As the festive season approaches, millions anticipate reunions with loved ones. But not everyone looks forward to going “home.”
For some, this season is bittersweet or even painful, shaped by economic hardship, strained family ties, or a lack of home. Some are orphans or estranged from family, choosing peace of mind over forced reunions. Others are too far from home, like Raphael Okello. The 23-year-old is a research student at Hokkaido University in Japan.
“This is my first Christmas season not just away from home, but also Kenya. I have mixed feelings about it. On one hand, it’s an adventure because I’m curious to see how people in Japan celebrate Christmas and what they do. On the other hand, I’m sad because I won’t be able to spend Christmas with my loved ones,” he says.
Raphael went to Japan for a research programme after finishing his studies at the University of Nairobi.
“It's a one-year full scholarship, which started in September. The first few weeks in Japan were really difficult for me,” he says. “I don't know if it’s the same for other international students.”
Omondi Raphael Okello, 24, is a research student at Hokkaido University in Japan.
Photo credit: Pool
“Coming to a new place is like starting from scratch. I had to make new friends and adapt to a new culture, food, clothing, and the weather,” he says.
Hokkaido, in northern Japan, is extremely cold. The food is different from that in Kenya, and there is a language barrier since most people speak Japanese.
“But I've realised that celebrating Christmas can be very different in other cultures. For example, a student from Canada told me that Christmas for them is about gathering with friends and having a party, not necessarily traveling back home. Another person from France said they spend Christmas traveling to different countries. These different perspectives have really changed how I view Christmas. I’ve just realised that the idea of home isn't just about where you were born,” he tells Lifestyle.
“Home can be anywhere you are. Right now, I've made Japan, specifically Hokkaido, my home. Christmas is a big deal here. Everywhere I go, I see Christmas decorations in shops and stores. Walking down the streets, you see Christmas trees and lights everywhere, especially at night,” he adds.
This Christmas, Raphael will get together with friends from Kenya and other African countries like Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, and Namibia.
“We’re planning to have a party and spend time together. I'll also stay in touch with my family back home through video calls,” he says.
Mitchelle Odhiambo is a student at the Technical University of Mombasa. She says as the festive season approaches, the excitement that usually accompanies the holidays is replaced with a sense of dread and loneliness.
Mitchelle Odhiambo, 21, is a Tourism and Travel management student at the Technical University of Mombasa.
Photo credit: Pool
“This year, I won't be travelling home to Homa Bay. Our school is closing for two weeks, hardly enough time to justify the long and expensive journey home. The fare has gone up due to the peak season, and a round trip would cost around Sh8,000. I couldn't bear the thought of burdening my parents with such an expense,” she says.
To cope with the loneliness, she says she will distract herself by reading.
“I will try to stay connected with my family through phone calls and video chats. Hearing their voices and seeing their faces will bring some comfort, even though it isn't the same as being there in person,” she says.
Isaac Omondi, a casual worker at a supermarket in Eldoret town, says this year, he too will not be heading home for the festive season.
Isaac Omondi, 23, is a freelance casual worker at a supermarket in Eldoret town.
Photo credit: Pool
“I've realised that I've outgrown the traditional holiday celebrations. The last time I spent Christmas with my family was in 2022, and since then, I've found that the festive season doesn't hold the same excitement for me. It's not that I don't love my family or cherish the time we spend together, but the celebrations have become somewhat repetitive,” he says.
“Home is crowded and sometimes chaotic. While it's wonderful to see everyone, it can also be overwhelming. I want to be alone and explore new things during this festive season. You also have to cater to everyone's needs, which requires a lot of money and effort,” he argues.
