"I Will (not) Be Home For Christmas"

The Christmas song, "I’ll Be Home For Christmas" is a holiday classic and has been performed by a wide variety of talented individuals. One of my favorite versions of this song is the one by Pentatonix, which I highly recommend if you have not heard it yet. As incredible as this song is, it was not until the end of last week when this song became more than just another Christmas song to me.

This holiday season will be my second one away from home. Surprisingly, last year was not too emotional even though it was my first Christmas not spent at home with my family. However this year, now not having been home in over a year, is proving to be much more emotional. The emotions really starting as a result of this song coming up as I shuffled one of my Christmas playlists on Spotify. As I was listening to the words, “I’ll be home for Christmas, you can count on me… if only in my dreams” it just sort of hit me. I won’t be home for Christmas. Not last year, this year, or really any year in the near future. I honestly don’t know when I will celebrate with my family again. It isn’t exactly cheap flying from China to America.

Fortunately, there is FaceTime and other ways that allow me to call home and even see my family. But it is just not the same as actually being there. This past week was Thanksgiving in the States. I was able to briefly FaceTime with my mom and dad, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins while they celebrated at my aunt and uncle’s house. I was also able to FaceTime with one of my aunts who lives in California and talk with my other grandparents. As much of a blessing as it is to have these tools to be able to keep in touch with family who live so far away, it is not the same as truly being with them. Being able to have long conversations without the fear of the internet not wanting to cooperate or phone batteries being drained. Being able to give them a hug and just hold that embrace for as long as you want.

I guess you could say that I have been feeling a little homesick recently. As much as I love living in China, I am really looking forward to going home for the summer in about seven months. However, I am slightly nervous about going back to America… But I will save that for another post.

xo Noelle

P.S. Liv, please give mom and dad a really big hug from me the next time you see them. Thanks. :)