Christmas is usually the chosen time for OFWs to go for a vacation because it is more fun in the Philippines at this time. We have the longest Christmas season in the world, after all. The children are off from school early. Parties, family reunions, and homecomings are also scheduled during the season. But this was before the Covid 19 scare.
This time’s new normal is still laced with precautions despite the ebbing of the Coronavirus incidents. Social distancing is still in effect. Masks are still required and travel is still not encouraged. This year’s celebration will be different from what we used to do and this year’s vacation also needs some tweaking.
Normally, this time of the year is also when we, OFW or not, splurge. But with the bleak economy that we have right now, we have to make this vacation still worthwhile sans the lavish expenses.
So what does a vacationing OFW can do to ensure that the hard-earned leave credits are not wasted? Here are some suggestions:
Prepare meals for the family.
Let the family experience a part of your life abroad by preparing for them the meals that you enjoy abroad. If you didn’t bring the authentic kabsa mix from the Middle East, it may be ordered online. Your family will appreciate your kitchen prowess which they have been missing.
Get to know your neighborhood.
You have been away for quite some time and may not have the time to get to know the people in the neighborhood. These are the people who might help your family when needed. It is good to form some trust and camaraderie with them. Plus, it is always good to have a friendly relationship with neighbors. (Christmas) greetings can be a good start.
Plan for the coming year.
Since it is the last month of the year, it’s the best time to plan for the coming year. After the pandemic, many of our goals and plans have been thwarted especially that the world economy was so greatly affected. We may need to realign or change our priorities. It is best that the family be involved in this. After all, the plan is about them.
Sample the online market in your neighborhood.
The pandemic has brought out the entrepreneurial spirit among Filipinos. Online markets of home-cooked meals, native delicacies, and just about anything sprouted. Just go to the group’s FB page, place your order and it would be delivered at your doorstep. Not only do you get to try the foods that you missed, but you also help a budding entrepreneur.
Pamper yourself.
Vacation is a break from work. A time for relaxation. Let’s up the ante. Do some self-pampering. Everyone has her/his own idea of pampering. In the Philippines, you don’t even have to go to the parlor to have your hair and your nails done. You can invite your local beautician for some home service if Covid spread is an issue for you. Someone knows someone who does massage. Your body will thank you and you would go back to work refreshed and renewed.
Arrange for online meetups.
This is now the latest trend in gathering. You arrange family or friends gatherings thru zoom or video calls. You go to see your relatives and friends, maybe over some meals, you got to catch up with them except that, you don’t violate the health protocols.
Do some home improvements.
I think every home-coming OFW at some point, would tinker with their house. Even if you are not expecting any visitors this year, it is still a good idea to do some home improvements, repair, and reorganization for a cozier vibe.
While you are at it, do the next activity as well ….
Spruce up your garden.
One of the aftermaths of the quarantine was that people had the time to tend to their gardens. As a result, plants are now sold everywhere, online, along the streets and in malls. So are the planters, pots, and other gardening tools. Go with the flow. Spruce up your own garden. Not only is the activity meditative and relaxing, but the end result is a more beautiful environment. Win-win.
Take a power nap every day.
We miss this when we have work. Lunch breaks barely allow us to relax let alone enjoy 40 winks. While on vacation, we can do just that. And experience the energy that short sleep gives us.
Exercise.
I know it should be a lifestyle. It should be done year-round. Except that work took over and zapped most of our energy that exercises or any form of physical fitness activity after work is just a blah. But we all know how important it is to include some bodily exertion in our day, especially during this pandemic when our first defense against the virus is having a healthy body. Vacation time is the best to start this. If what would it do is just for you to discover what works for you and what will make you stick with the activity, then it is worth the try.
Make time for those things you’ve been meaning to do.
It could be finishing the book you’ve started, a project you plan to execute, organizing your thoughts on what you’ll do when you retire or anything that’s bugging you.
OFW vacations need not always be maligayang pagwawaldas. These are just some of the things you can do, to make your vacations well-spent, without spending that much. What matters is you get to act on things that you cannot do because you are too busy at work.
Enjoy.
Hi, I'm Cecille. I have been an OFW in KSA for 13 long years. I have been there, done that. I'd say I was lucky because for most of those years, my family was with me. I'd like to share in this blog what makes those years worthwhile, the lessons I learned and bits and pieces of info that may pique your interest as bagong bayani.