As Christmas approaches, the streets fill with sparkling lights, crowded shops, and people rushing by — some carrying bags of gifts, others hauling suitcases as they set off for the holidays. It’s the season when most of us long to be home with our loved ones. But what happens when “home” is suddenly far away? Maybe you’ve recently moved abroad, or work and life commitments make traveling back impossible — especially with flight prices soaring at this time of year. In Slovakia, many foreigners will be spending Christmas here for the very first time. How should one cope with this new reality and with the homesickness that often feels strongest during what’s known as the most magical season? We spoke with Simona Stopková, psychologist and Head of the Bratislava branch of IPčko (a free psychological counselling service), about navigating these emotions and finding a sense of peace during the holidays. With the holiday season just around the corner, the new episode of Slovak Sound Check dives into an essential toolkit of everyday and festive Slovak wishes.