First of all I would like to greet everyone a happy Christmas! I hope, from the bottom of my heart, that you have enjoyed this day like I do.
Well last night I arrived home a about nine in the evening and was greeted by a very warm smile and hugs from my papa, mama and sister. Like I always do, I immediately went to the kitchen and inspected the fridge for something palatable to eat. And because it is Christmas, dear fridgie has lots to offer Mr. JL- spaghetti, suman, macaroni salad, mango float, apple juice, orange juice, mango juice, Coke, shrimps, tuna, ham, brownies and cakes. By just looking at them, my stomach felt so full already. So I closed the fridge and sat at the dining table and engaged in a little chit chat with my mom. While I was talking to her, I noticed that one of my sister’s lunch boxes is filled with something. Curious, I opened it and found fried catfish! And I was like, WOW! The next thing I knew, I was in front of a plate filled with rice, eating like a hungry nomad who finally found a place to stay in a cold Christmas eve.
Fast forward 12:30 AM of December 25, we all gathered in the dining table with all the food my mom prepared for us. Uncle Chito (Papa’s cousin) and her daughter were with us. Before we ate, we prayed and this is the part that I really loved the most. For the first time I said a prayer for Christmas with my family. It felt great. Very great! I felt Christmas like I never felt it before. And so I consider this as the best Christmas that I ever celebrated!
Ever since I was feeling that huge wanting to come home, I know God has prepared for me a very merry Christmas. Think about this: My wallet is empty except from the two-peso coin left in my pocket. I am not used to this, never used to this. I promised myself since I started earning that I will spend for every Christmas celebration for the family. But I never felt bad. Something within me tells me everything will be great. And indeed everything is just so great!
As of this writing, the whole family is together here at Lola’s house for our traditional Christmas reunion. We do not have so many fancy things, but WE ARE MERRY! Wines popping downstairs… got to go!
