A Not So Different Christmas

First - a very Merry Christmas to all! And may the New Year be more prosperous financially, mentally and emotionally!

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Christmas in Japan used to feel nowhere near my homeland Pinas' very merry and very extravagant celebration. People don't exchange Merry Christmas! greetings, no one talks about Christmas dinner preps and gift-shopping. It always felt like Christmas is definitely not in the air...

Because T is sick, I got to open his gift a day earlier. I wanted us to exchange gifts, but he absolutely hates surprises, and given he was sick, our gift shopping would have to wait. Christmas eve was originally planned for Christmas Lights illumination sightseeing and then back home for dinner. I was concerned over his health condition and was readily giving up our little celebration, but he insisted. So we ended up in a casual Italian restaurant for quick dinner (as we had no reservation) and headed to see the fabulous display of Christmas lights (for free).

My Christmas this year is very different, almost kind of strange. No evening mass, no bibingka, no carols, not a lot of gift giving, and certainly no 'Merry Christmas!' greetings. But surprisingly, instead of emptiness, I felt love, and peace, and serenity through the warmth of T's hands. I can't say that its the best Christmas eve I've had, for there is certainl no comparison with Pinoy Christmas. But in this economic downturn, and global recession, I realized that it doesn't matter where you are or how much less you have, because the spirit of Christmas is free, and it is always in our hearts. So I guess my 2008 Christmas is not a very different Christmas afterall.

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I'd like to sincerely thank Blesh and Oggie for the Christmas greetings. Being far and away from home and friends, these kind words mean so much to me. Have a blessed Christmas and a very hopeful New Year!

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I remember a couple of years ago, Marla was telling me that she will complete her simbang gabi so she could wish that I finally find THE ONE. I'm beginning to think that God has heard her prayers..