Christmas should always the child in us.
I was always awed with the sparkle and glitter of christmas decorations i saw everytime we go to the city for holiday shopping, music are alive and the atmosphere is very festive. It was always a feast for the eyes of a country girl like me. My young heart always rejoiced even at the smallest and simplest gift i received. The season is often welcomed with simplicity yet with joys in our hearts.
When November comes and i dont see any christmas decorations, i would often nag mother when she is going to put them up. It was always a welcomed task for me, i enjoyed very much helping her. It somehow served as our bonding time. We didnt have decorations, it lacks the glitters of a commercial decors, she in fact made use of indigenous materials.
What it made it special to me now was that it was a collaborative effort of the whole family. Father and brothers find the nice branch suited for a christmas tree and made a frame for our star/lantern, in Philippines it is called a PAROL. Its an authentic christmas symbol made in our country. It is very nice specially when it is lighted.
Dinner or the media noche is not grand either, it is a simple dish, mostly native delicasies but it was a delight having them in our table shared by the whole family. No expensive gifts is given, a sincere greetings was sufficient to brings out a smile. Although mother always made sure that we have that little things we always wished. The Santa Spirit is very much believed.
On christmas day we all go to church together and shared a simple meal afterwards.
Back then, the season was not measured by the quality of the gift given and the food we have but by the time we spent together.
I guess that was the real essence and message of christmas. After all Jesus was not born in a palace but in a stable with only his parents, animal and shepherds present. The message was there.
As years went by and i became aware of many things i have slowly adapted to the changes brought abov by time. The season have lost its real essence to me. Although the symbols are still there, it is now full of commercial value. Christmas now has became the season of shopping the best possible gift i could give.
It always saddens me to see the disappointment in my son's eyes if he doesnt receive the gift he expected.
I wanted him to appreciate the real essence why people around the world celebrates christmas but i fall a step short because i also use material things to filled up my shortcomings. He doesnt believe in Santa anymore. He knew it was us, he missed the thrill of doing it but that is one thing i can not change.
Time changes, and we must adapt with the changes and development time brings however there are traditions and values worth keeping.
I missed the traditional christmas i used to have with my parents and siblings but with the kind of life i am leading now, those are just distant memories worth to be treasured and cherished.
Despite the commercialized value of Christmas today, i want my kids to remember that it is a season to foster, Peace, Love and Sharing.
Maligayang Pasko sa Lahat!!!!
