For many people, the end-of-year holidays are associated with family gatherings, festive feasts, and sparkling decorations. But for those working in the energy industry, the season may be unique: not only at home, but also in oil fields, offshore platforms, and navigating ships. At the end of 2023, let’s come together to share the holiday stories of 6 consultants from different corners of the globe-delve into their holiday rituals, plans, and goals for the upcoming new year.  

Curious to discover how consultants worldwide celebrate the end-of-year holidays? Also, read until the end to watch the greetings our consultants sent to their fellow consultants worldwide.

Anicette, who is in Gabon, shares her way to celebrate Christmas in the last year, 

“As Christian Catholic, Christmas means the time to celebrate the birth of Jesus-Christ. And it is also a unique moment when we share gifts and true love with our families. We had a sensational Christmas last year. On 24^TH December 2022, we went to church for the Holy Night, after that we went home and had a wonderful dinner with our nice pajamas. We took pictures, gave gifts to the kids, and then we sat together in the living room to watch Christmas videos. 

All my family members were happy to have such a memorable experience. For me, Christmas should always be celebrated in the family as it is the perfect time for loving and sharing.” 

And Urbanus describes the Christmas season in Kenya and mentions his hobby in this season, 

“Now it will be the Christmas season in Kenya. Most Kenyans are Christians so we look forward to holding vigils in honor of the holiday. And a popular activity at this time of year is the singing of Christmas carols to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.  

The winter season in Kenya lasts from early June to mid-September. However, as Kenya is too close to the equator, it is difficult to experience a true winter, with temperatures reaching as low as 20°C, rather than freezing. During that winter season, I enjoy wildlife safaris given that Kenya has incredible wildlife. Most of the notable areas to visit include Nairobi National Park, Tsavo National Park, Amboseli National Park and Maasai Mara National Park among others.” 

Source. The Nairobi National Park was the first national park to be established in Kenya. It has an area of over 115 square km.

For people who work away from home, the end-of-year holidays are a valuable opportunity to spend time with their families, 

Source. Cajun cuisine is widespread in the state of Louisiana, USA and has European and African influences. Pictured above is Jambalaya, a dish of Cajun cuisine made of tender chicken, cajun rice and other ingredients.

“After wrapping up the successful exploration campaign for the company I work for in 2023 I’ll be taking some time off during the holiday visiting family in Texas and then going on a road trip with some friends to New Orleans to enjoy some Cajun food and university football. After New Year’s Dinner with family I’ll meet up with family again in Colorado and spend a few days skiing in the mountains. I’ll then travel back refreshed to Mexico, ready to continue working on the appraisal campaigns.” –Andrew, Mexico 

“I usually celebrate winter holidays at home with my family. But there are a lot of BUTs in our life during last time being.  First, I work as a seaman on contract basis, which means sometimes I am lucky to be onshore, sometimes work offshore during holidays. Second, I am from Ukraine and the war keeps me apart from family and home. So this year, I am planning to meet my wife and daughters in Poland and just spend our holidays in travelling to different places of Europe. ” – Andrii, Nigeria 

“I will celebrate my winter holiday at home in Kenya with my family.” – Howard, Kenya 

Of course, for many energy professionals, they have to spend their end-of-year holidays in their work place. However, they still try to keep a festive atmosphere by arranging celebrations with their colleagues and using poetic language to describe this season, 

“This year’s Christmas is a little different from my usual Christmas holidays. I have decided to make it a ‘Christmas month’, inspired by the infamous ‘birthday month’ celebrations. 

I want to make this year’s Christmas a memorable one as some of my colleagues and I are away from home and our families are back in our home countries. I’m incorporating some German traditions such as a team advent calendar, St Nicholas surprises in everyone’s boots, as well as decorating the office and putting up a Christmas tree. I hope to do Secret Santa with the team too. And we also eat German gingerbread while we work.” –  Clarisa, Germany 

Source. The Advent calendar was first used by German Lutherans in the 19th and 20th centuries, it is used to count the days of Advent in anticipation of Christmas. Each number contains a surprise gift that should be uncovered on the assigned day.

“Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, take a sentimental journey and enjoy every idle hour. Holidays wave a magic wand over this world and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful, but for us, we will enjoy it at the place of work because we want to deliver to our clients and achieve our goals.” – Charles, Kenya 

Have a look at the greetings our consultants are sending to their fellow consultants below!

Greetings to our consultants worldwide! WTS Energy sends warmest wishes to you and your loved ones, hoping you have a happy end-of-year holiday and a prosperous 2024!