Christmas
Christmas is the most awaited day of the year, as what was said in the song "It's the most wonderful time of the year."
It's the happiest season of all, specially for the kids who are wishing to receive gifts from their parents, relatives, and godparents.
Christmas is the season of giving. Filipinos have their traditions every Christmas.
Simbang gabi, is more likely a countdown before Christmas. Catholic churches conduct an evening mass, or as early as before the sun rises. The priest tackles what the Bible wants to tell and share before the birth of Jesus Christ.
Another part is eating puto bumbong and bibingka. It is a famous dish that every Filipino craves when December, the most awaited month starts.
Simbang gabi consist of nine days, and if you pray and completed that nine masses, your prayer will be answered. Based on their beliefs and tradition.
Before the clock strikes twelve, people are having their Noche Buena, waiting for Christmas time. There is a feast of delicious food in the table. Families bond together in the dining table, eating while catching up with each other's lives. Not just filling their stomach, but also filling the dining area with laughter, laughing until their heart's content and exchanging smiles.
Family members are exchanging gifts, giving what they can from the bottom of their heart. Some are also giving money which they call aguinaldo.
In the morning, people start to dress up with their new bought clothes. Fixing themselves to go to their ninong and ninang. The very traditional, and part of Filipino culture "pag-mamano" which is a way of showing respect to the elders are done. After that, most of the ninong and ninang will give gifts and aguinaldo to their inaanak or godchild.
It shows that Christmas is really the season of giving. But...
... What really is the reason of Christmas? Of course, non-other than Christ our Savior.
Christmas is the day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The child who God gave to save the world.
Christmas is the day to celebrate His birth for without Him, we will not be given another chance to live and to be with God. Without Him, we are nothing.
That's why despite of not having the best Christmas to celebrate, we should still celebrate for it is His birthday.
May Christmas be filled with love from Him and with hope for better days to come in our lives. We shouldn't forget to live in faith.
Believe that it's not all about sunny days because the storm will always come. But the rainbow was given to us after the rain that symbolizes hope for a better future to look forward to.
There are still days remaining to make your year more meaningful.
Don't count the days, make the days count.
