When I was younger, I used to wish that time would fly by quickly enough to bring back the Christmas Season. I can still recall the days where we traveled just to celebrate Christmas at my parents' hometown. As soon as we arrive, they greet us with an advanced Merry Christmas with warm smiles on their faces and assist us with our belongings. The moments when I was beyond excited to consume the foods that my family had prepared for Noche Buena. Agar-agar by my nanay was my all-time favorite food and still is. The time when I was waiting for someone to give me a present whether it is a toy or just simply money. However, back then I valued materials more than money. Simply because I was just a child, I wasn't really aware of things before. The time where I was all out to burst my energy when the time hits 12:00 in the morning because once the clock strikes 12 a.m, I'll be greeting each and everyone a Merry Christmas. It feels nostalgic to reminisce about those days. Where I was just a happy kiddo, no sadness, no problems at all, and nothing to think about and just enjoying the flow of life. But now, I don't have any idea where it all went. It took a snap to clear all the years and boom, life told me that you're already a 15-year old, with a miserable life and can't even enjoy Christmas like you used to. How I wished I could bring back the time.
Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus. Christmas is basically a festival of giving and love. Friends and family get together to enjoy meals together, trade gifts, and make lifelong memories. Giving gifts is a symbolic act that reflects the warmth and kindness that define the holiday season. It is a season of happiness, warmth, and togetherness that unites individuals. This festive season, celebrated on December 25th each year, holds a special place in the hearts of millions around the world.
Growing up, I haven't really experienced those moments where you and your family make the house shine with Christmas decorations. Those presents that other kids wish for their parents. The socks that should be hung before you sleep because when you wake up, you'll be expecting something from Santa Claus, but we all really know it's from our parents.. I've realized that I haven't got to experience the Christmas experience of other kids but rather I've experienced a very simple one. It might've lacked a lot of things but I'm sure those times were the happiest moments of my life. But now, I really don't know what happened. I can't force myself to not compare the times before and the days now. Looking back to it, I can really tell the difference, it's just that I'm a bit confused. I actually don't know if it's just the year that makes it unhappy or it's already me who's unhappy. A question that has been circulating in my mind for almost 3 years now. Nonetheless, I wish that each and everyone of us finds the spark of Christmas once again.
References
Reyes, B., (Nov. 15, 2023). Ayala Triangle Gardens’ Festival of Lights 2023. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/life- and-style/arts-culture/in-photos-ayala-triangle-garden-festival-of-lights-2023/
Titong, R., (Dec. 1, 2023). 10,000 gather as Victorias sparkles with festive Christmas lights. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/nation/visayas/thousands-gather-victorias-negros-occidental-sparkles-festive-christmas-lights-november-30-2023/
