How Filipino Overseas Workers Bring Christmas Home, No Matter the Distance
Exploring how Filipino traditions bridge the gap between distant shores and the warmth of home during the holidays.
Among all countries, the Philippines ranks fourth in income generated by overseas labor, a trend driven by the higher earning potential of foreign employment compared to domestic employment. In 2023, an estimated 2 million Filipinos made a combined $40 billion for their families back home while working abroad in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of Asia.
These Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are hailed as “modern-day heroes” for their resilience in the face of unjust working conditions, social isolation in their countries of employment, and the psychological anguish of indefinite separation from hearth and home.
Understandably, the Christmas season, which for Filipinos encapsulates the essence of joy (see family, faith, and food), is especially hard on OFWs without the opportunity to return home because of contractual obligations or economic circumstances. But, as we know, our OFWs are especially resilient.
Here are some of the ways our kababayans (Filipino countrymen) around the globe celebrate Christmas, stay connected with one another, and keep traditions alive:
Face to FaceTime
Despite time zone differences and occasional internet connection difficulties, many OFWs join their families for meals, Simbang Gabi (a nine-day series of dawn masses in anticipation of Christmas day), and other festivities over video call using applications like Skype, Viber, and Messenger.
Though it isn’t quite the same as being physically next to one another, getting to see your loved ones’ smiling faces on a screen and hearing their voices in real time certainly makes the distance feel a little smaller.
Homecoming in a Box
The term balikbayan refers to a Filipino returning to the Philippines after spending considerable time working or living in another country. The balikbayan box, a cardboard box that contains items thoughtfully curated by overseas Filipinos for their families back home, is a powerful symbol of the love and care with which OFWs treat those most precious to them.
Balikbayan boxes might be seen as an extension of our tradition of pasalubong (homecoming presents), in which Filipinos gather souvenirs from their travels to give as presents upon returning home.
One of the silver linings to life abroad is that OFWs have access to interesting goods that have no substitute available in the Philippines or even in Asia. During the holidays, many OFWs pack balikbayan boxes with gifts like nice clothes from foreign brands, exotic chocolates and sweets, and curious toys and gadgets that they know their families back home will appreciate.
To ensure that the gifts reach home in time, OFWs meticulously plan ahead, shipping their Christmas balikbayan boxes 3 to 4 months before December.
Love and joy in boxes
Sights and Smells
A powerful way to combat homesickness is to replicate the physical sensations associated with home. When it comes to decorations, parols (Christmas lanterns) hanging by the windows, a Christmas tree in the living room, and a belen (Christmas nativity scene) on the coffee table not only add a festive flair to the place but also remind Filipinos of everything that’s so unique about the way we celebrate.
The colorful paper illuminated from the inside, the bells and angels swinging from tree branches, and the miniature scenes of the Holy Family huddled together imbue the home with light, warmth, and a sense of hope that one’s family will be safe and together again soon.
And when it comes to food, traditional and festive dishes commonly served during communal gatherings, like lechon (roast pig), lumpiang shanghai (fried spring rolls), and bibingka (baked rice cake) - the list goes on and on - can evoke memories of home.
Sharing these wonderful foods during Noche Buena (Christmas Eve meal) with other Filipinos abroad or non-Filipino friends learning to appreciate our culture allows OFWs to express themselves authentically and take pride in a cuisine that brings joy to everyone who partakes in the feast.
The crispy, golden, and oh-so-delicious lechon baboy
Pockets of Community
Connecting with family and recreating a sense of home abroad are both important aspects of an OFW Christmas celebration. But equally important is for OFWs to carve out spaces for belonging in the countries they reside together with other Filipinos who share in the experience of working and living far from home.
In Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong, Filipinos who live nearby often get together to share meals, hold Christmas parties, and observe Simbang Gabi in their homes. Some OFWs post Christmas vlogs with their friends abroad on YouTube so that their families can see they’re doing well and OFWs in other countries can take inspiration from.
During these Christmas parties, Filipinos keep traditions alive by organizing Monito-Manita (a gift exchange similar to Secret Santa), singing Filipino Christmas carols, and, where permitted, decorating public spaces. The more, the merrier!
Happy Holidays!
As the holiday season wraps us in its embrace, let’s hold on to the joy and love that makes a Filipino Christmas truly special. We hope your Christmas is filled with family, faith, and food. May your families be happy and healthy, your spirits warm and bright - and know that wherever you are in the world, you belong.
Maligayang Pasko!