Missing Family Over the Holidays? | Get involved with Student Life

Missing Family Over the Holidays?

As the holidays approach, many of us begin to feel the familiar warmth of the season - decorations, festive music, and the anticipation of time off from school. But for students living away from home, the holidays can also bring feelings of homesickness and longing for family traditions that may not be possible this year. I’ve been there myself, and the mixture of excitement and missing home is really difficult, especially when everyone around you seems to be gearing up for time with loved ones.

The truth is, missing family over the holidays is a common experience for many students, especially international students or those whose schedules or finances don’t allow them to travel back home. But that doesn’t mean you have to feel isolated or left out. There are ways to make the season meaningful and even joyful while you’re away from family.

Finding New Traditions

For me, the first holiday season away from home felt strange. Growing up, the holidays were filled with family dinners and late-night movies with my parents. Those small traditions that seemed insignificant at the time became deeply missed. But instead of letting the loneliness take over, we can embrace the season in a different way - by creating new traditions.

We can gather with our friends here and plan something fun, something which reminds us of home. One time, me and my friends planned a potluck dinner where each of us contributed a dish from home. It wasn’t the same as my mom’s home-cooked meals, but it brought us together and gave us a sense of connection. We shared stories about our holiday traditions and even found some humour in the fact that none of us could replicate our family’s recipes!

This experience taught me that while you can’t always be with family, you can still surround yourself with community and create moments that feel just as warm and festive.

Campus and City Activities to Keep You Engaged

If you’re missing family over the holidays, one of the best ways to lift your spirits is by getting involved in the activities happening around campus or in the city. Whether it’s attending a festive event, volunteering, or simply exploring new spaces with friends, these activities can help fill the gaps and create new memories.

Here are some ideas you might want to consider:

Holiday Markets and Events

Toronto has many holiday markets filled with food, crafts, and live music. These events are a great way to get into the holiday spirit, pick up unique gifts, or just enjoy a cup of hot cocoa while walking around.

Campus Activities

Around the holiday season, many student organizations and clubs put on events ranging from movie nights to holiday craft workshops. These activities are perfect for meeting new people and spending time with friends who are also staying on campus. Follow us on Instagram at @senecastudentlife for more updates about the events.

Volunteering

Giving back is a wonderful way to connect with others and feel part of something bigger during the holiday season. You can help out at a local food bank, participate in a campus charity drive, or visit a senior’s home, this experience can fill your heart in ways that material gifts can’t.

Holiday Lights and Decorations

Another way to get into the holiday spirit is by exploring the festive decorations in the city. Walking through these beautifully lit spaces, even with a friend or on your own, can bring a sense of peace and joy.

Plan a Holiday Dinner 

Just like I did, organizing a potluck or holiday dinner with friends can help you create new memories and celebrate together. This is also a great opportunity to bond with people you may not know that well yet.

Managing Homesickness

It’s important to acknowledge that no matter how busy you keep yourself, there might still be moments where you feel that pang of homesickness. And that’s completely okay. Missing family over the holidays is normal, and it doesn’t mean you aren’t making the best of your situation.

Missing family over the holidays is never easy, but it’s something many students go through. The key is finding ways to create new traditions, surround yourself with community, and take care of your mental well-being. By engaging in activities around campus and the city, or simply finding moments of joy with friends, you can make the holidays feel special, even when you’re far from home. And if you ever feel a little lonely, know that there are plenty of ways to stay connected and make the most of the season, even when family feels far away.

Happy Holidays!