By now, everyone knows that the Christmas vibe here in Russia is completely different from how we do it back home. If you’ve been here for a while, you already know the feeling. While people back home are entering “Detty December” mode with the heat and the constant parties, we are here facing the snow and a very different calendar.
For the last five years, Christmas for me has always been a bit heavy on nostalgia. It’s almost always sad for me. It’s that time of year when you really miss the noise, the family gatherings, and that specific Christmas spirit that you just can’t find anywhere else. I cannot even begin to list the things that I miss, from going to get my hair done to visiting family and friends.
But this year, although I am still in Russia, I told myself that I cannot come and kill myself with “home-sickness.” I decided to actually show up for the holiday, even though I’m miles away from where I started. The Christmas air around me this year was different. Because I felt I worked so hard all year round, I really wanted to relax and enjoy simply because I deserve it.
I think I started decorating towards the beginning of December. I went all out with the decorations this time. Russian weather in the winter can be depressing and I realized I needed those Christmas lights and a bit of colour just to keep my own spirits high. Apart from the aesthetics of course, my house was really giving! I would be so happy anytime I got back from work.
I also got involved with the community here in my city. We did the whole gift exchange thing, and I participated in Secret Santa both at work and at church. There’s a certain kind of stress that comes with trying to find a gift that’s actually nice but won’t break your budget, but honestly, the laughter, the surprise present and the “Who gave me this?” moments made it all worth it.
Hanging out with friends on Christmas day was the highlight of the season for me this year. And the funny thing is we did not even need a massive party for things to feel familiar. We just all came with good vibes and the feeling that everyone knows what it’s like to be so far from home.
Now, the food… Usually, I’d have tried to stress myself out in the kitchen trying to recreate a full Nigerian spread even after work on the 25th, but this year? I chose peace. I didn’t have the time or the energy to be cooking soup or frying turkey, so I just ordered in. No mountain of dishes to face afterwards, just me, my take-out food, and a long list of Christmas movies while wrapped in a blanket. In fact, I am reliving that precious moment as I write this.
Now, I am looking forward to the 12 days of holidays I have in January and trust me, I will enjoy it to the fullest, I am so giddy and excited for January.
I also made sure to document everything I did during this period. I took so many pictures and videos. In the past, I think I was always too busy wishing I was somewhere else to actually enjoy where I was.
But now I see it differently. These are the memories I’m building in this chapter of my life, and they deserve to be captured. And it’s like I just discovered that Russia is even more beautiful during Christmas.
I can honestly say this has been my best Christmas in Russia yet. The big lesson for me was simple. I had to stop holding onto the “way we used to do it” and start making new traditions for myself where I am right now.
Christmas this year was pure joy, and I really wish I had started living like this earlier. If you’re a foreigner and you’re feeling that holiday blues, take it from me, get up and celebrate, even in your own little way.
Happy holidays everyone from all of us at E-Solutions!
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