A PRECIOUS SEASON IN MY LIFE....

What a way to spend the Christmas season! Yeap! I had a simple one. But in its simplicity, I found it so rich that it gave me joy in my heart and smile on my face.

I spent a little more than a week with my family and myself. Last December 24, we attended the "Simbang Gabi" 10:00 p.m. Holy Mass, then went to my sister's house to celebrate Jesus' birthday, which is also the birthdate of my sister. Wow! By 12 midnight, gifts were given and the yummy foods were at the table. We also sang and enjoyed the food. We said our goodbyes at around past 3:00 in the morning.



I spent the whole day of December 25 at the house of my eldest sister. Yeap! I took time to rest there and enjoyed the bed and the pillow and the food! Wow! I slept like a baby.

The next day, we went at Manila Memorial to visit the grave of our parents. We sat there, felt the cool breeze, watched the bed of green grasses, chat, laughed, and prayed. When my auntie and cousin arrived, we left in a little while. We had lunch at Max's Restaurant, then they brought me home. After that they fetched my other aunties. My four aged aunts would have their reunion at my eldest sister's house to reminisce their good old times together after a long time of not seeing each other.

December 27, I went there to join them. Ooooh, I really enjoyed watching them....how time flied. I remembered going to their houses when I was just a little girl. Sitting in their sofa, playing here and there and listening to their voices as they chat and laugh. Yeah, how time flied. Now I'm an adult. Their hairs are gray. They have wrinkled faces, teir bodies getting sick from time to time and getting weaker. Huhhh, It was so nice to see them, watch them chat and hear them laugh together. I'm pretty sure my Mom was happy for them. She was one of their chatmates back then.

December 28, ahhh let me see, I went home. I washed my clothes, started cleaning my bedroom. I sorted my things, I threw away my junks. I was happy doing that.

Jumping on to December 31, my bestfriend came at our house. My niece fetched us with my other sister whom I live with. We went again to my eldest sister's house to spend the New Year's eve there. My bestfriend and I sang and sang, after a while we helped prepare the food and wash dishes, then we slept. We were awakened by 11:30 p.m. Time to pray the Holy Rosary.

As we went down the family was already complete there. After we prayed, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! Huggies and greetings were exchanged. Woweeeee! So many delicious foods again! While eating, I showed them the family video I made, ooooh they enjoyed watching it. My bestfriend, my nephew and my niece shared the table while eating....we were laughing, joking and playing around....That was sooooo nice!

Click! Click! Click! Pictures! Pictures! Great pictures especially the funny ones! By 4:00 a.m. we slept. We woke up by 8:00 a.m. and attended the 10:00 a.m. Mass.

January 2, we met by lunch to celebrate early the birthday of my niece. Yum! Yum! Yum! Yummy! Delicious food again!

Now back to normal! But in my heart, I got those precious memories I teasure so much! It's not really the food, the gifts, the rest, or anything else....but the treasure of time spent with my family, bestfriend, and relatives. This is something no amount of money can buy. A time investment worth spending with....One of the simple things in life....and yet, so profound.

This was one great Christmas season for me where I experienced God's love. He gave me a family and treasure of memories that I can keep in my heart. Yeah, for me, this had been a wonderful , precious season in my life. I thank God for it!

Thank You, Dear God for the gift of loved ones and time spent with them!

-luisadelacruz