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In This Issue Real Estate
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BEATING THE HOLIDAY BLUES Walking into the mall; one could not help but notice the festive decors and heartwarming Christmas scents. As I browsed in different stores, I cannot help but plan in my head “this would look good for mom…this is fantastic for my sister”. However, deep in my heart I wish I could see them open their gifts; to capture their joy and laughter as we spend the holidays together. However, this Christmas I am scheduled to work. Last month, I talked to my mom and simply told her that I cannot be in California for Christmas. My mom will be spending Christmas with my sister and brother in-law. I am not alone in this predisposition. There are many Filipinos spending the holidays away from their love ones or immediate family. There are Filipinos also, spending the holidays for the first time without their families. I do not find working on a holiday too bad; but coming home to a quiet home is different. Despite the Christmas decors I had put on display and dressing my pets; it is still different. I would call my mom, sister and friends and talk to them for hours. I had even purchased a phone card and call my uncle in the Philippines. After talking to them, I would feel good but still feel a void in me. My quiet environment still bothers me. So, over the years that I am scheduled to work on holidays; I had learned to do more than just call family and friends. In the past living with my mom in Southern California; my mom would invite people in our home for Christmas lunch or dinner. A lot of her invites would be Filipinos with no plans for the holidays or has no family to spend the holiday with. She would prepare some Filipino dishes; order some Filipino dessert from a restaurant and buy a “Parol” in a store in Carson City. My mom would have a “Parol” on display, instead of a wreath, on our front door. I enjoyed having a small gathering at home and our friends enjoyed this too. It beats being home and doing nothing. So, on one holiday I could not go home; I invited friends over. My friends enjoyed it; they got to meet new friends too. On another time (again, I could not go home due to my schedule), I wanted a quiet dinner. So, I invited two of friends for dinner. They are both nurses (they both work in different units and did not know of each other). We had a great time. We met in a restaurant and shared stories about our families, laughed and reminisce about holidays in the Philippines. They both told me that they enjoyed the company rather than being at home. Not having families around is tough and hard especially during the holidays. I think, that nurses whose immediate family are still back home; coping during the holidays is difficult. However, overcoming the holiday blues without having family to spend it with also, builds character and personality to oneself. So, if you cannot be with your love ones this holiday I do have a few suggestions. My mom said “buy a phone card…. Call home…” attend company parties if you can; participate in employee activities (such as pot luck); if parties are not to your liking invite a friend or two for a meal (or to spend a day with); or if you are off for a major holiday and have no absolute plans work for someone who wants to spend it with family (he or she will “Thank” you for it); or if quiet time is to your liking this is the best time to eat comfort foods, put on your pj’s and socks, watch a good movie or read a good book…relax!!! Happy Holidays!!!! |
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