heartshape

Posted December 17, 2006


Christmas comes once a year and probably every tribe in the world is cramming to and fro in preparation for Noche buena or whatever it is different groups of people do on Christmas eve. People are scrambling, what with last minute shoppings and gift wrappings and thanksgiving services. It's the time when little tykes get away with asking two (or more) presents instead of one, and stingy godparents finally get to exhibit their prowess in eluding their little (and not so little) inaanaks. Even wives start talking their husbands into buying this furniture or taking an adventure trip somewhere, or else. The list goes on. Oh, and speaking of lists, no words can describe the infinite Christmas list I had when I was gullible (and stupid) enough to believe that Santa Claus will be materializing in our living room (how else would he be able to come inside without a chimney?).

Everyone is practically laughing their way to the malls, churches, schools, clubs, even the kitchen. Everybody is looking forward to celebrating Christmas.Well, except for those who don't believe in the season anyway. I mean, we can't force them to jump for joy and be merry for all its worth and not feel the real meaning of the occasion, right?

And what about those who are excited but don't have the means to bask in the warmth of Christmas? Those deprived of families and money and shelter? What about motherless children and homeless old people? What difference does this month make when they'd still be out there on the parks or stations living off on society's hand-me-downs? Are they looking forward to this supposedly joyous affair? The season of giving? *rolls eyes*

Why does Giving have to be a season anyway?

***

Is it me or there's just something in the December breeze that makes people giddy, excited, and generous (all of a sudden). In an optimist's point of view, monsters become saints and inner demons are partially overpowered by a pure imaginary light that occurs only on Christmas. A very powerful ray that, come January, will disappear until the next holiday. There's something in the air that lifts your feet, leaving you traipsing along Euphoria Lane. A Christmas freak that I am, I anticipate new beginnings and hope for renewed lives. I do wish people won't make Christmas a mere reason to be happy, that they don't make it merely a motive to give or an excuse to love. Why wait for Christmas when it can be done all year?

***

Home is my destination two days from now to celebrate Christmas with my family. Unlike before, we won't have Christmas hams (I don't eat red meat anymore) or lechon (EW!) or holiday cakes (um...i loathe these sweet things) and pastries and it's more than fine with me. We won't have fireworks 'coz my mom thought we could do away with these dangerous fire starters. We decided not to push through with the party or kris kringle or the usual Christmas stuff 'coz we can always put up a feast or give each other gifts anytime of the year. So, basically, all we have is each other. There's my mom who's probably the most organized person I know, and a superhero in her own right (she can do almost anything from culinary arts to horticulture to dressmaking to carpentry to accounting...). My dad's one busy tough guy. A God-fearing individual and the best provider next to God. He'll be working this Christmas (bummer!) but it doesn't mean we don't love him anymore. Just because you're loved one is far away doesn't mean you love him or her less, and vice versa=) My brother who's turning sixteen on the 22nd is one treasure I wouldn't trade for the world. Otherwise, no wrestling matches, no trash talks, no karate punch lines, no advertisement mockery, and no reluctant brother to hug! After everything we've been through, together and apart, need I say all I want for Christmas is
T-H-E-M?

***

Gosh, what a tedious year! Had I known better, I would've at least tried something extreme!!! But then again I'm too nutty to be extreme. But nutty or not, I wish everybody a Cheery Merry Christmas!!!