Yippee, it's December!There seems to be a switch in my brain that makes the kid in me go oh-so-excited once December comes around.
December means Christmas. Simbang Gabi. Piping-hot bibingka and buttery puto bumbong. Yuletide carols that bring to mind a more innocent time (no, it is simply NOT the same having to listen to these ear-splitting songs blaring over the sound systems in malls!).
Nippy evenings that invite you into taking a relaxed stroll outside. Dewy mornings that seem to bring promises of fresh starts. Reconnecting with family members and last-seen-a-few-months/years-back relatives, all the while munching on holiday goodies that everybody has brought to share.
Gifts, gifts, and gifts! Thinking of what to give family and friends, and making endless lists (for me half the fun is in making them!). Doing the rounds of countless bazaars, just taking a peek at all the gaily decorated thingamajigs that seem to beckon (oftentimes successfully) you into taking a second glance.. and a third... Wrapping gifts with brightly colored paper and ribbons. And putting them under the Christmas tree. And the fun part -- yes, even for adults -- receiving and opening presents! For me, the time for setting up the Christmas tree is right after All Saints' and All Souls' Days. That's my mental marker. After the somber mood and time of reflection during the early days of November, the stage is now set for merrymaking and laughter, for counting one's blessings and giving thanks. Then it's time to take out the tree and star and boxes of lights and balls and garlands from the storage closet and start erecting that ubiquitous symbol of the season.
Our Christmas tree has been put up, just waiting for the presents to be placed underneath it. My older daughter helped me, and she was so excited! She wanted to put brightly-hued balls all over the tree, while I wanted it to have just gold ornaments this time. We compromised -- I promised to hang the other colored balls around the house, as long as the tree was left in its monochromatic glory, haha! She has also always been the one to put the star as a finishing touch -- quite a joyful experience for her every time.
Our little Christmas manger scene has also been set out. I like to turn the living room lights down low during evenings, turn on the lights, and just sit back with my husband and enjoy the soft, warm glow that watching the twinklers gives me. It makes me feel that somehow, in that little pocket of time, everything is at peace in my world. It makes me thankful. It makes me feel.. blessed.
It may sound naive to some, that I still hold a feeling of wonder whenever Christmas comes around, esp. in this day and age when life is so fast-paced and modern and diverse. Christmas just brings me hope that there is still a lot of goodness in the world.
This is what I would like my daughters to believe. This is what I hope they will remember when it is their turn to set up their own Christmas trees with their own families.
It must really be something in the air -- I feel so hopeful and lighthearted, grateful and at peace. What I would give to have this feeling stay on even after the holidays!
Happy holidays everyone!
