|16th Dec 22| No. 350 |
The real countdown to Christmas begins. Can you feel it? I intentionally added Jose Mari Chan's Christmas songs playlist here so I could listen to his songs while typing this content. I also want you to listen to it while reading this ๐. This is my only way to feel my country's presence at Christmas.
I missed singing his Christmas songs in karaoke. My father bought a complete CD tape of all his songs and we used to play it during the Christmas season. Sometimes on weekends, we would sing karaoke of his songs. I remembered back in the Philippines when I was working away from my family, this used as my lullaby at night so I could easily fall asleep. I loved Jose Mari Chan's soft, and calming voice.
Today, the 16th of December is my brother's birthday too. This isn't just remarkable because of his birthday, because this is also the start of Misa de Gallo or night mass in the Philippines. This has been a long tradition we inherit from the Spaniards. Night masses take place at 3 in the morning from the 16th and then would end on the 24th at midnight.
I am certain that kids are also excited about this. Even though they don't understand the church mass, they are excited to attend Simbang Gabi with adults. I was one of those excited when I was younger because folks said, once we completed the 9 consecutive days of Misa de Gallo, our wishes would come true. Who doesn't like it anyway? But I never completed Misa de Gallo, not even when I become an adult ๐ . So that's probably the reason why my wishes weren't granted ๐.
I found this photo taken a long time ago outside our parish church in my town. It's pretty and full of Christmas decorations every December.
Tonight, despite the pandemic, streets in the Philippines might be invaded by kids, teens, and even adults making Christmas caroling. I am not sure though if there are still covid restrictions in my country nowadays ๐ . I hope there isn't. For carolers, especially kids, it's a perfect time to save money so they could buy new stuff and presents for Christmas.
Just beware of big dogs that might chase you on dark streets though. I missed singing, "thank you, thank you, ang babarat ninyo, thank you." ๐ This is to tease those house owners who are ungenerous in giving tips after singing Christmas caroling to them, lol. Some kids would bring their personalized drums, tambourines, and whatsoever. While adults will bring their best choir and guitar. Groups with beautiful voices and good performances will receive higher tips. I missed those good old days.
I leave you with this song, "The Lord Is Here" by Jose Mari Chan
๐ถCan you hear the sound of life
Heard in the laughter of children at playCan you hear the sound of voices sing
Feel the magic and joy they bring
Can you hear the laughter? Can you hear the music?
Sing with your heart, it's the song of life๐ถCan you hear it, can you feel it?
It's the magic in your heart
It's the music, the sound of life
Can you hear the Christmas bells ring
And the sound of the carolers too?
Can you hear the message far and near
Merry Christmas, the Lord is here
Can you hear the laughter? Can you hear the music?
Sing with your heart, it's the song of life๐ถCan you hear it, can you feel it?
Sing the message loud and clear
Merry Christmas the Lord is here!
Lalalalala...
Can you hear the laughter? Can you hear the music?
Sing with your heart, it's the song of life๐ถCan you hear it, can you feel it?
It's the magic in your heart
It's the music, the sound of life
Can you hear the message far and near
Merry Christmas, the Lord is here!
Can you hear the laughter? Can you hear the music?๐ถSing with your heart, it's the song of life
Can you hear it, can you feel it?
Sing the message loud and clear
Merry Christmas the Lord is here!
๐ถSing with your heart, it's the song of life๐ถ
Did you sing it? Because I did ๐ฅฐ.
Let's start the countdown!
Ooppss, before I forgot. Let's start the gift-giving!
Who says I won't be doing Christmas giveaways? I love this platform, so I will. But this time, I won't make it complicated. I don't like tallying, monitoring, collecting entries, or whatsoever as I am busy at work too.
What will it be then?
Easy pissy.
Just comment on my post each day. If you complete it by the 25th of December, the selected user will receive a gift.
What will be the basis of the winner?
It's all up to me. So don't ask ๐. Kidding aside. All I want are relevant comments. So don't give me a "nice post" or "Merry Christmas" alone ๐. Don't base it on other comments too. It's not hard to read the content and say something about it, right?
That's all?
Of course, not. And I know writers like joining writing challenges.
Write something relevant to Christmas. For instance, your unforgettable experience, the best gift you receive ever in your life, or the hardest challenge you experience during the Christmas season, how it impacts your life, and how you get through it. Or any interesting stories relevant to Christmas.
Be creative though (I guess you know this part. Include some Christmas artwork with readcash in it. Bonus to the prettiest one). I don't like fiction. Just be real.
The prizes?
Last Christmas, I spent more than $100 on all my giveaways. I was so blessed back then so that amount was just small to give out. Besides, the BCH price was still high. Coincidentally, one of my posts this month received almost $100. Thanks to @Anonymous. Why not share it with others? Of course, not all. I want to leave some for myself this time ๐. I can actually buy a second-hand phone with that ๐ฅ. But, I'll do it next time ๐.
I don't want to say the exact prizes. I want those who'll join, not because of the prize, but because of the fun. If you can join contests on another platform with a prize worth more or less $1, why can't you make it here?
The market isn't merry, lol. Don't expect too much. I just want it to be a surprise. Will it be? I don't know too, ๐. Nah. Just enjoy writing. It's Christmas anyway.
I'm saying random here. But that's all I want to say. By the way, don't forget to tag me in your entry so I will be notified to read it.
Hey #Club1BCH, wanna join? Tagging @PVMihalache and others who are reading this.
This contest is open to everyone, not just to certain users. If you guys want to do a Christmas giveaway, why not do it to the community, not just to a few individuals. I don't mean anything here. Just saying.
The deadline is on the 24th of December.
Good luck to the participants.
Merry Christmas readcashers!
You can also reach me on my socials and let's be connected:
...and you will also help the author collect more tips.
Hi madam. Better late than never. Ito entry ko sa giveaway mo. Parang ako pa lang yata ang first? Hehe
https://read.cash/@Jeaneth/a-christmas-gift-with-sentimental-value-4c06a074