Just finished packing to head back to Canada in the morning after being home for Christmas.

I’ve been in Canada almost 15 years but man, as I get older the homesickness is somehow getting worse and leaving definitely is taking a piece of me every time I get dropped off at departures. I’m missing out on my families and friends lives and feeling super left out.

Ireland at Christmas is special, and I love my life in Canada it’s just so hard to leave!! If I could afford to leave and move back, I would. But based on what everyone has said, I should stay where I am.

Nothing really to say except happy Christmas everyone. And hope all the returning emigrants are enjoying home!

*photos of some of the many…many pints consumed over the last two weeks. I’ll miss you a lot too 😉

by lavenderhaze91

25 comments

  2. Around until new years but already have a pit in my stomach about going back. I think this Christmas herself and myself have decided we’re definitely moving home.

  3. Also in Canada – I was making dinner today and I’m just so homesick. Nothing beats an Irish Christmas!
    Safe travels back to Canada!

  5. I was only there for a year and ended up coming home. Felt like I was gone far longer than that and loved every minute of it. Great country though, few things we could learn from them.

  6. Heading back to Canada on the 28th, lived there for 6th years. I feel you man. I’ve a good job/girlfriend in Canada.. but fuck Christmas makes me miss home. I’ve been trying to get home for extended stays at least once a year these days as my job allows it thankfully.

  7. I wasn’t able to get home from Toronto this year. Just bought a gaff we’re moving into next month, so money was tight. Luckily a good few of my friends we’re still in town so it didn’t feel as bad as some years.

  9. As someone who went the other way, I have to admit an Irish Christmas is definitely something special. But I get homesick for Canada around this time too. After all, it’s whenever your folk are, right? 

  10. Hoping to visit home in 2026. It’s been 7 years since I’ve seen my siblings.

  12. Couldn’t agree more here. Moved to the states in 1994 and really Christmas and funerals are the two things that remind you how far away you are. Ireland still a free country love my visits home every year

  13. From a fellow emigrant, I’ve stayed until January before and it gets very boring and realising why we’ve all pursued different lives elsewhere very quick after everyone gets back to their life.

    You’re not wrong though. Something special about our little island this time of the year.

    Happy Christmas and all the health and happiness to you and yours when getting back to your new life.

  14. I live at home and already got sick on myself from homesickness and cans and whiskey and wine and a little bit of cognac and port

  15. Been in Canada nearly a decade now and always make the decision to come home for Christmas. Just wouldn’t feel right being over there. Expecting our firstborn this year coming so I think we’ll be back in Ireland in the next couple of years. I can’t see myself raising kids in Canada. It’s afforded me incredible opportunities with work, travel and lifestyle but it’ll never be home.

  17. I lived in Canada for a good few years and cried one time waiting for my train going back. It settles once there for a few days but I did eventually move back. Not all roses in Ireland either but I was a single in Canada and friends were moving home consistently and just couldn’t have been arsed to try again to make contacts.

    Also remember Christmas in Ireland is the best time of the year here as everyone around. Rest of the year, people are doing their own shit.

  18. Having to leave after visiting home for Christmas is a rough one. Not only are you battling the heightened homesickness and brón in your heart for being away, but you’re also leaving thinking that you’re the only one on the outside while all of your mates and family carry on this idealised life altogether partying and ceili-ing everyday.

    In reality after Christmas and the new year, everyone goes back to their lives and the monotony of the every day.

    There is still no place like home, I miss it every day. But I try to remember that around Christmas time so I’m not pulling my hair out doubting every choice I ever made regarding moving to Canada.

  21. I was in Canada for 2.5 years. I get what you mean about homesickness growing each time! In the end I decided there’s nothing like home, but do miss all the things to do in Canada if not the Winter. Safe travels bud.

  22. I’m in Canada, haven’t been home in a few years now. Feeling the homesickness a wee bit today.

  23. Also in Canada, past 6.5 years. Breaks my heart leaving Ireland every time I do. I miss home so much.

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