CHRISTmas

It’s December. When I hear this word, my mind starts to clog up with all sorts of thoughts, memories and ideas. My brain goes into high gear sorting out the crazy schedule of the family for the coming days and figuring out how to manage buying, wrapping and distributing the presents we want to give to those very important people we usually give to – and the new ones in our list. The fact that money has become more difficult does not help things for me.

 image: borrowed from Google images

But then, as I sip my coffee and stare at my flickering spiced apple -scented candle , I get reminded of the simple joys and the real meaning of this occassion. Time and again, I have resisted the urge to go with the materialistic and money-oriented Christmas culture both here and in the Philippines. While gift giving is indeed very important to me, I don’t want to be distracted from the true meaning of Christmas.

I hope this serves as a reminder to everyone, as well. It’s not worth moping over that we have less money to buy things, it’s enough that we are with our loved ones, isn’t it? For me and our family, though, Papang’s absence will make this Christmas and every Christmas henceforth a little bit less happy.

And the most important thing of all, is that we know what Christmas is all about – the giving of God’s only Son to us so that we can have hope of eternal glory with Him.

Anyway, I cannot put up my Christmas tree this year, for the simple reason that we have run out of space in our tiny flat. The addition of two guitars and an amplifier among our earthly possessions made our space problem all the worse (not that I am complaining, as we need these in church). We are practically suffocating due to congestion in here! But it’s ok, as long as there is room for the presents, hehehe! It breaks my heart, though, that I had to say “no” to Elijah, who was so keen on putting up the tree with all the decorations and trimmings (bless him).

This December, Jonathan, my oldest son, is also turning 13. Come 20th of December, I will be officially a parent to a teen-ager. I hope and pray that it will not get as worse as what is being portrayed; having a teen-ager, I mean. My son is a lovely young man who is smart and sensible. But then, I cannot discount the hormonal changes that may affect his moods. To God: “Lord God, just please give me the grace to come out of this alive and sane.” Do I hear someone saying ”Amen”?

So, anyway, to you, my dearest relatives and friends, may this Christmas be all the more meaningful as you ponder on the greatest gift God has ever given to us. Don’t feel so bad that you will not be as weary as the past years doing your Christmas shopping (with less money to spare these days), don’t even be disappointed if you don’t get the presents you were hoping to get. As long as you know why there is such a joyous thing as Christmas, then you will be fine.

Other Thoughts

• Gratitude Part II
• Toy-ing With the Idea of Smart Mommy-ing (Part II)
• Valentine’s Day Then and Now
• Copycats
• Examples of Computer Crimes

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