A FEW days from now, we shall celebrate the most anticipated holiday of the year---Christmas Day. When I was still a young girl, I would get so excited waiting for Santa’s presents, wearing my new dress, and receiving gifts from loved ones. Indeed, it's true when they say that Christmas is for children.
But as I got older, and now as an adult, I have to ask myself a couple of times what this day really means to me. After all, I am no longer a child who receives presents, but I am now the one giving gifts to my inaanaks, nieces, and nephews. I also no longer indulge in buying myself new clothes and shoes to wear, and I also no longer await the coming of Santa Claus in my house.
For someone employed like me, the thought of receiving bonuses and some incentives might excite me to some point. The fact that we will have some precious time to share with our families and friends to have a good time on this day may also count as something to look forward to. Seeing streets and major avenues all lit up with festive and colorful lanterns may give a sense of delight that we can only get to experience during this holiday season.
I guess for someone like me who is occupied by the daily hustle and bustle of life and all the stresses and drama that goes with the performance of our duties and responsibilities both in the workplace and in our personal lives, the time to relax and enjoy oneself as a reward for the year-long burden and pressure is something that I wish for myself this Christmas.
But more importantly, as a mother, seeing my two kids happy with the simple joys of life is always the best gift every Christmas. With their sweet innocence and frailties, their clinginess and dependence on me are signs that I am important to them, and they are equally important to me too. They are truly God's greatest gifts to me, and I couldn't really ask for more except for the strength and sanity to be able to provide all their needs. This is the true essence of Christmas for me, being with my loved ones. These certainly do not equate to the lavishness of new clothes and gifts that people rush to buy this yuletide. Christmas is always in our hearts, and it is always priceless.
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Christmas will also be a lot merrier as our dear Catriona Gray brought home the fourth Miss Universe title. Even before the pageant in Thailand started, seeing here made me firmly believe that she will definitely make it and make us proud to be Filipinos once again. I have to commend her and give her my best congratulations for it is only now that I’ve seen a candidate put so much of our culture and heritage with her as she represents our country in this prestigious pageant. From her national costume bearing various elements and symbolisms that pertain to our rich culture, the Kapampangan lantern for one, to her evening gowns designed by our very own cabalen Mak Tumang, Catriona indeed made us feel that we should love and be proud of our country. Congratulations and Mabuhay Ka, Catriona!
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Let me take this opportunity to greet everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Special greetings to my parents, my siblings, my cousins, my nieces and nephews, my bosses, my colleagues, and all loyal readers of Sun.Star Pampanga.