After a year filled with ups and downs, Joan Bailey isn't quite where she wants to be for the holidays.

“I had hoped that my partner or I could return home to see our families, but it all feels precarious and unpredictable. ... A big part of my heart and head is at home or wants to be at home to celebrate,” says Bailey, a university instructor and writer (and occasional contributor to The Japan Times).

“The unpredictability of (it) all has been hard," she continues. "If we go, can we get back? Can we even safely celebrate here in Japan with friends?”