It’s a time for happiness, family, and traditions to celebrate the holidays. The feelings that come with enjoying Christmas away from home are mixed for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Filipinos living overseas manage to replicate the love and togetherness that define a typical Filipino Christmas, despite the physical distance. So we came up with this article. entitled: Celebrating Christmas Abroad: A Filipino Overseas Worker’s Tale of Tradition and Togetherness. This article examines the several ways overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) celebrate the holidays and maintain the spirit of Christmas even while they are living abroad.
- Simbang Gabi and Misa de Gallo Abroad Simbang Gabi, or Misa de Gallo, is a longstanding Filipino Christmas tradition involving a series of nine dawn masses leading up to Christmas Eve. OFWs around the world make an effort to attend these masses organized by Filipino communities, providing a sense of familiarity and spiritual connection.
- Potluck Christmas Parties In the spirit of Filipino hospitality, OFWs often come together for potluck Christmas parties. Each participant contributes a dish, creating a diverse spread that mirrors the traditional Filipino Christmas feast. These gatherings not only showcase Filipino culinary delights but also foster a sense of community among those celebrating away from home.
- Remittance-Fueled Gift-Giving Despite being miles away, OFWs play a crucial role in making Christmas special for their families back in the Philippines. Remittances sent during the holiday season help families purchase gifts, food, and other essentials, ensuring that the Christmas celebration is not compromised despite the physical separation.
- Virtual Reunions Thanks to technology, distance is no longer a barrier to being together. OFWs celebrate Christmas through virtual reunions, connecting with their loved ones via video calls. From opening presents to sharing a festive meal, these virtual gatherings bridge the gap and allow families to celebrate the season together, albeit in a digital space.
- Cultural Exchange Events Filipino communities abroad often organize cultural exchange events during the Christmas season. These events not only allow OFWs to showcase their traditions to the local community but also provide a platform for them to learn about and incorporate local customs into their celebrations.
- Adopting Local Christmas Customs While holding onto their Filipino roots, OFWs also embrace and incorporate local Christmas customs. Whether it’s participating in tree-lighting ceremonies, attending local parades, or engaging in community service, OFWs find ways to merge their traditions with those of their host countries.
- Care Packages and Balikbayan Boxes Sending and receiving care packages and balikbayan boxes play a significant role in an OFW’s Christmas celebration. These packages often contain traditional Filipino goodies, Christmas decorations, and personal gifts, bringing a piece of home to the foreign land.
- Church and Community Outreach Filipinos abroad often engage in charitable activities during the Christmas season, reflecting the Filipino value of bayanihan or communal unity. From organizing gift-giving programs to participating in outreach activities, OFWs contribute to making the holiday season brighter for those in need within their local communities.
- Filipino Christmas Decorations To create a festive ambiance reminiscent of home, OFWs decorate their living spaces with traditional Filipino Christmas ornaments. From parol (star lanterns) to belen (nativity scenes), these decorations evoke the spirit of a Filipino Christmas and serve as a visual reminder of cherished traditions.
- Sharing Christmas Stories and Traditions OFWs often gather to share stories of their most memorable Christmas celebrations in the Philippines. This exchange of experiences not only strengthens their bonds but also reinforces the importance of preserving and passing on cultural traditions to the next generation.
Conclusion
It is certainly difficult for Overseas Filipino Workers to celebrate Christmas away from home, but their tenacity, inventiveness, and sense of community allow them to bring the charm of a Filipino Christmas to other countries. OFWs demonstrate that the true spirit of Christmas transcends geographical boundaries by preserving the spirit of the holiday through a blend of beloved traditions, virtual relationships, and a dash of local flavor.
