Christmas 2013 for me will probably be remembered as the season when I did not have to go so frenzied with shopping and gift- wrapping as much as I was all out in checking out and hauling down maong pants and tshirts outgrown by my many ‘children’ from the attic- these are all still in good condition and will hopefully be of use to the young people of typhoon- torn Eastern Visayas for daily wear.
I am reserving some cash amount for sending to Philippine Red Cross for its operations in Tacloban City and nearby towns. I also plan to lay a simple noche buena fare on the Christmas table to be shared by the whole family, friends and relatives on this important Christmas night.
For us, this will not be sacrifice because we will all be happy to partake of each dish knowing and realizing that the season is not for pabonggahan but for the happiness of being with loved ones and remembering the birth of the baby Jesus in a manger. And bakit ba, I promise that each simpleng ulam will be as masarap and yummy as the best there is.
I am making sure that there will still be gifts for everyone, inexpensive ones but sure to be of use to the recipient; some cash gifts to a chosen few who I feel will have need for the moolah- loyal helpmates (the driver, Mercy, a friend and my family’s live- in hilot, yaya to the grandkids when they visit ( they’re staying till after Christmas) and my kitchen’s guardian angel), my suking tindera at Farmers’ Market in Cubao, my favourite hairdresser, favourite neighbours, and other favourites), some farmer- friends in my adopted town of Tanay- I hope aabutin sila lahat ng Christmas budget ko.
On Christmas day, I will, together with my two sisters just be at home to await visits from the younger ones, It will be a relaxing day- I hope to view some news bulletins on tv that will report that the typhoon victims of Tacloban City have enjoyed their Christmases, too no matter how simply they observed it- a Christmas mass in a makeshift chapel, arroz caldo for nochebuena, a relief pack for a Christmas present, or just having happy conversations with neighbours at a tent community. I need to know that the season is giving them hope to be back on their feet again.
Truly, Christmas is inside our hearts- we can even celebrate it everyday if we wished to.
Let us not limit our Christmas celebration to one date alone. As much as we can, let us all make it happen more often- giving love to our family and friends because they deserve this from us; giving love and caring to people who are in need of our attention; giving love to strangers who may wander around us feeling lost and in despair.
A Merry and Blessed Christmas one and all! Thank you for the love and caring you have sent my way through this column.
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A prayer for a beautiful life to my grandson Dwayne Lawrence who was Christened on the Day of the Immaculate Conception. We consider him our early Christmas Gift from the good Lord. Another Christening will be happening before yearend when our newcomer grandson Dylan will be baptized in Laurel, Batangas.
THANK YOU SO MUCH, TORONTO!