Home for Christmas or staying put? Residents weigh family reunions against travel costs

Source: MyJoyOnline · 2026-11-09T12:41:52.000Z · Travel

With Christmas approaching, many people are beginning to make plans for the festive season. But while some are looking forward to travelling to their hometowns to reunite with family, others are choosing to remain where they live, citing the cost of transportation and the financial demands of celebrating with extended family. For some, Christmas is incomplete without returning home to reconnect with loved ones, catch up with old friends and take part in familiar traditions. For others, the expense of travelling and meeting family obligations makes staying put a more practical option. Ama Serwaah, a trader, says she is determined to travel to her hometown this Christmas after spending three to four years away from her family. She said she had particularly missed her mother and siblings and was looking forward to spending time with them after being away for so long. “I've been away for three to four years now, so this Christmas, I want to go and celebrate with them. I've missed all my sisters, my family, all of them,” she said.

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