Balls for Christmas

Back in my country, as soon as September arrives, it ignites excitement to all Filipinos, both rich and poor, for it ignites our spirit for the arrival of Christmas. As they say, Philippines celebrate the longest Christmas season.

Radio stations starts to play Christmas songs on the air and these add to cheers of joy of love, sharing, and forgiveness. Filipinos start to get busy checking the Christmas decors if it?s all good, test the Christmas lights if they are still working and blinks. And list down the things they still need to buy for their decorations. It is a month long ordeal- yet there is always that smile after they created the most magnificent Christmas Trees, or Parols for their homes. Streets are starting to be colourful with all the lights illuminated every night. Crowds popping here and there for picture taking to some breathless decor of lights. It is the most awaited season.

In between, yes, we still celebrate Halloween, but the idea of Christmas doesnt stop them to be joyful for the birth of Jesus Christ. Maybe a scene of repetition every year, and I have seen it for decades but I myself loved the feeling that this season brings.

Right after Halloween is finished, huge mall sales are out, this time for the gifts to be given to your relatives, loved ones, officemates, classmates, and all the mates you may think of. For me this is the fun part. You get the feeling of listing what a certain person would want to receive on their Christmas stockings especially for my nieces and nephews. And for my little cousins, both family sides. And dont forget, I know I am receiving something too. The thing here is money doesnt matter. That?s the reason why I love this season so much. Its like money is overflowing left and right. Ha ha. Just think it this way. In the Philippines, if you are employed, government or of a private sector, your employers must give a 13th month pay, equivalent to a months salary of course. They call it CHRISTMAS BONUS. So who wouldnt be happy with that?

December 1st, you start to hear carols everywhere. Kids would knock on your door to sing Christmas carols, and shall I say this ,it is nonstop. Envelopes of invitations left and right goes directly to your mailbox for the celebration of Christmas parties. Relatives from abroad would go home and celebrate Family Reunions too. Foods and drinks starts to overflow for real.

Enough said and done, I know there are still heaps of happy things happening during this season. As for me, I will be celebrating alone here in NZ, far away from those whom I left behind to give them the best (Overseas Filipino Workers story). In return, I will be missing my third Christmas in my country. My Philippines. Teary eyed as I about to close this journal. I am still hoping that everything, in due time, I will be back there. Soon, so soon.
Putting up this tree is a reminder for me, that I may be alone here in NZ, but my heart stays to those whom I left behind. Anyways, I still got my mobile, my landline, my internet connection, and skype is here to help me out. =)

May be too early for me to greet you all blippers around the world, but hey, Advance Merry Christmas to all!

Rhea