"I don't see myself celebrating Christmas while my children are in Cuba": Cuban mother in the U.S. touches hearts on social media

Nathyy Zaldivar Toro, a Cuban living in the United States, has touched many hearts with a TikTok video in which she expresses the pain of spending Christmas away from her children. In the video, which has already garnered hundreds of reactions, Nathyy explains why she feels no need to decorate or celebrate Christmas while her children are in Cuba. "What Christmas am I celebrating if I don’t have my family with me?" she remarks, adding that she prefers to save the money she would spend on decorations to send gifts to her children so they can have a "beautiful Christmas."

For Nathyy, holidays are sources of sadness rather than joy. "I can't imagine buying a Christmas tree, decorating my whole house... if I don’t have Christmas," she honestly confesses. Her decision, though personal, has resonated with many of her followers who are experiencing similar situations and feel a connection to her words.

User reactions came quickly, with many seizing the opportunity to share their own stories of nostalgia and sorrow during this time. “You are absolutely right, it’s very hard and sad; there’s no Christmas for me without my daughter,” commented one user. Another Cuban mother added, “I didn’t even want to buy decorations because I get very nostalgic during those days.” The content creator, Nathyy, responded, “Same here, I don’t have Christmas at this time; all I have is sadness.”

Other users reflect on the sacrifice of being away from their families and how the holidays only amplify the sadness. “Holidays are very sad, especially Christmas, when I'm away from my children; I endure this every year,” a follower confessed. Another comment stated: “Literally, without my daughters, I have no happiness.”

Some, although sad, also expressed support and hope for Nathyy, wishing for her to be reunited with her loved ones soon. "You will have them with you soon, and Christmas is just a date; what matters is being with family," wrote one user. Another added, "God will allow you to be with them here soon, Nathy."

Nathyy Zaldivar Toro's video has resonated with many Cubans experiencing family separation, reminding them that for them, true celebrations will occur when their loved ones are reunited.