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Monday, December 27, 2010

The Essence of Christmas


Christmas fever had subsided a bit. What were probably left under your Christmas tree are empty boxes and empty gift bags. These are proofs of fun and excitement for the whole family. While your ref is still loaded with ham, pasties, all sorts of food stuff. Some are presents from your neighbors, office mates and some friends who believed giving food stuff is sign of abundance. Some Filipino families believed, when you have plenty of food at this time of the year. You will never go hungry the following year.


My 11 years old niece and cousins from her mommy side.
While my nieces and family kids are enjoying stuffs we could afford to give them. I felt sad for children roaming around the streets of Manila asking for some coins passersby could give them. Their presence actually reminded me of my childhood. I had to share a doll with my sister. My father could not afford to buy each one of us toys. My older brother got a little lucky. He enjoyed a toy all to himself. There was several years gap between my sister and my youngest brother. When our youngest brother was born, my sister and I would spare some of our school allowance so Santa Claus could fill the plastic bag he would hang on Christmas Eve. He liked the plastic bag because he wants bigger gifts that will not fit into a sock.

Christmases had changed when we all graduated from college, found jobs. My siblings had married. Both our parents are not with us physically to open their Christmas presents. I know from where they are, and if given a chance to say – hello from heaven. - They would be happier to see everyone of our family member has gifts for everybody and still enjoying the spirit of giving. The essence of Christmas!

18 comments:

Multibrand said...

Hi JP,

I am glad that your Christmas celebration has been successful, everyone got gifts.

Now it's time to prepare for the new year party ..... LOL

Laura said...

What a cute tree! Christmas is best with family and gifts (material and spiritual). Santa Claus doesn't come to all good children here in Spain. Giving gifts for Christmas is not a Spanish tradition. Los Reyes do this job, on the 6th of January. So the kids here are still hoping for the best.

Unknown said...

Hi JP,

Nice blog and very touching. Tree looks totally christmasy!!!!
Sounds like a successful day and now a few days rest before New Year

Anonymous said...

Hello JP

Happy New Year from Southern California. No snow here but a lot of rain storms and mud slides!

I hope you and your family had a Wonderful Christmas Celebration.

God Bless You, ~Ron

Balqis DBJ said...

What a wonderful Christmas you had! There's so much fun in celebrating it with loved ones. :)

Jolly Princess said...

@Multibrand- Right Harry, we are waiting for New Year to party again. Some Filipinos spent lavishly on New Year celebration not Christmas. @Laura- Actually the house belongs to the seaman brother of my sister in law. Their mother was the one who put up the Christmas for her grandchildren. Yes, I heard in Spain Three Kings is a much awaited celebration comes Jan. 6. :)

Jolly Princess said...

@Luke- Hey friend, it is nice to see your smiling face in my blog again.Thanks for liking my post. I hope I did not make you cry. (lol)@THE OLD GEEZER - I am sorry to learn about those calamities Ron. Some parts of the Philippines is actually raining. We had typhoons in Oct and Nov. We are thankful we did not have one in Dec.

Grumpy old man said...

Hi Princess, thanks for dropping in on my blog, I am back here to wish you and yours a fabulous 2011 also. May all your dreams come true, and may you all be blessed with health and peace.

Colin.

Jill Wellington said...

Oh, Jolly...I always love reading about your traditions in your country. LOVE seeing the picture of your niece enjoying Christmas. Yes, my fridge has too much food and I pretty much eat my way through New Year's! ha ha!

Melanie said...

We try not to spoil our kids with expensive gifts! Growing up we didn't have the toys that we wanted and made the most with ones that we had!

We also try to teach our boys the spirit of giving!

Glad you had a wonderful Christmas! And may you have a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!!! :)

Zezebel said...

I am sure you are having the most wonderful christmas this year, :)

Jolly Princess said...

@Balqis- Yes, it is great to celebrate Christmas with loved ones and close friends. @sexylegsandbody-Hi there Colin,thanks for the good wishes. @Jill Wellington- So with us here Jill. The thing is, foods are loaded with calories. (lol)

Cheqna said...

Hi JP<

so what's your most treasured gift this year?..n hope u are enjoying the holiday season.

Happy New Year to you..all d best wishes!

:-)

Business Process Outsourcing said...

Great. By reading this post i can understand you people are enjoyed a lot this Christmas. Definitely your parents blessed you from heaven. Belated happy Christmas and Happy new year.
Business Process Outsourcing

Jolly Princess said...

@Melanie- Actually the uncles and the aunts are the ones who lavished the kids with presents in my family.:)@Zezebel-Its the same every year actually.@Cheqna- I cannot think of something exceptionally special from the rest. I am happy to be remembered through cards, emails or even SMS through my cell phone. :)

mattscradle said...

For me the essence of Christmas is to make my family secure and happy. Visiting you after a long hiatus - mattscradle

Unknown said...

Happy to read that you had a nice Christmas! I wish you a Happy New Year! Peace, Love, Joy and Happiness in 2011!

Jolly Princess said...

@Business Process Outsourcing - Welcome aboard.. Happy New Year!:)@mattscradle - Hello, I am please for the visit. Happy New Year!:)@Steve Bossenberger- Hey Boss S, thanks for the warm wishes! You do the same. :)

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