We all know that kids love Christmas day. Alright, make that kids and kids at heart love Christmas day. This year is no different from what I’ve seen. This year, we got to spend Christmas with the grandparents. Though not all four at the same time. We’d like to think that the first two were advanced Christmas presents (we had them back in November) and the next two as real-time presents (they are here, right now).
There are a number of things to be excited about during the Christmas season. For one, we have always regarded it as a family event. Back in the Philippines, our Christmases were considered family reunions as well. At least as far back as I can remember. I think I was about in my teenage years when our numbers started dwindling down. It was either some have gotten too old to visit, or some have already gone far away out of the country and some just didn’t have the time. Those were good times though, and at least for this year, we get the chance to spend a Christmas with family members that are close by.
Next, we have food (lots of food). For some reason, food has always been in abundance at the house during this period. It sort of helps that there are some special food that only come out during December (some of which we do miss) such as Puto Bumbong, Bibingka and Dinuguan. There are some that are available in Singapore such as chestnuts and ham, but I guess there’s something about the ambiance back home that makes early morning cravings just a wee bit more special.
Then there are gifts. Young and old alike, everyone appreciates getting a gift or two (or three, if you’re counting). And yes, it’s not about the gifts but about the thought behind these gifts that matter. Of course, that’s not to say that one has to think about what gift to give (specially to someone named “your wife”) since it becomes quite a bit of a struggle to find that perfect gift that’s just right. Luckily for me, I am a mind reader and I happen to know what my wife wants for Christmas (when I ask her). While surprises are good, we have learned to appreciate gift-giving ad-hoc style by bringing them along to pick their presents out.
And of course, you can’t forget Santa Claus. You can’t have a proper kid’s Christmas without Santa. This, I’ve got covered. Mainly because I have Santa on speed dial and he’s got a helper in the form of Matthew’s fairy odd-parent. How they manage to pull off their magic is beyond me. But their presence, and our belief in them, have always put a smile on Matthew’s face. That is priceless.
Hey, Dad, Dad, Dad! 