MILKA LUTANI, 51
Where are you from?
Indonesia
How long have you been in Macau for?
4 years
What’s Christmas like back home?
We usually go to church with family, neighbours and other friends, and after that we would eat together with everyone, and usually relatives from other areas would come and visit us
What do you miss about home during Christmas?
Being together with my big family
What do you do for Christmas in Macau?
I often work on Christmas Day but I usually do a quick devotional, a time spent with God
What do you like about Christmas in Macau?
Spending time with others who celebrate Christmas but also away from home
ELSA CORDERO, 55
Where are you from?
Philippines
How long have you been in Macau for?
10 years
What’s Christmas like back home?
Full of authentic (Filipino) food, family gathering at my mother’s house and gift exchange
What do you miss about home during Christmas?
Family reunion and bonding, and the food too
What do you do for Christmas in Macau?
Celebrating with some relatives who also work in Macau and with my church family too, playing games with prizes and exchanging gifts too
What do you like about Christmas in Macau?
It’s colourful with lots of lights
NICIEL DELA CRUZ, 48
Where are you from?
Philippines
How long have you been in Macau for?
3 years and 6 months
What’s Christmas like back home?
Going to church and giving gifts to family members and relatives, and usually the family eat together during Christmas
What do you miss about home during Christmas?
Listening to Christmas songs together with my family while we decorate the house
What do you do for Christmas in Macau?
Go to the church and eat together with my friends
What do you like about Christmas in Macau?
The winter season and beautiful decorations
JUVY BILOG, 42
Where are you from?
Philippines
How long have you been in Macau for?
4.5 years
What’s Christmas like back home?
Celebrate Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) with my family
What do you miss about home during Christmas?
My children and family reunion and gatherings
What do you do for Christmas in Macau?
Just bonding with my good friends
What do you like about Christmas in Macau?
The decorations on the streets and in malls
RINA KAMELIA SARI, 37
Where are you from?
Indonesia
How long have you been in Macau for?
5 years
What’s Christmas like back home?
In Indonesia I usually go to church by myself because most of my family members are not Christians
What do you miss about home during Christmas?
I actually don’t miss home during Christmas
What do you do for Christmas in Macau?
I work but also celebrate Christmas with friends
What do you like about Christmas in Macau?
It’s merry and bustling
ROBERTO BERNABE, 44 & GRACE BUGARING, 36
Where are you from?
Philippines
How long have you been in Macau for?
5 years
What’s Christmas like back home?
We usually go on a trip out of town with the entire family
What do you miss about home during Christmas?
Our family reunion
What do you do for Christmas in Macau?
We usually work on Christmas Day
What do you like about Christmas in Macau?
We have a lot of special occasions, invitations, parties, and gifts from friends
JEINE KALALO, 47
Where are you from?
Indonesia
How long have you been in Macau for?
4 years
What’s Christmas like back home?
Because I’m from a Christian majority area in Indonesia (North Sulawesi), our tradition there is to prepare food and cakes for the many guests and neighbours that would visit our place during Christmas season, and of course I remember since I was very young, we would always go to the church on Christmas Day
What do you miss about home during Christmas?
I miss gathering together with the family, especially my parents
What do you do for Christmas in Macau?
We usually have Christmas service at church, and we eat together with friends at church
What do you like about Christmas in Macau?
The Christmas decorations
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