How To Deal With Christmas in KSA

(or the non-existence of it...)

A few hours to go before Christmas! We all know how hard it is to be away from home during the holidays, especially when you're all alone in a land that doesn't even recognize Christmas. Here are our few tips to our kababayans in the desert of Saudi Arabia where December 25 is considered as a normal working day for every one.

1. Be homesick and do something about it. On ordinary days, OFWs tend to get homesick already but the level of homesickness goes up a notch during holidays when memories of you and your family enjoying Noche Buena come to mind. Acknowledge that you miss your family and friends. Acknowledge that you miss your holiday rituals in the Philippines. Don't deny yourself of these nostalgic yet happy thoughts. And then, call home. Or use Skype and Facetime to see your loved ones after your work. Greet family members and friends, wherever they are, a very Merry Christmas. That's what Facebook and Twitter are for. Of course the chances of you being envious of seeing them celebrating Christmas together in the Philippines might create another wave of nostalgia and self-pity but think of how happy they are and how you helped and caused this happiness. 

2. Always have the Christmas spirit in you. There's no Christmas in Saudi Arabia but you can always bring the Christmas spirit in you. Or at least, create it. No, we are not encouraging you to flaunt your Christmas decors and attend Christmas parties in isterahas... please don't! But here are a few ways on how to get into the Christmas spirit without getting yourself in trouble...

a. Listen to Christmas songs at the comfort of your homes or personal music players. Just avoid "Pasko Na Sinta Ko" and all the other sappy songs that will just make you tear up. Listen to the happy ones. Even Jingle Bells, if you wish, just to get you in that merry groove. 

b. Have an awesome dinner. Even if you're alone, indulge! And what's the very first indulgence that comes into mind? Food! Whether it be in a restaurant that you're trying for the first time or a restaurant that serves your ultimate comfort food... or in the comfort of your flats (because you can cook a mean caldereta or kare-kare or menudo), eat something wonderful and exceptionally satisfying. Have that steak for goodness' sake! Dinner doesn't need to have keso de bola or hamon. It just have to be something special that you don't usually eat or something that reminds you of Christmas Noche Buena back in your home country. You can even host a small dinner for your colleagues or flat mates if you want. All boys or all girls only okay? 

c. Decorate a small space in your room. Don't expect us to tell you where to get Christmas trees and Christmas decors in Saudi Arabia because well, we don't know and that's a little bit too out there. You can, however, print some stuff like greeting cards. Even shiny objects and glittery sashes are found easily in Abu Riyalin stores. You don't have to make it bonggang-bongga. One or two to cheer you up is okay. Light up some candles with peppermint or hot chocolate or pine scents (you can find them in Bath and Body Works) to create a simple holiday ambiance. 

d. Dress up. Red and green are just not the colors of Christmas and we would like for you to avoid these colors when going out tonight or the days around Christmas. Go for something glamorous like black and gold or silver. Don your embellished abayas if you like. Use a lot of accessories. Sparkles and bling bling tend to remind you of the holiday rush. Glam up your nails with glittery, metallic, or uber shiny polishes. Wear red lipstick! Wear something new!

3. Have gifts. You don't have to wrap them in Christmas-y wrappers! It doesn't even have to be big ones. A small special token is enough for your friends or colleagues (who can relate to the celebration, of course). It doesn't even have to mean "Christmas gifts." It can serve as friendship gifts or thanksgiving tokens. It can mean anything good and wonderful, with or without occasions. Stumped on what to give? How about books, frames, scented candles, lip balms, caps, etc.? I'm sure you have a lot in mind. Also, give yourself a gift! (Very important!) Buy something for yourself. Itching to get a new cellphone to replace your battered one? Or maybe a new camera? Or a new abaya? Whatever it is, give yourself a gift. You deserve it.

4. Make December 25 special. You don't have to treat the day as "Christmas" per se but why not do and try something new on this day? Here are some ideas:

a. Write a letter. Remember the days when email and text messages didn't exist? Handwritten letters are still nice. It still creates warm fuzzies in your stomach and brings up a lot of memories when your children used to send you ones. Write letters to them or to your loved one back home. 

b. Relive 2012 by making a collage or a list. It's so nice to reminisce the year that was. The highlights will make you proud and happy. The lowlights will bring a tear and a lesson.  

c. Get a haircut. A new hair style to celebrate? Why not! Book an appointment to salons or go to your trusted barber and get that much-deserve hair or nails service. Get a massage after work! 

d. Donate to charities and causes. Clothes for the victims of Typhoon Pablo, for instance. Or to our kababayans in Riyadh who are in need. Ask the Philippine embassy how you can donate and help! 

e. Get on that ride! Try Riyadh's entertainment centers like Star City and Al Hokair Land. The Pink Tarha ladies haven't been to these places but we'd looove to. 

There are a lot more of "new" things to try and activities to do. Be as imaginative and creative as possible. We support you! (As long as they're legal activities, of course! ;)

5. Be kind. This should be done every day but an extra dose of kindness on special days is not a crime. Smile at strangers (just don't smile like a maniac, haha!). Say hello to your tea boy and ask him how his day was. Give an extra tip to the nice taxi driver that brought you home or the waiter that served you cocktails. Share your lunch with a colleague. Pray for joy and peace. 

Saudi Arabia doesn't recognize Christmas and doesn't tolerate expats celebrating it so we'd like you to treat this day as normal as possible when in public. After all, Christmas, wherever you are, doesn't have to be flaunted to be celebrated. It's up to you how you celebrate this day and how you can translate the message of this special event in your lives. 

Be merry. Be jolly. Always. Happy holidays! ~ Sundrenched