2014 Blog 365: New Year’s Eve

Here it is! The very last day of 2014!! Here we are preparing for some family traditions.   Today, I have gathered our rounded different fruits on the dining table,  for a fruitful year.  Tonight, we will go for the New Year’s Eve mass, for thanksgiving and blessings. It shall be followed by the traditional Medianoche, which means Midnight Dinner. This delightful tradition was something we have inherited from the spaniards.  And as the midnight turns over, I shall leave some coins by the door for money good luck.  We shall keep some in our pockets of course.  We shall wear something with polka dots, again for money good luck. At midnight, as the new year turns over, we would bash coins for prosperity, and make loud noises to welcome the new year, and to shoo away any bad luck . We would jump, dance, hug, and kiss together, and watch the fireworks (if weather permits).  And after the chaos has settled down, we would make another trip to the church for a visit to pray, to thank for another Year, and to feel the solemnity of the first hour of the year.

The best thing about this last day, is that it is followed by a new beginning!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU!!

What traditions do you have?

 

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2014 Blog 357: Joyful

It is the last day of simbang gabi. It was so beautiful to see the church was filled up on each of the 9 evenings that I attended. There you can see an overwhelming faith. It is a beautiful sight. There has been some chances of saying the Lord’s Prayer in my native tongue. That felt really good. So joyful.

It has been a wonderful time of christmas waiting. I think going on reflections helped take away the buzz of how busy christmas season can be. It helps bring up the solemnity of christmas.

The waiting is almost over. The big day is almost here. I pray that everyone may find the peace and joy of Christmas Day.

Are you feeling the joy?

 

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2014 Blog 352: Hope

Tonight was the fourth novena night of my Simbang Gabi. Before the mass starts, there is a reflection of different virtues. Tonight was about the virtue of hope.  I think that Hope is something what christmas brings to you and me. This season, everyone in anyway, regardless of religious denomination, directly or indirectly come together in the spirit of giving and sharing.  Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed when I see so many good things that happen during this time. I feel that many become one.  I think it is incredible. This gives me hope that worldwide peace can still be an achievable thing.

Are you hoping?

 

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2014 Blog 349: Simbang Gabi

One of the filipino christmas traditions is “Simbang Gabi”. It means “Evening Mass”. It is a Catholic novena done by attending a mass for 9 executive evenings prior Christmas Day. In some churches, it is done around midnight or early morning before sunrise. The novena prepares someone in the coming of the Day Jesus was born. When I was in the Philippines, I have been not able to attend this every christmas season due to timing. And truly, of all the years I might have tried attending it, I think there would be very few that I have completed. Now, many many miles away from the Philippines, I am glad that there is one nearby that will render for 9 nights through christmas eve. It is not exclusive to the filipinos but it is mostly attended by filipinos. I will try to go and complete this novena. It reminds me so much of home, and the evening prayers makes me feel how special and blessed it is waiting for Jesus’ Birthday. Wow. Ten days more and it is christmas.

How are you waiting?

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2014 Blog 347: Mittens & Presents

Although technically it is no longer Saturday, I still feel it is Saturday. My day is not kinda over yet. It is just starting to end though. But not quite yet. We had our first christmas party tonight. Family, relatives, and friends have gathered tonight for the spirit of christmas. Food was served. Stories were shared. Games were played. I think the game that involved wearing mittens while unwrapping a gift was still a kicker. It was a good play with the adults. The kids never stopped playing, thank God.

Have you started the party too?

 

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2014 Blog 344: Christmas Cards

Just finished doing a few christmas cards. I mean.. actual christmas cards. I am back doing it you know.
I have been guilty of having some plenty of years in the past when I stopped writing and sending christmas cards, and abused the use of electronic greetings. But I realized that with electronic greetings, there are many things that are getting missed. I think there is nothing more heartfelt than a load of handwritten small simple notes. So I started doing it again in the past few years. It will be impossible for me to send cards to all my friends, so I try to at least do it to very few closest people in my life. If you are sending some too, try to send them soon. It is best when it is received not past christmas day.

Are you mailing some too?

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2014 Blog 343: Feeling More Merry

We had an awesome weather today.  It was just a pleasant day to go out.  And to go from one shop to shop, and to shop was the only brilliant thing I could think of.  It was not so busy for a tuesday night.  So it was relaxing.  And I have my list finally sorted out.  Just saying.   Here is what I brought home for myself today though.  It is a picture that I caught in one of the shops.  It was painted on a white plate.  I did not bring home the plate.  It was too expensive.  But, I kept the picture in mind.  Inspiring.  This is one thing I love on christmas season.  The stores are so full of lovely things.  You do not have to buy them.  But, you can bring home the idea.  I feel merry.

Are you merry tonight?

 

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2014 Blog 339: Tis The Season To Be Jolly

The days have incredibly gone short. But I am not worrying too much. In a few days, we will get to the shortest day of the year. From then, day hours will start bumping up. So I am looking forward to it. For now, I am still dealing with really long nights. It is a good thing though that my mind is on christmas. The magic of bright lights is brightening up the evenings. The excitement of gift finding and gift giving is in the air. Indeed it is the season to be jolly. Let’s not forget to share love, bring joy, and cater peace.

What have you been up these evenings?

 

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2014 Blog 326: Apple Delight

I have learned this from my Ukrainian friend.

Take an apple, wash, and scoop out the middle part and the seeds. Put some honey. Microwave it in low power until the inside is soft. When cooked, open it up a bit by slicing so that its steam may go out. It can be served in singles or in multiples. If you are going to serve a number of apples, it would be cool to arrange it in some manner. Serve when just nicely warm.

This is just so good you know. I find it more enticing when you add nuts and just a little bit more honey upon serving.

Wanna have some apple delight?

 

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2014 Blog 322: Here Is the Thing

Here is the thing. You can go around forever searching for something you don’t know. You can sit and frown and be sad for something absurd. You can look up at the ceiling (or the sky), stare, and question what is incomprehensible.  You can just shut your eyes and be mad for something ridiculous.  You can tuck inside a blanket and fear at something you are even unsure.

Now,  here is the thing.  It is incredibly pathetic.  So,  you better stop running, take a breath, focus.. and decide what you want to look for.  You better give up frowning,  as it just makes you age a thousand years.  You better stop staring blankly and start seeing the beautiful things, no matter how nothing it may seem.  You better stop being mad, and start forgiving and just begin again and again. You better kick that blanket away, stand up,  and be strong.  You are brave. You will live.

Are you feeling okay?

 

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