Christmas Abroad: Ten locals tell their stories in this week's Westmeath Independent

This Christmas in particular was one in which few locals living abroad were able to travel home to their native place.

In the days leading up to Christmas, the Westmeath Independent compiled ten interviews with locals who were spending Christmas in Vietnam, Canada, Australia, England, and various parts of the US.

Moate resident David Minnock, living and teaching in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, was spending his first Christmas away from home this year.

"The best and worst things about living in Vietnam during the Coronavirus outbreak are actually much the same: we cannot leave Vietnam," said David.

"The number of amazing towns, cities, and landscapes that exist all over the country is just unreal. Not being able to fly anywhere this year meant we actually had the opportunity to travel and explore Vietnam itself."

While Covid-19 is currently under control in the Southeast Asian country, David told us about having to spend some time in a centralised quarantine facility there earlier this year after another attendee at a St Patrick's Day party which he attended tested positive for the virus.

Drum native Teresa Kelly, who has been living in Boston since 1986, told us some of the things she missed about Christmas at home.

"Firstly, I miss just being there. I also miss going to the local Mass in Drum. I miss going back to the family houses, doing the traditional things. But mostly I miss the laughter around the Christmas table," she said.

David and Teresa were just two of the locals included for 'Christmas Away From Home'.

You can read all ten interviews in a six-page special feature in this Wednesday's Westmeath Independent.