Thursday, December 25, 2008 All I want for Christmas... By Marianne L. Saberon-Abalayan
"WOW!" my two-year-old son would exclaim every time he sees a gift. His eyes would light up and it would melt my heart.
There's just something special about gifts. The Christmas story also focuses on God's gift to man - the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ. The Son, who had so much love to give, later made a once-and-for-all sacrifice for the atonement of all our sins. An ultimate sacrifice considered as the greatest gift of all.
Most often than not, gifts are freely given that's why it's special. A gift is not demanded nor obliged of a person. In as much as we delight on a gift freely given to us, we can't deny the fact that we also have desires in our hearts we wish to be granted this Christmas.
I've asked kids and those `young once' to complete the sentence, "All I want for Christmas..,"
As I expected, few replied, "My two front teeth", taking it from the soundtrack of the movie, Alvin and the Chipmunks.
While some opted for material gifts, most wanted LOVE, JOY and PEACE. All three being present in the Christmas spirit.
Here's what they have to say:
A happy family. (Angela Mercado, nine-year-old fourth-grader at Davao Christian High School)
Skate shoes and a happy family. (Diana Riva Constantino, nine-year-old student at Davao City Special School)
A robot. (Angelo Ladores, four)
Robot. (Ken, five-year-old)
PSP. (Ethan Constantino, seven)
Zoid. (Gabriel Caparas, eight)
Doll. (Sweet Irlandez)
Barbie House and MP3. (Juliana, six)
Doll. (Honey, four)
To be home with my husband and have a baby. (Dabawenyo Overseas Filipino Worker, Canada)
My two front teeth. Seriously, it's peace and happiness, not so bleak prospect for the New Year. (Benjamin Garcia, proprietor, BBGA Enterprises)
Nobody will be hungry. (Christopher "Bong" Go, executive assistant to Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte)
That all people in the world to have a relationship with God. (Gina, businesswoman)
Love and unity despite adversities. (Arlene Devera, sports director, Brokenshire College)
Peace. (Amor Ladores, Family Home area supervisor)
Joy and happiness. (Benedict Adan, Brgy. Mintal councilor)
My two front teeth (laughs). Seriously, for people to remember that this season is not about the glitters and tinsels, the parties and merrymaking, the bonuses and the gifts. Rather, it's all about peace, hope and love as symbolized by God's gift to us of His Son. Hence, let's not forget the Christ in Christmas. (Rose F. Tecson, chief-of-staff, Panabo City Rep. Anton Lagdameo)
Peace and prosperity. I wish that the sports in Davao will be given more support and attention, so that the talents will continue to excel not only in baseball but also in other events. (Edmer del Socorro, RP baseball player)
Peace, love, hope, unity and reconciliation. (Dr. Karen M. Oreta, dentist)
A happy family. (Aubrey Arguelles, staff, Philippine Information Agency 11)
Love and peace. (Mrs. Cua, businesswoman)
Everyone to feel the real meaning of Christmas, a time to give and forgive. People should know we already received our gift from God, the gift of life. Blessings should not be counted based on material things but how you live and make others happy (Michael, Jose Maria College)
For everyone to have a good Christmas (Joboy Gonzalez, member, RP
national swimming training pool)
Love with our Lord. Love among family members and friends. Love between broken relationship to give way to reconciliation (Maricel Fuentes, accountant, SGV)
Two front teeth. (Bing, University of the Immaculate Conception)
Give presents for the unfortunate street children and celebrate this special day with my whole family and close friends. (Chat Evangelista, nurse, Davao Wisdom Academy)
To see every one beaming with satisfaction for all the blessings that we equally enjoy, no more beggars and children on the streets. (Ines Mallari, administrator, Philippine NIkkei Jin Kai International School)
Day-off since I have work on Christmas Day (Oliver Bacani, call center employee)
Handy planner. (Janet Daquiz, secretary)
Two front teeth. (Che-Che Calida, professional bowler)
To be with my family spreading the spirit of love (Donny Teo, Unionbank)
More strength and good health to continually enjoy life's journey. (Clara Rendado, businesswoman)
Peace on earth, harmony in the family and good health to every one. (Emie Orteza, businessman)
World championship! (Gandy Valle, professional billiards player)
To always have a reason to be happy and proud about myself so it will show in the way I deal with people, in the way I do my job and in the way I see things in general. (Gigi, businesswoman)
Peace and joy. (Lenny Gabucan, Visayas-Mindanao ancillary manager, Sky Cable)
A simple heart (Vincent Taguiga, business development engineer, GQWEST)
A meaningful celebration of the birth of Christ. (Erwin Protacio, University of the Philippines in Mindanao)
One hundred percent bonus kasi wala. (Malou)
All I want is that every family in the world, including mine, will have peace, live in love with each other, have food, home and work. (Paulo Dino Oauno, Davao City's first Ironman)
For me, I want my family complete and happy every Christmas Day. But it hadn't been possible since my father passed away 14 years ago. And now, I have to content myself spending it with my husband, son, mother and two sisters. My brother, who works at a call center in Cebu, and my three other sisters who are also busy with their own careers won't be joining us.
My family might not be together `physically' this Christmas but in our heart of hearts, we are one. And that's all what matters.
May we all be filled with the love of Jesus Christ - the reason for this season. Merry Christmas and a Joyous 2009 to all!
