In Laos, Christmas feels like an ordinary day. Decorations are rare, mostly limited to international companies. Reimar Basaen, a restaurant manager from Tarlac, shared that while Christmas is a grand celebration in the Philippines, in Laos, it’s low-key.
“It’s not a big event here. It feels like a normal day,” said Reimar.
Despite this, he and his friends find joy in coming together. They gather after work for small celebrations, ensuring no one spends Christmas alone. Reimar fondly recalls past gatherings where even a simple “Noche Buena” made the occasion special.
Creative Ways to Celebrate
Last year, Reimar missed a Christmas party due to work commitments. In a humorous twist, his friends edited a photo to include him. Learning from this, they decided to celebrate early this year.
“On December 14, we prepared food, had karaoke, and enjoyed each other’s company,” Reimar said.
They also joined the Philippine Embassy’s Paskong Pinoy event on December 7. This gathering brought together over 400 Filipinos for games, raffle draws, performances, and a parol-making contest. Attendees enjoyed Filipino food and beverages, a comforting taste of home.
A YouTuber’s Longing for Home
Karissa Montealegre, a YouTuber and TikToker known as “Kissa Eats,” described the stark difference in how Christmas is celebrated in Laos compared to the Philippines.
“In my four years in Laos, Christmas didn’t feel the same. No trees, no lights—it was lonely,” she said.
Karissa, who worked as a foreign English teacher in Luang Prabang, shared that expatriates tried to celebrate, but it lacked the joyful spirit of Filipino Christmas. Missing her family deeply, she resolved to return home this year.
Home for the Holidays
This December, Karissa returned to the Philippines to be with her family and celebrate a special occasion—her grandmother’s birthday on Christmas Day.
“I’m so happy to be back. We’ll celebrate starting at midnight. Being with my family makes this Christmas unforgettable,” she shared joyfully.
A Bond That Transcends Distance
For Filipinos in Laos, Christmas may lack the glitz and grandeur they are used to, but the love, camaraderie, and shared traditions keep the spirit alive. Whether through simple meals, embassy events, or digital connections, they prove that the essence of Christmas is being together, even far from home.
