed each day I spent with my family. We had a Christmas dinner and our traditional gift-giving that I hadn`t experienced for many years since I was living abroad. We went to a movie theatre on Christmas day to watch a movie. Almost every day we are in the mall eating the food that I missed a lot. A lot of things changed a lot way back home. Shopping streets and shopping malls are insanely beautiful. That is just one of the things I did when I was in the Philippines, there`s a lot more.
These become memories that serve as a reminder of the importance of family bonds and the enduring spirit that transcends the physical distance between Filipinos abroad and the traditions in their communities back home.
JOHN
