Thinking of Christmas in January

A new year has begun. I look back and try to think of what transpired in December. December was a whirlwind of events, events that tested my patience, resiliency and sanity. I was running all around trying to meet all my deadlines such as the final retouching of a mural, putting together documentation reports, repairing several pieces of furniture for a client, decorating and attending to the sales of a gift shop my high school friends and I set up, doing merchandising work for the shop, reunions, cooking, getting sick, taking care of a husband who was also sick, assisting Mimi my one and only sibling who was in Manila for a vacation, and rummaging through my things for gifts to give away to friends, family and colleagues! Did I enjoy the Christmas holiday? Was my Christmas memorable?

No, I didn’t enjoy Christmas because I was sick with pharyngitis for almost month! No, I didn’t enjoy it because I was very stressed and tired with activities imposed upon me by traditions and norms created by man and society. No, I didn’t enjoy it because I didn’t have enough cash to buy gifts for everyone. No, I didn’t enjoy it because I worried so much about Butch and his pneumonia.

Was my Christmas memorable? YES, definitely! The past Christmases were fun because there was an abundance of food, money and gifts to give everyone. But the last celebration made me stop and think about what Christmas really is. I have forgotten and many of us have forgotten that Christmas is a time to reflect on the birth of Christ. The heavens gave us the greatest gift--Christ, who gave His life to humanity, to redeem us from all the wrongs we have done to ourselves and to others.

This Christmas, I learned to let go of things I have accumulated through the years. I rummaged through my aparador and platera and gave away precious things I have kept for myself for no reason at all. There were trinkets, cosmetics, home décor, clothes, and kitchenware that found their way into new hands and homes. Small amounts of money came in trickles and helped to pay for the medical expenses of a poor carpenter. My mother-in-law, a pensioner, saved whatever small amount she could put aside and contributed to the noche buena. My husband’s 13th-month pay was a blessing and created small miracles and joy among the family members.

I think back once more and I am joyful, thankful, and at peace.