Happy Scents

“It is the happiest season of all!” I totally agree with decorating, parties, get-together, preparing foods, and gift giving. It is the season worth celebrating again and again because of the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ.

Christmas in the Philippines started early as soon as there is -ber at the end of the month which was September. They started decorating everywhere in the houses, malls, streets, business establishments, and etc. Christmas songs everywhere in public transportation such as fx, jeepney and buses. The smell of rice cakes (puto bumbong & etc) in the air especially close to churches. Evening mass (Simbang gabi) means going to church at 5 am (so early but not quite morning yet) for 9 consecutive days starting 16th of December. Christmas caroling starts the same day where kids go to houses sing songs with their DIY musical instruments. People have to give them aguinaldo (money) or they will throw your gates with eggs. lol There is Metro Manila Filmfest (MMFF) movies picked and shown just for the season.

Christmas in the US is different especially there is Thanksgiving Day while Philippines doesn’t have it. We celebrate Thanksgiving first before decorating for Christmas. It is just winter outside and somewhat depressing with bare trees, plants and no grass. Glistening snow makes everything beautiful though so let it snow (but not too much). I just notice that as soon as it becomes December 1st that there is Christmas lights on the streets. There is a Christmas station/playlist in the car’s radio but not all our celebrating Christmas so be mindful. There is jubilee lights in the Lilacia Park close to us. The Illumination in Morton Arboretum which I’m dying and wanting to see. There is Evening mass (Simbang gabi) here also but just two special services. We had friends (Palaka) get together and had so much fun because of catching up and games.

We celebrated birthdays and holidays together too with our girlfriends. We call ourselves ninangs (godmothers) of Chicago which was very timely because Christmas is for kids as well. Godchildren are first on our list of gift giving. We have more girls night/day out more frequently as schedule persists. This Christmas season we tried Escape Factor to escape the room by answering clues/riddles and opening locks in an hour. Try it very fun, exciting, and rewarding when you finished it.

I look forward for incoming Guloy reunion which we do annually during this time of the year. Conversations, talent showcases, line dancing and sharing milestones together. It is one way of strengthening our family ties to share joys/concern and have fun amongst relatives. They will travel from different states just to be with us on that special day.

My sister and I fondest memories of Christmas was when we were in Wallace Air Station, San Fernando La Union. It was the Air base my father was stationed as Lt. Col of the Air Force. He wouldn’t allow us to go to Christmas Institute (CI) because he said its family time so we will have vacation in La Union. On the Christmas eve, papa will wake us up for 5 am mass. We will wear the clothes mama bought us (new clothes on our birthdays and Christmas only). The smell of fresh air and hay while we go to church sent me pure bliss and seeing nativity decorations. The bonding moments throughout the day (no electronics). During the night, mama cooked ham with pineapple and spaghetti. We pray, eat and converse. One of us (siblings) will take charge cleaning the dishes. We will take turns after. Life was simpler in my childhood but we were a complete family. Though we can never be complete because of papa, we were all in the Philippines last year to celebrate togetherness and the importance of family.

I hope there are foods on everybody’s plate this Christmas. Families are united during this season. It was very idealistic but in reality, there are people away from their families, hungry and homeless. May God of just and peace be with them this yuletide season. When we are all exhausted and caught up of so much things to do, just remember that Jesus is the reason of the season. May we always be thankful for what we have and bless others as well.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!