When we were kids, December meant it was high time to be in a festive mood to celebrate the holiday season. We would anticipate the joy that comes with waking up on Christmas morning and getting to unwrap the various gifts laid out for us by family and friends. We eagerly anticipate when school ends to thoroughly enjoy the festivities that await us during Christmas break.

Now, however, being older and with more commitments, December usually means deadlines, final exams, and a barrage of homework needing to be completed before the break begins—at least for university students like us.

I find it difficult to enjoy the coming of December when all I can think about now are the many requirements I have to complete before the school year ends. It is hard to reconcile the thought of spending Christmas break when you have so many things you need to get done before then.

Longing to be home for Christmas

(Photo by Grace Soriano/TomasinoWeb)

Living in Manila, miles away from the comfort of my home, I can’t help but feel a little homesick, especially during the Christmas season. What was supposed to be a time for laughter and cheer is riddled with longing and stress as the feeling of wanting to be back home intensified even more.

This feeling is strengthened by remembering how much work I have to get through as the finals season coincides with the Christmas season. And while finals week is tough by itself, knowing that I’m so close to ending the semester makes it tougher.

However, once all of this is said and done—my exams are over, I’ve finished my assignments and submitted all of my pending deadlines; I can’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. All of this means I can begin to do what I’ve been looking forward to do—pack my bags and return home for the holidays.

Without the cloud of a million thoughts hanging over my head, I can finally place my attention on leaving the city scene and reuniting with my family. Of course, living in Manila isn’t all bad—I am granted a degree of freedom I don’t usually get at home; I get to see my friends every other day, and I am in control of my own time and activities.

Yet, despite these upsides, we all can’t help but desire the company of family from time to time, especially with Christmas day fast approaching. And while I appreciate the time I have for myself when living in the capital, getting to escape the city noise and going back home is essential too—particularly for students like myself who have been stressed with academics and are in need of a much-deserved break spent back home with family.

Making up for lost time

(Photo by Victoria Perote/TomasinoWeb)

As I bid a temporary farewell to Manila, I can’t help but feel excited at the thought of getting to spend Christmas with my family and all of the fun things we could do together. From giving gifts to unwrapping them, singing songs, and eating food—one can do many things with family for the holiday season.

Now that we’re finally on a break, I am looking forward to the different things my family and friends can get up to and all the fun and exciting things we have planned as a means to catch up—especially knowing that I am making up for lost time.

Yet, along with the excitement came melancholy, for the thought of all the moments I had missed every second I was away from home remains. Questions like, “How are they doing?” and “What happened while I was gone?” would pop up, but the feeling never lingered long. After all, the beauty of being apart means there is always time to reunite and catch up.

Even after all the challenges I faced alone in Manila, we have managed to go past them to get to where we are now: home. I am sure the journey wasn’t easy, and we must all be more than a little tired and burned out from the burdens we had to carry alone while in the city, but now, we don’t have to be.

Letting go of these things that worried us and stressed us out is essential to thoroughly enjoy the Christmas break. While December isn’t the same as it was when we were younger, and the month is now filled with many tiring events we’d have to go through before we reach the finish line, I’d say it’s all worth it.

In the end, what gets me through this challenging season is remembering that the finish line I am striving towards is going home and spending Christmas with my family.