Surviving the UK Winter: Finding Warmth and Home After 5 Christmases Abroad

As the Christmas and New Year holidays pass, this time of year often feels like the loneliest for many of us who are far from home. Last December 31st, I found myself at the academy in the acute hospital, calling my family in the Philippines as they gathered for a hearty Christmas meal. Meanwhile, I was at work, moving beds and equipment in preparation for a ward move on December 24th. Yes, I was working both days. Back home, we typically celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve in a grand fashion, so it felt strange to miss out. However, I was fortunate to finish work between 4 and 5 PM, which gave me time to cook and share a meal with my wife and friends. I was also lucky enough to have Christmas and New Year’s Day off, which isn’t the case for many of my colleagues. Hospitals, care homes, and home visits don’t stop for the holidays, and though we smile for everyone who walks through our doors, sometimes our hearts are heavy.

The line between work and home often blurs for those of us who are internationally trained and came over not long ago, most of the time colleagues become our friends and eventually it feels like they become family. When I arrived in the UK, I was fortunate that my wife (my then girlfriend) was already here. She’d been in the country for almost a year before me, it gave me a sense of “home” after long work days especially this season. I remember her telling me about her first winter in the UK—arriving in November with just enough money to get by. She found comfort in the Filipino community, who invited her to spend Christmas Eve with them. Among them was an “Ate” (big sister) who welcomed her and other Filipino colleagues who, like her, would have been celebrating Christmas alone. This act of kindness meant so much to her, offering a little piece of home in a foreign land.

During these cold, dark days of winter, it's easy to feel the weight of loneliness and isolation. The short days and long nights often make us question our decisions—whether leaving home for new career opportunities, financial stability, or adventure was the right choice. It’s hard to chase dreams when your life is packed into a 29-inch suitcase, far from the familiar warmth of family.

Now, after spending five Christmases in the UK, I find myself still feeling sad in this season yet privileged to be here.

I am privileged to have a warm heart.

I am privileged to know beautiful souls.

I am privileged to be in a welcoming environment.

The Privilege of a Warm Heart

I am privileged to have a warm heart because of the love and affection of my wife and my beautiful daughter, who keep me afloat on the days when I feel like I’m drowning. They ignite the fire in my heart and keep my spirit alive. Their love fills me with strength and purpose, giving me the ability to share warmth and kindness with others. They enrich my life, and in turn, I try to spread that love wherever I can.

The Privilege of Knowing Beautiful Souls

I am fortunate to have friends who have become family. When we first arrived, six of us shared a house, and now, five years later, we have two little ones and two have boyfriends who were added to the mix. Our family is growing, with more joining along the way. The nurses in our cohort have become godparents to our children, creating bonds of faith and love. Together, we’ve weathered the challenges of Covid-19, the loneliness of being far from home, and the struggles of daily life. We've leaned on each other, always knowing that we have each other’s backs. With friends like these, life feels a little less daunting and a lot more beautiful.

The Privilege of a Welcoming Environment

When I first arrived, work took up most of my time. I often found myself working 49-hour weeks, even though I was contracted for 37.5 hours. Social life revolved around work, and I spent more time with colleagues than vs home. There were many reasons for the long hours—sending money home, supporting siblings’ education, building a house, or paying off debts—but despite the demands, I found understanding in my workplace. My colleagues never judged me for picking up extra shifts; instead, they were supportive, always checking in to make sure I was okay. They understood the challenges of being an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), and though others may not always understand, I never felt the need to explain myself. It wasn’t the words of reassurance that made the difference—it was the actions. They created an environment where I felt truly cared for and understood, making the weight of being away from home feel a little lighter.

In this cold season, I encourage you to find your warmth. It may be hidden in unexpected places or in people you least expect. Whether it's in the kindness of strangers, the comfort of friends, or the embrace of loved ones, warmth is there if you seek it.

Find your person, find your environment, and most importantly, find yourself.