Homesick for the holidays

By Kaitlyn Welch

Photo Editor

 

C hristmas Break is right around the corner and many of us are making plans to go home to our families and friends for the month-long period between the fall and spring semester. However, there are also many of us who cannot leave and go home for the holidays because that means crossing an ocean.

Fortunately, there are many forms of communication now that allow us to stay in contact with our loved ones with a click of a button. Skype, Facetime, and various social media come in clutch when we want to see our loved ones faces. Sadly, it isn’t the same as being able to hug your parents and cuddle your doggies.

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Personally, I find there is nothing better than going to my mailbox and finding a letter from my grandma or dad, and I only live about 30 minutes away from them. It’s nice to be able to see their handwriting and know that they took the time out of their day to sit down and write me a note.

Another awesome thing that you can do to keep from having a “Blue Christmas” is to ask your family to send you little odds and ends from your house or even from your hometown. If you have a favorite type of candy that you can’t get here in Missouri, then you can have them send you some.

Pictures are always a good thing to receive also. If you are into crafts you can collect the photos they send you and create a little scrapbook. Something else that is always nice to receive from someone you love is a piece of their clothing or something that smells like them, or your home. After my grampa passed away, I asked my grandma if I could have one of his sweaters and the name of his favorite cologne and now when I miss him, I pull those things out.

I am sure that many of us have friends whose family would be more than happy have you for Christmas. Even though it is hard being away from your family during the holidays, just know that they are proud of you and even though you are miles away from them, they are still with you in spirit.