Coming from a Noche Buena dinner that my sister prepared with the help the night before, it was great greeting Christmas Day at midnight with my sisters and soul sister Maddie. We watched Victoria’s Secret 2012 fashion show during midnight and bonded until we were ready to sleep.
Happy Lemon, my only contribution to Noche Buena
The STRICT and the Carefree
The following day, we headed off to a Christmas Lunch with family at Hanobe Asian Cuisine restaurant for some much needed Chinese. Sigh, I missed Papa.
Schumi
After lunch, and alternating with Baby Popeye in between bites, it’s time to open gifts. I wasn’t able to shop at all except for an extremely last-minute 2-hr shopping I did at Shangri-La the Saturday night before (thank you for the company, Luis). And in those 2 grueling hours, I was only able to shop for my mom, Shobe and Madz. Joyce and Baby Popeye the day after. Talk about race to the finish. So friends, please forgive me. No Christmas gifts yet. Can I just be a good friend, which is totally abnormal, throughout the year as my Christmas gift? I’ll tone down the craziness. *fluttering eyes* Will that do? Thank you all for your thoughtfulness! Your sweetness inspires me!
“Stop smothering me with kisses Aunt. You sch-mell funny!”
“Bbbbut I love you baby!”
I was so happy to see my family open their gifts. It’s probably my favorite part of the Christmas tradition. To see their eyes lit up (or roll haha) upon tearing the wrappers open and revealing what’s inside. Sometimes I get the gifts wrapped, but most times I wrap it in old magazines to recycle. I think Joyce was the happiest upon seeing her new video game. I recently bought her a tablet since there are more downloadable educational games there and the screen is bigger, better for her eyes, but I know she misses Mario Brothers.
I wasn’t watching TV during the holidays so I’m not sure if it was televised but there was a big fire at Brgy. St. Joseph in San Juan. I heard 1,000 families lost their homes and couldn’t save anything but themselves during early morning of Christmas Day. That was really sad but it was an opportunity for those who can help to spend CHRISTmas the way it was intended to be, not in parties, but in remembrance of Christ’s love.
Since Puregold wasn’t open, I ended up buying from a Sari-Sari Warehouse-style Store in Agora 2 boxes of noodles and pancit and some mamon, crackers and chips for the kids. It wasn’t much but all energy I could muster since I was the one reaching from the high shelves and boxes and packing the items since the “boy” according to the cashier was on holiday. We brought the items to Right Start Center who mobilized themselves and volunteers to repack donations and cook for the fire victim’s families. That’s how they spent most of their hours during the 25th, being able to serve others.
After, we left to bring food to the Comsti’s casa and spent the rest of the short afternoon and early evening with them. We then hurried to Ayala Triangle to meet Charles and catch the Christmas Light Show by 8pm. I haven’t seen the Ayala Triangle Lights Show and neither have Madz and she wanted to see it. It was worth driving to Makati for.
Trio Mio
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It was a first and it was nice. It was a bit crowded but nice to feel many family spirit around. 9pm, we headed to Old Swiss Inn for some chocolate fondue. Spent some bonding time and we finished the best chocolate fondue around. I missed Old Swiss Inn.
I think this was one of the more enjoyable Christmases I’ve spent in recent years. I loved its simplicity, starting it with family and the opportunities it presented.
Weee Christmas kiss!
Thank You Lord for all Your blessings, big and small. May they really come from You. But best of all, thank YOU for the blessings of the heart. Of comfort, warmth and grace.
Merry CHRISTmas everyone! Do not forget that every single day is CHRISTmas Day. Sharing with you this short video of a happy moment… Cheers!
Janey dear! Have a great 2013 ahead! :)Hamishuuu!