Christmas wishes

I knew Christmas had arrived the moment the videoke machine started playing Celine Dion songs at four in the afternoon. We had received a solicitation letter asking for donations in cash or kind for the Christmas party in our townhouse community the week before. In previous years, the Christmas party had meant listening to a videoke marathon the whole night. And since I wasn’t among the singers, it actually wasn’t so bad.

Some of my neighbors have had Christmas décor since September. While décor in previous years had veered towards the more traditional, with capiz parols and Tivoli lights strung outside windows, this year’s décor is more eclectic. Santa Claus stuffed toys fill a neighbor’s plant box. Disco lights decorate another neighbor’s façade. An inflatable carousel and reindeer decorate another neighbor’s lawn.

 I did not plan on being a Grinch but I decided that my mantra for the season is to simplify and de-clutter. I did not put up any Christmas tree this year. A lot of that had to do with my cleaning woman being so efficient at storing the décor that I could no longer find them. Buying new ones did not make sense as that would mean finding storage space for them in January. The only Christmas décor I have are throw pillows with a Christmas tree motif, a red and green checked tablecloth, and a resin belen that my son used for a school project. I display my miniature Christmas trees made of pinecones which I bought at a sidewalk in Baguio the whole year so I’m not sure if those count.

I’ve convinced myself that I do not need to spruce up my house’s façade because a lot of my plants are in bloom. A yellow gumamela (saved from death by moving her to a bigger pot) has been very generous with her flowers. A santan with flamboyant fire-engine red flowers gives enough Christmas cheer. Yellow mini chrysanthemums have resumed blooming after I followed the vendor’s instructions to cut off wilted flowers immediately (it’s called deadheading). The peppermint and basil look like they want to be used in my kitchen. My laurel plant has grown taller and I might have enough to make a wreath next

year. I am lucky to have household help who love my plants as much as I do.

Simplifying Christmas has also meant keeping the list of persons to buy presents for very short—immediate family, children, and the manito or manita at the office party. The traffic and the jostling at malls and bazaars have made me want to be a bear in hibernation. I also prefer to give gifts that I think really suit my dearest and nearest (it’s like I found them soul mates, only I get things instead of persons). I don’t want to be pressured into getting generic things just to get my shopping over quickly.

That doesn’t mean that I do not appreciate the efforts of those who are better-organized at celebrating Christmas. I love watching my neighbors’ décor in the evenings. I enjoy the fruitcakes, brownies, and cookies that friends who are excellent at baking (or finding great food) have sent over. It has meant that I have more time to catch up on reading fiction and other non-work related material. And to sing along to Christmas carols when I think no one can hear me.

This Christmas season, I’m content sending peace, love, joy, light, and goodwill to everyone. If you feel warm and fuzzy, that is probably because my wishes found their way to you.

***

 Email: [email protected]