photo by flickr
I’m beginning to see Facebook statuses that read:
“He’s here! He’s here! Let the fun begin!” or
“I’m at — airport and only a few more hours left to be home!”
I’m excited for my friends and their children that get to be with them for the holidays, but it made me begin to wonder about the ones that won’t get to see their kids this year. Living overseas can be difficult during the holiday times, especially if your children are no longer living with you and can’t come “home” for Christmas. You worry about where they might go, how they are going to get there, among all the other worries you already have about them.
Many go to visit grandparents or aunts and uncles.
What if your child is not from the country where they now residing and can’t come “home” for the holidays? Where will they go? What will they do?
I’ve thought about this and have watched Facebook and listened to moms here that are in this scenario. Here is what I’m “seeing”:
1. They are going to friend’s houses for the holidays. Fellow TCKs they know from high school whose parents have moved back.
2. Hanging out with other international students during the holidays.
3. Hanging out with college roomate and family or new friends they have made.
If you’ve had children that couldn’t come “home” for the holidays, what did they do? How did you cope? Please share in the comments below.
raisingTCKs 
As a TCK I can attest to how hard this is. When I was in college, I had an aunt and uncle who lived only a couple hour drive from my school, so I spent holidays with them. Even now, since my parents are still abroad, it’s hard when the holidays roll around. I definitely don’t get to see them as much as I’d like!
Great post, MaDonna!
Thanks, Amy! I appreciate your insights as a TCK. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Pingback: Holiday Cheers | raisingTCKs
I spent many Thanksgivings and other breaks from school at friends’ and roommates’ families. My long time roommate’s family was great about adopting me and making sure I was included in their holidays. The same was true for my brother- he had one family that became his “go to” family. I know my parents prayed hard for such families to step in the gap for us, but it still wasn’t always easy.
Thanks Julie for your insights. I think your mom is very wise in praying about it. I don’t think about this for my kids yet, but I know it will soon come (faster than I want it to!). I’m thinking that starting to pray now about that is not too early, I mean I already pray about their spouse…why not that family that will fill in the gap during college years? Just as important!