Scroll down for a guide to surviving a FIFO Christmas. Spoil yourself, focus on the positives, and give to others! These are just a few expert tips to help fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) workers navigate Christmas away from loved ones.
Alicia Ranford, founder of Mining Family Matters, knows this challenge well, having spent five Christmases apart from her mining engineer husband, Joe. According to Ranford, the first FIFO Christmas is often the toughest, especially for parents missing out on special moments with their small children.
“Christmas can be emotionally challenging at the best of times – let alone when your family is all excited about Christmas Day and you’re on the other side of the continent,” Ranford says. “Unfortunately, major mining operations can’t work around Santa’s timetable, but there are plenty of practical strategies that FIFO workers can adopt to cope better with missing out on major milestones and events like Christmas.”
Mining Family Matters psychologist Angie Willcocks offers practical advice, noting that while it’s normal to feel disappointment or sadness about spending Christmas apart, it’s also a chance to focus on long-term goals and show resilience to children. Here are Willcocks’ expert tips for FIFO workers and their partners:
Tips for FIFO Workers Away for Christmas:
- Get Organised Ahead of Time: Don’t use working away as an excuse to skip gift-buying. Organise presents for your loved ones in advance to maintain a sense of connection.
- Reflect on the Meaning of Christmas: Whether it’s attending a virtual Christmas service or rescheduling family celebrations, find ways to honour what Christmas means to you.
- Make Plans for When You’re Home: Schedule catch-ups with your closest family and friends. Having something to look forward to can make the separation easier.
- Spoil Yourself: Bring along a treat, like your favourite food or drink, to make the day feel a bit special.
- Connect with Others On-Site: Spend time with colleagues in the same situation. Shared experiences can make the day more enjoyable and pass quicker.
- Plan Calls Home Strategically: Discuss with your family the best time to connect on the day, factoring in rosters and emotional comfort.
- Manage Your Thoughts: Avoid self-pity and comparisons to others. Remember, many people work on Christmas Day, and not everyone celebrates in ideal circumstances.
- Drink Responsibly: Avoid using alcohol to cope with loneliness or sadness, as it can exacerbate negative feelings. Seek support from services like Lifeline (13 11 14) if needed.
- Focus on Gratitude: Appreciate having a job and loved ones to miss during the holiday season.
- Give Back: Donate to a charity or send messages of support to someone in need. Giving can be a powerful way to lift your spirits.
Tips for FIFO Partners:
- Celebrate on a Different Day: Plan an alternate Christmas celebration when your loved one is home. It’s often more relaxed and cost-effective after the 25th.
- Stay Positive: Focus on what you can look forward to instead of what you’re missing.
- Plan Something Special: Book an exciting activity or treat for when your partner returns home and mark it in the calendar.
- Send a Care Package: Prepare a thoughtful Christmas package for your partner to open on the day.
- Model Resilience for Children: Acknowledge your feelings but engage in activities that uplift your mood and keep you busy.
- Coordinate Communication: Plan in advance the best times for calls or video chats, considering everyone’s emotional needs.
- Surround Yourself with Positivity: Spend time with supportive people who understand your lifestyle, and avoid unhelpful conversations about your partner’s absence.
- Seek Practical Help: Reduce stress by delegating tasks or hiring help during the holiday season.
- Practice Gratitude: Reflect on three things you’re thankful for each day in the lead-up to Christmas.
- Give Back: Support a charity or send thoughtful messages to others in need during the festive season.
By focusing on connection, gratitude, and practical planning, FIFO workers and their families can find joy and meaning in the holiday season, even when apart.