self, passion and dreams: Traditions

Indeed, the Christmas spirit is around the corner - Parols hanging anywhere from malls, schools, offices even in the individual family homes. Caroling can be heard from little kids walking from house-to-house singing the old-time Christmas songs. And, houses are already strung with tiny, multi-colored Christmas lights.

But, much more than having a fully decorated Christmas tree and the gifts beneath... Christmas is the best time to reflect, give love and share our blessings to other people.

When I opened my formspring account yesterday, I was stunned with this question, "What holiday traditions do you and your family celebrate?" I reflected on this question for a while but instead of answering the question right after, I decided to write an article regarding "traditions" in this blog.

My parents brought me and my siblings up making sure that we knew how to share. They would emphasized to us that we should always be thankful for every blessing we received and at the same time, know how to share this blessing to other people.

One month before Christmas, we would sort our clothes into "will still use and for donation" and, on the day before Christmas, we would help our mom pack all those used clothing together with canned goods and noodles for it to be ready for our simple gift giving.

Little did I know that this upbringing would have a big impact on my life. As a grown-up, I have learned how to appreciate life more - to be more thankful for what I have, for the love I receive and for what God has given me. My life may have twists and turns but weighing the good and the bad things that happened, the good has definitely weighed more! And, I am eternally thankful for that. :)

I just have a good feeling that life will continue to be good to me and I am counting on it. :)

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One of the traditional Filipino symbols - The Belen