By Sarah Lechman

An at-home Christmas is when a student at Hastings College chooses to remain on campus during Christmas break instead of traveling home. While this experience can be challenging, it can also be meaningful. To better understand what an at-home Christmas is like, we spoke with Josh Magnaye, a junior at Hastings College and a member of the baseball team.

Magnaye is originally from Toronto, Canada, and he explained the main reason he stayed in Hastings over break was the high cost of airfare. Although he was unable to travel home, Josh said, “he made the most of his time on campus. He stayed in close contact with his family through FaceTime and daily texts, which helped him feel connected despite the distance.”

Before coming to Hastings, Magnaye attended a junior college, making this the first time in three years of college that he did not go home for the holidays. He admitted that it was difficult at times, but he found ways to adjust. Josh was not alone during the break; he spent time with other students who were also staying on campus, including teammates from the baseball team, as well as students from the track and field and basketball teams.

When asked what advice he would give to underclassmen who may face a similar situation, Magnaye emphasized the importance of staying in contact with family as much as possible. Even if students cannot be home physically, technology like FaceTime makes it easier to stay connected. He also encouraged students to find out who else is staying on campus and make plans together, rather than spending the break alone. Lastly, Magnaye suggested finding a new hobby to stay busy and avoid boredom during the break.

Although spending Christmas away from home can be difficult, Magnaye’s experience shows that an at-home Christmas does not have to be lonely or negative. With communication, companionship, and a positive mindset, students can turn an unexpected situation into a memorable and rewarding experience.