It won’t be my first time to spend Christmas and New Year outside of the Philippines. But it will be my first time to celebrate it away from family and long-time friends.

It isn’t all that bad though.

While traversing seven seas to be in my native land for the holidays is a luxury that I can’t afford right now, I’ve got the next best thing. On the 21st of December, I’ll be traveling to the beautiful land of Tanzania with my housemate, Inge. In particular, we are planning to celebrate Christmas in Zanzibar , along with other volunteer friends. That’s still a few days away, but I am already dreaming of white sand beaches and sumptuous seafood, of which I have been “deprived” all these months that I’ve been living in a landlocked country.

Sure, there are no simbang gabis and noche buenas, no bibingkas and puto bungbongs, not enough Christmas lights and carols in that part of the world. But then again, I would still be surrounded by friends—new but good ones who have been a huge part of this chapter of my life. Hence, the spirit of sharing and companionship—which, I believe is the essence of the yuletide celebrations—shall be alive and well wherever Christmas Day finds me.

So while I’ll be missing all things familiar this holiday season, the promise of new discoveries and limitless possibilities gives me reason to celebrate and be merry.

To everyone, Happy Christmas and a Blessed New Year!