The Christmas season has always been the perfect opportunity for gatherings among families and friends since every Filipino celebration is never without food nor reunion. However, not all those who live away from their loved ones can always come home for the holidays. Christmas time can also be bittersweet, especially for the OFWs.
A single mom works in Europe to support her two daughters, who are taken care by their grandparents; a recent graduate, who is a breadwinner of the family, took a leap and pursued to work abroad; a wife in the US and her husband in the Middle East both working countries apart to provide the best for their children residing in the Philippines – these are just the familiar scenarios of what one can do out of love and sacrifice.
The holidays, for Filipinos, is definitely the much-awaited time of the year. Apart from the puto bumbong, bibingka, and Simbang Gabi, what makes this season very meaningful and important to them? It’s the Filipino close family ties. Generally, this strong bond gives a sense of belonging and comfort.
For some, the city’s spectacular Christmas ambiance is the holiday’s highlight. But to others, it’s the warmth and joy of sharing family traditions. True enough, the absence of a loved one – a parent (or both) or child, and the nostalgia of being away during the season aren’t really quite easy to deal with. Indeed, the distance makes the heart grow fonder and as days pass by, both look forward to the day they will all be together at home.
Thousands of OFWs, as well as immigrants, fight the homesickness in the hopes that their sacrifice will bear a better future. From celebrating Christmas with families back home, now OFWs only have their fellow kababayans to spend the holiday with – something that would give them the closest feeling to home. A mother who used to wake her daughters up as they attend Simbang Gabi could only send money and gifts and see them through a video call over the internet for Christmas. It is during this time when OFWs should be remembered the most. Working abroad is a sacrifice and a test of courage. Constant communication, through today’s advanced technology, helps ease the yearning and loneliness.
Not all share wonderful stories. Some OFWs are only remembered when there’s a financial need. In other cases, the ones left back home – especially the children, either feel the longing or detachment from their parents. Despite the distance, OFWs make efforts to have their presence felt; and assure that what bonds them together is more than just the material things in life.
Living in a place far from home can definitely be overwhelming – there’s excitement, joy, sadness, and fear; and even more so when one faces it alone. For OFWs every day is like any other day, except for Christmas – to them who cannot come home, it is the most sentimental time of the year.
For the strength, unconditional love, sacrifices and courage to seek better future in a foreign land, we salute these heroes of today’s generation. Know that you’re all at home in the hearts of every Filipino.
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