Goodbye, 2025: My reflections this winter as a Filipina mom living in the Netherlands
As another year comes to a close and we all cozy up under thick blankets with mugs of tea or hot cocoa, I find myself reflecting not just on the events of 2025, but on the small, meaningful shifts that happened in my everyday life as a Filipina mom raising my Filipino-Dutch family here in the Netherlands. Life feels less rushed in winter — and I think that’s good. The longer nights and colder days invite reflection. This winter season, and this year as a whole, has taught me some life lessons I didn’t really see coming. Some are practical. Some emotional -- they surprised me in the best ways.
Here’s what 2025 looked like through my Filipino mom lens — with the challenges and quiet triumphs along the way.
1. Less Spending, More Meaning
This year’s inflation hit all of us, and to some it really hit hard. From groceries to gas prices to even the occasional treats my kids get at Albert Heijn, everything is just getting more and more expensive. “Ang gastos!” (“It’s expensive!”), we would say it in Tagalog. More reason to pause and reconsider. And that’s exactly what we’re now doing at home. This winter season taught me and my husband to be more prudent with money — not in a frugal, joyless way, but in a conscious, intentional way. We let go of the idea that the holidays are about overflowing gifts and festive dinners. Instead, we focused on what really matters: just being together, celebrating simply, and giving with purpose. Gift-giving in our home this year, for one, remained a thing for Sinterklaas (December 5) alone and that was it. It used to be that we have gifts for our boys for December 5 and then our family still give each other something for December 25. But this year, we opted to spend more time together out instead. We still had a nice Christmas dinner, but a little less grand, a lot more heartfelt.
As a Filipino mom used to the hustle and bustle of Pasko back home, this quiet shift felt strange at first but quite necessary. And I’ve grown to appreciate it. It reminded me that the heart of the season isn’t in what we buy, but in what we share — time, togetherness and love.
2. Saying Yes to the Unfamiliar: A Lesson in Openness
I’ve always been the type who sticks to what feels familiar — Filipino gatherings, tight-knit circles, the comfort of our own family’s routines. But this year nudged me a little out of my comfort zone. Early this winter, I joined a local community group. Buurtzus (dutch for “neighborhood sister”) is a government initiative that organizes meetings and gatherings of women in the neighborhood encouraging creativity and self-development. A friend of mine asked me to join their Wednesday meetings. At first I was hesitant, I wasn’t sure if I’d fit in. But I showed up one day and I kept showing up, and to my surprise, I found a connection. Connecting with people beyond my usual circle opened my eyes to just how diverse our neighborhood truly is — and how warmly welcoming it can be.
Was it always easy to try new things out? Nope. But when you do, sometimes it’s worth it. I’ve learned that being open and adventurous doesn’t have to mean big leaps. Sometimes, it’s just saying yes to a new group, a new face, or even a new winter recipe! (wink, wink!)
3. Health is Wealth — Even When It’s Cold Outside
This might sound funny, but one of my proudest moments this year was showing up for myself — literally and figuratively. This winter, I committed to staying active. I signed up for local Zumba and yoga classes, and yes, I actually stuck with them! Even when it was tempting to stay curled up indoors on Sunday mornings instead of doing yoga or sit down on my couch on Thursday evenings instead of driving to my zumba classes, I showed up. And you know what? I’m better for it. There’s something empowering about making that time even if it’s just for an hour or two a week — for my own health. For my own sanity and for my own strength.
As moms, we pour so much into our families, especially during the busy end-of-year season, right? But this year reminded me that I can’t pour from an empty cup. (I hear that a lot, so I’m using that same phrase now). Moving my body, even if it's just doing some jumping ropes in the living room while my boys are watching TV, has helped me feel more energized, centered and resilient.
4. Looking Forward to 2026 With Hope (and a Bit of Dutch Practicality)
So here we are — December 31. My heart is full. I’m feeling very grateful. I am feeling blessed. But I am also curious about what lies ahead. Should I have a new year’s resolution? I’m never really into that. But if any, I’m going to start setting intentions. I want to be more connected, more prepared and more present. For myself. For my husband and our boys. For my community.
Speaking of prepared — if you live in the Netherlands, did you receive that emergency toolkit from the Dutch government? It’s a booklet that helps prepare us should an emergency situation arise. A very Dutch reminder that we should all be ready for anything. Practical and efficient — as always. But beyond those checklists, I see it as a metaphor. 2026 is the year I want to feel prepared — emotionally, mentally, and yes, even logistically — for whatever life throws our way.
Final Thoughts: We Made It — And That’s Worth Celebrating
If you're an immigrant or an expat mom reading this, know that whatever your 2025 looked like — quiet, chaotic, tearful, joyful — you made it. And that’s no small thing. This life we’re living — far from home, raising kids in a foreign land, navigating two (or more) cultures — it’s not easy. But it’s meaningful. And more importantly, we’re not alone.
So here's to simpler celebrations, new connections, healthier habits, and a hopeful heart. Goodbye, 2025. You’ve tested me, humbled me, and taught me to slow down and see the beauty in the little things.
From our family to yours — stay warm, stay safe, and keep going.
Have a blessed New Year 2026!