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! ♥

Shopping Malls

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Miss me folks? No worries your princess is very much alive, walking and running. I had just been extremely busy this week. I completed and mailed my Christmas presents to my sister and her family. I had to do a quick shopping to finish my Christmas presents for my two brothers and their families. It is good I only have one nephew and three nieces. Otherwise more budgets are needed. I am done with those of my godchildren. Next are for my close friends. With limited budget, I had to stay longer scouting around shopping malls. I am glad in December malls have new stocks, no problem in looking around.

I mentioned about my transferring to a bigger place next year in my previous blog post. Meaning bigger than the room I am renting now. I had to start scouting for some appliances I had to buy when I transfer. I tried to scout for some at the big shopping malls but the prices are exorbitant. I do not use credit card. I am glad I found a small appliance store where prices are reasonable. That is one advantage of living on tight budget. I learned to be imaginative to buy items within what my money could suffice and enjoy little luxury. I had observed mall owners had been wiser. They do not have too many items. Once some item is sold, they replenish their stocks.

I had been mentioning about shopping malls in the Philippines. Does it mean Filipinos have plenty of monies? Not really. Big shopping malls in Manila are not solely for selling merchandise. Some malls used the building to house offices like Call Centers. Some malls are good place for conventions and meetings for small delegations, amusement centers, restaurants, fast foods etc. Some mommies who live close to the shopping malls would simply bring their children to enjoy rides and play. The slow moving animals that would drain your coin purse are great treats for the kids. The air conditioned shopping malls are believed to be better and safer for the children rather than open space playground.

The Bookworm

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What is this young lady doing? What else but looking  at the array of books in a bookshelf. This young lady is the big girl in my earlier post titled, Some of My Treasures. This young lady is crazy about books and computers, like her auntie.  Looks like it runs in the family you say? Yes, of course. She is cute, too. Ahem! Told you, it runs in the family. I took this photo inside a bookstore in Alabang Muntinlupa City, Philippines. This was last Sept 2010, at our quick stop on our way home. She immediately took charge by browsing some books when we were inside the bookstore. Later, I guess she figured out she has other books to read at home. She resisted the temptation of taking one book to the cashier.

There is a popular theory of language acquisition called "schema" theory. Schema is an organized pattern of thought or behavior.  As children develop separate schemata for experiences they acquire. They apply these experiences in their growing years and in their adulthood. Literacy in language helped to express these schematic experiences in a form of both verbal and written communications. Books are good source of vocabularies and general knowledge. Non readers do not develop their reasoning skills and are simply dependent on intuitions. Their levels of communications are more on vernacular levels. Children who are wide readers become more literate and well rounded. Children who are good readers develop more self confidence. They know they could express themselves well.