A Different Kind of Christmas: My First Holiday Away from Home

A Different Kind of Christmas: My First Holiday Away from Home

Christmas in Zimbabwe is nothing short of magical. The festive season buzzes with weddings, family gatherings, vacations, and endless nights of laughter. Growing up, December meant one thing: family time. It was our sacred tradition to plan everything ahead—meals, outfits, and the much-anticipated meeting place. As a child, nothing compared to the excitement of new clothes, perfectly styled hair, and visits to fancy restaurants.

For the past few years, I held the title of family chef, curating festive feasts that brought everyone together. The joy of watching my family savor my recipes while we danced to the rhythm of life created memories etched deep in my heart.

Fast forward to my first Christmas in Japan—it was a world apart. The festive spirit I cherished seemed elusive. While Zimbabwe’s streets would be alive with music and celebration, here in Japan, life went on as usual. To make matters worse, I was signed up to work on Christmas Day!

I couldn’t bear the thought. Christmas, to me, is sacred—a time to pause, reflect, and cherish loved ones. So, I made a bold choice: I took the day off.

But even then, the day felt hollow. No family, no laughter, no rhythms to dance to. It was just me, sitting at home, feeling a wave of homesickness I hadn’t anticipated.

Thankfully, technology came to my rescue. A call with my moms and brothers and grandad turned my day around. Hearing their voices, sharing our laughter across miles—it was a balm for my aching heart.

The highlight of the day? Making tacos with my man. It’s our favorite meal and, for a moment, it brought a taste of togetherness. We may not have had the same kind of Christmas I grew up with, but in that quiet moment of sharing a meal, I found a new kind of magic.

Adjusting to this life is no walk in the park, but I’m learning to embrace these moments—one day at a time.

"Home isn’t always a place; sometimes, it’s the people who make you feel loved, no matter how far apart you are."