Thursday, December 27, 2007



We are lucky because we live in a country that celebrates Christmas annually. I know some places around the world who do not commemorate such a celebration as we do. Perhaps, it is due to religion disparities or people are not just mindful of how Christmas actually came about.

Truth be told, I have been feeling less of the Christmas spirit as years go by. Before, I was desperately waiting for the 25th that I'd actually count the days to go before its coming. By the 24th I am as restless as an American little boy eager to see Santa. (As a kid though, I did not believe in Santa.. never had been exposed to his legend, even.) By midnight, I have to wait anxiously for my Mom to get the camera and househelps taking pictures as I unwrap my gifts sheathed in colorful, glossy packages. Then, I'd jump around our living room as I managed to realize that my parents gave me the toy I had been longing for.

However, as I seem to get older, the more it's hard for me to grasp that Christmas spirit. I do not exactly know the factors that trigger it's disappearance nor do I know how to revive it back. But some times, I get the notion that it's a cycle. There are times wherein you get all excited, jumpy and ecstatic as there times wherein you'd be as bland as salad without dressing.

This Christmas, it was not like how it used to be. For Christmas eve, we had Noche Buena with my Father's relatives and spent the evening just eating our heart out with the sumptuous meals prepared by each household. For Christmas day itself, we travelled to Las Piñas, as we normally would during such an occasion. We ate, chatted, and had the normal gift giving.

Though it wasn't a Christmas blast like my previous childhood experiences, I was grateful enough that I had my family all by my side during the whole time. I believe their presence and the fact that we are still a complete family could help, one day, bring back that elated feeling during the Christmas season.