Almost Christmas Again

Too early for Christmas? Nope, not in our office. It's almost Christmastime again and the tasks of the newbies just increased tenfold! You see, in our office, all the newbies take charge, or rather, are forced to be in charge of the annual Christmas party. We take care of the programs, the invitations, the souvernirs, the food, the games, the prizes, and the list just goes on. Our biggest problem as of now is of course, money. Don't worry, I'm not here to solicit. Hmm...on second thought....you can deposit your donations to.... Hehehe Just kidding! Anyway, one of the ways we generate funds is through our newsletter. It doesn't need much startup, just a printer, a photocopier, some papers, and of course, creative pambobola at 10 bucks per issue. The maiden issue is due out next week and we're still working on the creative pambobola part to fill the blank pages up.

Here's a sample of the first issue's editorial. Well, not exactly. This version will not be the one used but I like this better than the others. It's my blog anyway, so I'll post whatever I like. Hehehe. The reason why I like this is because of the paragraph that reminded the readers of the reason for the season. It may be all Sunday School stuff but I particularly like the idea of thinking of it as ONE big party celebrated by different people from all corners of the world. Anyway, enough talk for me, read on and post a comment if you like.

Christmas, the Best Time of the Year

Who will not agree with me that Christmas is the most celebrated event of the year, especially for us Filipinos? In fact, our preparations for the season begin as early as the BER months of the year. Still a couple of months away from the big day, yet we can already feel a tinge of Christmas spirit in the air - Christmas carols on the radio, decorations in houses and establishments, Christmas bazaars and tyangges in every corner, to name a few. It is quite amusing how we Filipinos never fail to do these things in spite of what we have or are experiencing.

I’m sure, just like me, you now look forward to going on Simbang Gabi and feasting on puto-bungbong and bibingka afterwards (Mmm..just the thought of it makes my stomach growl). Yup, guilty as charged, I do think that it is the most exciting part of the event, so sue me!  Aside from delicious delicacies, Christmas reminds me of presents, of gift giving, of still more presents under the Christmas tree (or that makeshift plastic calamansi tree we use every year). Don’t we all remember how it was like to get all excited about Christmas because we get to receive a lot of beautifully wrapped gifts and aguinaldos. Oh, it was so much fun! Just a kiss on ninang’s cheek and there’s a big box of toy for me from out of nowhere; just a mano po to lolo and out comes a red envelope from his hand. Aww…those were such fun days… Snapping out of the nostalgia however, reality hits us hard in the face. We’re no longer the inaanak nor the apo who awaits for Christmas goodies, we’re already the ninong/ninang (thankfully not yet the grandparents!) who gives out the Christmas goodies! Aw..shucks! And the list of my inaanak keeps getting longer! To top it off, our being in such a prestigious company as PAL ushers in more expectations to give even more. I sure can’t wait for that Christmas bonus!!!

But Christmas is not just about the gifts, the puto-bungbongs, and the bibingkas. Of course not! It’s also about the reunions, the parties and even more parties!! Kidding aside, we do tend to forget the real meaning of all this hype and excitement. Forgive the cliché but let me do “Christmas” the honor of reminding all of us of the meaning and reason for it. As we very well know, Christmas is a birthday celebration – Jesus Christ’s birthday celebration. We’ve all been to a birthday party at some point in our life, haven’t we? Well, think of it as one, a Jolly kiddie party if you must, except that the guest list includes everyone, as in everyone! It sure is too big to be held in one place so it was decided that the guests celebrate it in their own place, in their own way. Different parties, different ways of celebrating, one theme, one celebrant – Christ the King. Now, isn’t that something?! The next time you open a Christmas gift or have a Christmas dinner, think of it that way – that we’re all invited to Christ’s birthday party, thus the sumptuous food, the abundant gifts and the joyous festivity. Such a celebration also means time for family – whether by blood, by organization, or by friendship, as exemplified by traditional reunions and gatherings. More so than anything, this celebration is about love, about giving love. The coming of Christ alone is borne out of love. It should thus be the main ingredient of our celebration as we commemorate His birth this season.

With that said, may we all keep in our hearts and minds the true reason why we are celebrating Christmas. While we’re at it, let us enjoy the parties, the pig-outs, the merrymaking, and the fun that only such an occasion can afford. We wish all of you an advanced Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!

Wadya think?