Traditionally, putting up a Christmas tree is done with family. But when you’re one of 2.3 million Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), putting up a Christmas tree takes on a new meaning.

Let’s face it, paying rent abroad is pretty expensive. Practicality encourages many OFWs to share living spaces. Often that means we end up seeking houses with strangers. People we meet along the way who post an online ad “room for rent”. If we’re lucky, we get referrals “my schoolmate wants to view the room”.

Eventually, strangers become housemates. Housemates over time can become friends. And friends can become makeshift family when abroad. Lalo na pag Pasko.

Putting up a Christmas tree is our way of bringing home to where we live.

Cue lightsaber sound.