Memorable Christmas

Every year, Christmas never fails to come.

I know you’re probably thinking, "Yes, duh! Of course, there’s Christmas every year!"

What I mean to say is that this event is unlike any other yearly celebration you can just avoid such as birthdays, holidays, and all the other reasons to take days-off from work.

I can honestly only remember one time when I spent Christmas with my immediate family complete – Doods, Papa and Mama. I still remember how Mama made us all, including the helpers hang stockings outside the house so Santa could come on Christmas Eve and fill them up with candies and gifts we’ve asked for.

I think I was five years old at that time.The most unforgettable thing that happened to me that year was waking up on Christmas Day with the yellow watch I wanted on my wrist.

I can still clearly remember that awesome feeling. Mama told me Santa had stopped by the night before to bring my Christmas gift, but apparently I was already asleep so he just put the yellow watch around my wrist.

It was amazing. Although the excitement was taking over me, I couldn’t help but question myself and God why Santa didn’t wake me up when he stopped by. I really wanted to meet him.

So, I’ve decided that the next year, I would stay up the whole night and wait for him. That Christmas was fun. We made a huge Christmas tree made out of some tree branches and a lot of colorful Christmas balls that we hung on the ceiling.

They cooked a lot of food and many of our relatives traveled from the province to celebrate with us as well.

Some say that so much happiness and laughter lead to sadness, so it’s better to control ourselves. I can’t really say I followed that saying back then, but since then, I’ve always kept that saying in my head.

After that great Christmas celebration, Mama left for the US. I was devastated. Somehow I knew our yearly celebration wouldn’t be the same without her. But obviously it wasn’t my decision to make.

As years went by, Mama always got me excited every time she told me she’d be coming home that year. Not just once, but five times in five years that she promised me she’d be coming home.

It wasn’t until 1996 when she actually did what she said. She came home, except this time, I would be spending Christmas in the States with her.

I was excited. There wasn’t much for me to complain about because my mom and Daddy (Thomas, my stepfather) always gave me what I wanted during every year I spent with them.

A few years ago, when I came here, every year was fun. Even though I celebrated Christmas with my cousins, I had a lot of fun because they always made me feel welcome.

Christmas is the only time of year that really reminds me of how long I’ve stayed here in the country. And for the first time here in Manila, I’ve decided to stay and spend Christmas.

I would say this is one of the happiest Christmases ever. Papa, Mommy (Cathy, my stepmother), and my little brother Nicu flew out here to spend the holidays with Doods and me.

This is officially the first time in a long time when I feel closest to completing the holidays. Of course, it’s not the same without my sister Sharon, but I’m still thankful with everyone around.

I’m so glad that somehow, I’ve finally settled my problem with my dad. A couple of days ago, we all went to watch the premiere of The Mourning Girls.

It was such a great feeling to have my dad and some of my old friends walking right behind me to support me in this film I recently made.

I can’t help but smile, pray, and thank God at night for giving us the chance to spend the holidays together this Christmas. I feel so blessed. Merry Christmas and have a great Sunday! God bless!

(You can e-mail me at [email protected])