Some Christmas thoughts
Whenever Christmas comes, I always suggest at home to do away with the common food/dishes that are being served. I'm talking about macaroni salad, spaghetti and pancit (stir fried noodles with vegetables). These are for me the top three things that in every household whenever Christmas comes. The whole year through whenever there is a celebration, expect those to be served.
We still cook them though but not that much for some would still want that. Sometimes we cook a lot and when all the leftovers are stored away, those three are the ones to be consumed last.
That's why I wanted something else that we don't usually prepare.
When we go visit relatives or friends later on, I look for food that I haven't eaten that much.
During my school days, I was part of a singing group. During Christmas breaks, our group would find us in different homes singing songs. Our instructor for send letters to these homes informing them that we would be visiting their place on particular dates. We do this to raise funds for projects for our group. When we arrive to their homes, there would be a spread of food. Basically, a feast in every home we visit. Of all the places we have been to, I always remember how food seems plenty.
One time, we went to a place and sang in their church. We sang a special song in the morning during the service and then sang the whole afternoon. Come night time, we visited houses basically singing carols. Of course food was served and we ate so much so from one house to the other that by the fourth or fifth house, we were so bloated we can't sing properly. Our head then told us that there is a lesson to be learned there. Don't overeat. Eat only enough to get you through the next house. That way, you can still eat from what each household has prepared for you and everyone is happy. That stuck with me and it's what I have been doing ever since except when we know for sure that there are no other houses to visit then we eat to our heart's content.
Which brings me to the question: What is Christmas to you? We say that it is all about the birth of Jesus. It is all about His sacrifice for us to be saved from sin. Not everyone believes in Christmas and not everyone celebrates it the same way you and I do it.
Would it still be Christmas if you don't have food to prepare, no gifts, no decorations? In this time and age where we are into consumerism and material things, we fear of missing out. Why? Because we don't want to be ridiculed or pitied. We see what people post online and we feel being left out.
I was asking my partner the other day what was their company doing in terms of outreach programs. Companies are willing to spend a lot of money for their employees which they deserve. This in turn will make them spoiled in a way by looking forward to gifts and bonuses. Is it all about money?
Why not spend it with the less fortunate and make their day happy too?
We all have worries. We all have needs. However, may this Christmas be filled with joy and happiness and that you will be tools to spread smile, laughter and cheer to other people aside from your loved ones.
Be the reason of someone's Christmas a merry one.
Sanay na kasi tayo na naghahanda tuwing Pasko noh... Pero samin, di na kami naghahanda ng labis, kung ano ang meron, yun na yun. 😁
I am glad my eldest daughter was part of the youth in our barangay who participates charity activity in our neighboring barangays every Christmas. It's better than the ussual old days.