This blog post was written by Blessing, a Communications Management Ma student at Tallinn University.
Due to the usually bubbly atmosphere of Christmas when home with one’s family, friends and loved ones, it can feel like a lonely time if you are an international student studying abroad. Ordinarily, this would have been the case for me if I wasn’t my hermit ISFP self. It was my first time ever celebrating Christmas alone and away from home, yet it turned out to be just a perfect Christmas.
Whilst Christmas Day itself is celebrated on the 25th of December, the Christmas season lasts from mid-December to early January. Not gonna lie, January might now be bidding us adieu, but it’s still Christmas in my head. Journey with me down the memory lane of my first Christmas in Tallinn.
Creating the Christmas-y Atmosphere
Christmas decorations like wreaths, trees, ribbons, stockings are home adornments we associate with Christmas. In fact, they contribute to the creation of the Christmas spirit. What happens then if these are missing from your home during the yuletide season? I live in my school’s dormitory, and you are most likely aware that student accommodations tend to portray a sharp contrast from the cosy atmosphere back home, more so during holidays like Christmas. I mean, you can’t put up a giant Christmas tree in your dorm room; neither would you hang Christmas stockings nor even do some elaborate Christmas decorations, right?
Regardless, I wanted to make my room as Christmas-y as I possibly could. I had always intended to get decorative lights for my room, so it was the perfect opportunity for me to do so. I bought neutral lights (on discounted sales) and hung them around my room. Indeed, they made so much difference because they lit up the room brightly and gave this warm ambience that I really loved.
Photo Credit: Daria Shevtsova
I received a couple of Christmas cards and mini presents from my friends in other countries. Not an emotional person, but I actually teared up when the first package was delivered. With the beautiful cards splayed on my table and my decorative lights adorning my room, the Christmas spirit came alive. One aspect of the Christmas spirit checked ✅.
Family is Everything
Christmas isn’t necessarily about the decorations, bright lights, gifts, and food; it’s about giving love and sharing happiness, most especially with one’s family. Since family is the most integral aspect of Christmas, missing that piece usually results in a dour and lifeless Christmas. For this reason, it’s important to still get that connection to one’s family even if apart during Christmas.
My family isn’t new to that. This might be braggy, but oh well… My family, particularly my mum, showers so much love and affection on me that I feel I must have saved the world in my past life to have them be with me now. All through Christmas and new year, they made sure to call me countless times to keep me company. On Christmas day, they called me and sang Christmas songs to me. Again, I got pretty emotional because I could just feel the love even though we were far apart. An integral part of Christmas, double-checked ✅✅.
Home Alone yet Never Lonely
Back when I was at home, big holiday seasons like Christmas and Easter were some of the hardest times of the year for me. Sure, I love the decorations, the lights, the ambience, the food, and being with my loved ones yet, I constantly struggled during those periods. I’m Nigerian; our lifestyle is about togetherness. During holiday seasons like Christmas, there are usually a thousand and one events to attend, several families and friends to visit, and host. Huge celebrations, I tell you! Don’t get me started on the stress of cooking enormous dishes and cleaning up after hosting several families and friends.
Of course, I was usually forced to tag along for visitations because not doing so could be seen as disrespectful. Being one who constantly needs time alone, I usually suffered severe burnout after holidays and spent long periods trying to recharge. I love my family, distant relatives, and family friends to bits, but I’d rather have all that time to myself.
My family shouldn’t hear this, but I very much enjoyed spending my Christmas alone this time. It was one of my best Christmases yet. I think what’s most important at the end of the day is being at peace with one’s self and feeling comfortable right in one’s head. My idea of a perfect Christmas checked✅. I should note that although a couple of my friends here in Tallinn invited me to parties and get-togethers, I politely declined all invitations. It shouldn’t be surprising; I can never have enough of time alone.
Christmas Traditions
Is it really Christmas if you aren’t blaring music, particularly Christmas songs like Feliz Navidad, and All I want for Christmas is you? Is it really Christmas if you don’t watch classic Christmas movies like Home Alone and How the Grinch Stole Christmas? Is it really Christmas if you don’t prepare sumptuous meals to serenade your nose and celebrate your stomach? Haha, I think not! I am a Swiftie (huge Taylor Swift fan), and for the most part, you’d only see me playing her music. She has nine (9) studio albums spanning diverse genres, so I rarely play songs by other artists. Plus, I am incredibly picky when it comes to both food and music.
Regardless, I tried to include several classic Christmas songs in my playlists. These songs constantly filled the air in my room during Christmas and made me feel really connected. Yes, I also watched Home Alone 1-4 at different times. I’ve seen all four movies countless times, but they remain ever fresh during Christmas. Asides from Home Alone, I watched some other Christmas classics. Being something we usually do back home during Christmas, I enjoyed doing it here as well.
Photo Credit: Rumman Amin
Now to food, I am one of the laziest people I know. I love cooking, but it takes a lot of mental preparation before I head out to cook. Back in Nigeria, I appointed my younger sisters as the chefs and myself as the supervisor, so they usually did most of the work. Well, this time, I decided to whip up good food and pushed through with that. It’s Christmas, right? So I indulged myself by not only having stacks of mouth-watering dishes in my fridge but also buying ice cream, juice, and yoghurt to celebrate. Another aspect of the Christmas spirit, checked 😉. Thanks to Christmas sales, my tiny budget could afford everything I really wanted. No wine, though.
A Visit to Tallinn’s Christmas Market
Tallinn’s Christmas Market is one phenomenal place you just have to visit if you’re in Tallinn during Christmas. It is a top holiday pick for Christmas fun in Europe. And why not? The atmosphere there is just pure Christmas bliss - so cheery, so bright, so fun. No wonder the market was named the Best Christmas Market in Europe in 2019.
Some days before Christmas, I decided to visit the Christmas Market and experience its beauty. I was not disappointed. There were countless stalls and festive activities all-round Tallinn’s Old Town Square. On a regular day, I find the Old Town Square a beautiful site that draws one back to past centuries, but the ambience the Old Town Square heralded with the Christmas atmosphere was even more enthralling.
There were stalls selling food and drink, Christmas gifts, decorations, beautiful clothes, and more. Parents holding their kids’ hands, children riding carousels, couples holding hands, friends smiling and gisting, lone figures also doing their thing - the busy crowd was ironically comforting. But the big and brightly decorated Christmas tree at the centre was the biggest highlight for me. It was the biggest and most beautiful Christmas tree I had ever seen. Yes, another part of the Christmas spirit checked✅.
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Planning for the New Year
With classes and exams over, I not only had time to relax and unwind, but I was also able to reflect on the ending year and make plans for the coming one. It had been an explosive year for me. I left the shores of my country for the first time, started a master’s degree programme, got a contract with a phenomenal organisation, met incredibly successful people, and made friends. It all seemed like a dream to me but of course, it was real.
I looked at my 2021 resolutions and saw that while I did most of what I had planned, I still inadvertently left some out. I resolved to integrate them into my new year (2022) plan with the firm intention of following through with them this time. I read books, watched documentaries and motivational talks - drawing the will to start the new year strong and focused. Between last Christmas and now, I have made active steps towards being the me I want to be in 2022. And overall, I am happy. Now to you, how did you spend your Christmas?
P.S: Studying abroad can be a little overwhelming, especially during holiday seasons. It’s normal to miss your family and friends back home. It’s normal to feel homesick, but by keeping busy and seeking self-proven ways of having fun, the holidays could remain equally magical for you.