How OFWs Celebrate the Holidays Away from Home

The holiday season is usually about being home—sharing meals, laughing over karaoke, and counting down to the New Year with family. But for many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), Christmas and New Year often come with mixed emotions.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (2023), more than 2.16 million Filipinos are working abroad. That means millions of families spend the holidays apart each year. While nothing fully replaces being together, OFWs have found meaningful ways to stay connected, celebrate, and keep the Filipino holiday spirit alive—even from thousands of miles away.

Staying Connected Through Video Calls

One of the most important holiday traditions for OFWs is setting up video calls during Noche Buena and Media Noche. Thanks to social media and messaging apps, staying connected is easier than ever.

Many OFWs schedule calls during family dinners so they can virtually join the celebration. Some sing along during karaoke sessions, others watch family members open gifts in real time, while some simply listen to stories about the year that passed. These moments may be virtual, but they help ease homesickness and make OFWs feel included in family traditions.

Hosting Online Parties and Games

To make celebrations more interactive, many OFWs organize online holiday activities with their families. Streaming platforms allow watch parties of Christmas favorites like Home Alone, The Grinch, or Elf, making it feel like everyone is watching together.

Online game nights are also popular. Families play digital versions of Monopoly, Uno, Pictionary, Codenames, or Jeopardy, turning the holidays into shared experiences despite the distance. These small efforts add fun, laughter, and connection to an otherwise quiet celebration abroad.

Sending Balikbayan Boxes With a Personal Touch

Balikbayan boxes remain one of the strongest symbols of love for Filipino families. Months before the holidays, OFWs carefully prepare boxes filled with local food, clothes, and essentials for loved ones back home.

Some take it a step further by sending themed curated boxes—such as snack boxes, travel essentials, or special holiday treats. More than the items inside, these boxes represent care, effort, and a piece of home sent across borders, reminding families that they are always remembered.

Finding Comfort in Online OFW Communities

The holidays can feel lonely abroad, which is why many OFWs turn to online communities. Facebook groups and similar platforms allow them to connect with fellow Filipinos who understand the same struggles and emotions.

By sharing stories, photos, and holiday routines, OFWs find comfort in knowing they are not alone. These communities also serve as spaces to exchange ideas on how to celebrate creatively and keep traditions alive while away from home.

Joining Local Holiday Events Abroad

Many OFWs also take part in local holiday events in their host countries. In places like the UAE, fireworks displays and community gatherings help recreate the festive mood. Areas such as Al Rigga in Dubai often host lively celebrations, while iconic events like the Burj Khalifa fireworks attract crowds from different nationalities.

In countries like Kuwait, events such as balloon drop celebrations and community gatherings give OFWs a chance to celebrate with fellow Filipinos and locals. These moments help replace isolation with connection and remind OFWs that celebration can still happen, even far from home.

Holding On to the Holiday Spirit

While celebrating away from family is never easy, OFWs continue to adapt, connect, and find joy in meaningful ways. Through technology, traditions like balikbayan boxes, online communities, and local events, they keep the holiday spirit alive—proving that distance may change celebrations, but it doesn’t diminish love or family ties.

For OFWs, the holidays may look different, but the heart of the season remains the same.