YouAlberta
This article was updated on December 14, 2021. Please check Alberta's public health updates for the most recent information on gathering restrictions.
I think I speak for a lot of us when I say I had no idea the whole COVID-craziness would last until the end of the year. I was previously one of those international students that went home as much as they could. I would look for any excuse to run away from the cold weather, and my parents don’t like it when I am away for too long. I never imagined that I would spend almost a year without going home to Costa Rica, or that I would spend the holidays without my family. I find comfort in the fact that it’s going to be a weird Christmas for everyone, and in a way we are going through it together. A lot of international students have spent the holidays away from their families before, so it’s definitely doable. It still sucks though, and it’s ok to feel sad or weird about it.
[Editor’s note: check out IST’s resources for hosting a festive digital get-together including Zoom backgrounds, games, and more.]
I like having a plan and I pride myself on being able to adapt to changes and challenging situations quickly. But this year it seems like every time I think I have something figured out, the world throws me another curve ball.
I still don’t really know how I feel about spending Christmas away from home for the first time. On one hand, I am obviously sad that I won’t be able to do Christmas traditions with my family, but I am somewhat excited to possibly have my first white Christmas like in the movies!! And for some reason planning what I am going to do during the holidays makes me feel like a real grown up.
When the first lockdown took place in March 2020, the one thing that made me feel better was running and keeping myself entertained. So, for this Christmas, that is what I plan on doing (though I won’t be running when it’s below zero!). These are some safe activities I am going to be doing:
Read for fun!!!
I’ve bought (and borrowed from my parents) so many books during my university degree that I have never even opened because I seem to always be so tired of reading for school. I know, sad. I am going to have so much time during the break, I should have time to at least read one book.
Arts and crafts
I find painting and making bracelets very comforting and fun. It is a good way to keep myself entertained when I am alone, and after a whole four months of not having the time to create art and work on my more creative side I am actually really looking forward for this — especially considering I left a lot of projects half-way done when the school year started.
Cook!
For me, the holidays are 50% about family and 50% about food. I want to bake some of my favorite desserts and get my grandma to teach me at least one holiday recipe over Facetime. By doing this, I will be improving my much-needed cooking skills, and I think spending time with my grandma, even if it is over Facetime, will be special for both of us since she is also spending this Christmas alone.
Stay in touch and reach out!
I think it is important to still make an effort to spend time with family and friends, and thanks to the internet this is still very possible even if we can’t do it in person. I know it’s going to be challenging not to be sad or feel lonely, so I plan on talking about it not only with my parents and friends back home but also with other international students that might be going through the same situation.
To be fair, a weird holiday season was the only thing that could match this weird year. I am still not sure how to navigate it, but we have made it this far! And it seems like things are starting to slowly get better, so I am choosing to stay hopeful and wish for this situation to come to and end soon.
I hope you all have a safe and special holiday season and winter break! Give yourself a pat on the back, we are almost there!