12 Things I Love about Christmas

I remember when I was still studying; Christmas was a really busy time for us. This is the time when we practice singing Christmas hymns for the Christmas parties, the caroling, Christmas choir contests, etc. This is also the time when we prepare our own handmade Christmas parols or decorations (although for the life of me, I can’t remember how anymore). This is also the time when we get ‘aginaldos’ (Christmas gifts) from our parents, relatives, ninongs (godfathers) and ninangs (godmothers). Best of all, this is the time when we get to attend a lot of parties and eat a lot of food (yum!).

As I grew up, things started turning around. No more Christmas hymn practices (I’m now the listener, not the choir singer LOL) and handmade Christmas decors (just buy them from the department store). I’m not the one on the receiving end of ‘aginaldos’ now, I’m the one who gives them out (Ouch! I can just hear my purse screaming!). But the magic of this season is still with me. And the things I loved had been replaced by new (but still as lovable) things.

So, for my first hub this December (and my first among the 17 hubs I need to write this month), I am writing about the 12 things that I love about Christmas:

I love…the fact that my wedding anniversary (my third!) is just three days away from Christmas Day. Er, no, we did not intend the date to be this way. This was just the most convenient date for us to go to the city hall to get married in front of the judge. But hey, I’m not complaining and that wedding was really special, simple but definitely special.

I love…knowing that my favorite niece was born on December 25! In the same year I got married, I might add. Her due date was actually the date of my wedding, but being stubborn and mischievous, she ‘moved’ her birth date to coincide with Christmas Day!

I love…looking at (and possibly buying) Christmas decors and Christmas lights. As a matter of fact, barely two days ago, we bought some (modestly expensive) decors and I’m really pleased with our purchases. The range of decors and lights that are available right now are mind-boggling but worth it when you find the ones you are looking for.

I love…the Christmas air. No, we don’t have winter or snow here in the country. But the air is so cool right now, especially early in the morning and at nighttime, you can really tell when it’s December and so near to Christmas already. Great also for snuggling with your loved one. J

I love…the happy mood that seems to be prevalent during this time. People are all smiles, more tolerant, more forgiving, more giving, more loving during this time of the year. What more, you can literally feel the cheers, the love and the good mood during Christmas.

I love…the parties. A party with my colleagues, a party with my people, a party with my friends, a reunion with my relatives and hmmmm, a private party for me and my hubby (LOL).

I love…listening to children singing Christmas carols when they do their caroling. There’s something about listening to cute, high-pitched voices that are in chorus with one another. And to see their smiles when I give them some coins for their trouble – priceless!

I love…seeing and eating so many foods during this season, some of which I only get to see (and eat) during Christmas time. Huh? What? What diet? – I don’t know what you’re talking about. LOL

I love…giving and receiving gifts. Exchanging gifts is the highlight of those parties for me. I am always excited in giving out gifts. I am more excited when receiving gifts (must be the child in me). Simple ones, expensive ones, doesn’t matter, just the thought of receiving some gifts, well, this is enough for me.

I love…winning our annual Bingo game. Three years, three Bingo game-filled parties in a row, two Bingo games won (out of these three). My lucky streak in Bingo seems to surface during Christmas time. The prize? Grocery stuff – which we almost always consume come New Year’s Eve.

I love…watching the fireworks (not hearing them though). There’s something about watching fireworks light up the sky in various colors. I never get tired of seeing them and am always looking forward to watching fireworks displays around town.

Lastly, I love everything about Christmas (you noticed? LOL). The decors, the food, the parties, the people, the games, everything! This is truly the most wonderful time for me.

Regardless of everything I have experienced during this past year, I am still looking forward to this Christmas season. And I hope everybody will really have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Cheers everyone!