Christmas Throwback

Back then, I used to believe in Santa. Well, literally. It has been a conspiracy between my parents and sister or cousins back when I was a kid where I always received presents at an unexpected area at home or just under the tree, with "Santa's note" on it. Those train sets, chocolates and other goodies, even coins and some money in my stocking - these were only a few of the many gifts I received from "Santa" back then.

But as I grew up and became aware of this little conspiracy, things have changed and I can only hope that illusion could have stayed with me for a little longer.

If only Santa were real. Christmas has never been the same. The anticipation, thrill and excitement of checking my stocking every morning to see if there's something in it, and the waiting. Ah, memories.

Now, I get the point why adults before used to say that Christmas is for kids. The joy in giving presents to the kids is indescribable, especially when you see that big smile and glowing eyes of bliss. At times, I would wish for my childhood to be back, but it is with this maturity that I've treasured having a great childhood, which will definitely be passed on to my future children. :)

As we grow older, Christmas does not dwell on the material side anymore. True, it still brings smiles and warmth inside when we receive gifts from others; but there are even better gifts than those goodies. Time, peace, and joy brought by the presence and conversations with our loved ones, and most of all, spreading love to the people who matter. As the priests always say in their homilies, "It is in giving that we receive much more."

'Tis the season to be selfless, and to remember that the reason for this season is a Child who will be born to be selfless for us all. Santa may not be literally real but his image is a symbol of being selfless, sharing and giving to others. 

May we always have our inner Santa spread the cheer and love not only during the holidays but throughout the year. Happy holidays and Merry Christmas to you and your family! ❤

Contentment

Today is Christmas, and one realization hit me:

Christmas is better when you were a kid.

As I saw my younger cousin open gifts (usually, I was the kid whom everyone loved to fool about Santa and all those gimmicks about Christmas) and jump every now and then when there's a new shirt, toy, and set of chocolates, it dawned on me that I was way past that phase of enjoying this event. Damn, I am old.

I used to defend my beliefs about Santa to my cousins and friends - how I always received my toy trains, Harry Potter collectibles, Ruffles, Lays, Toblerone, and more chocolates and goodies that I have always wished for. But now that we've all grown up, we have stopped putting up stockings and letters on the Christmas tree and just laugh that old thought away. Santa was back to being the myth it has always been.

Although this may be reality, we may never be able to appreciate Christmas in just this sense--how we see Santa and used to believe in him. Santa, as what my dad tells me, is this spirit of giving that remains with us whenever this time of the year comes. Kids would enjoy this celebration all the more because of that belief and how we keep writing that wishlist in hopes of someone making those wishes come true. That's why we never let their hopes down, that Santa isn't real. Santa will remain real for as long as you believe there's someone out there who will continue to give us hope.

I may no longer be a kid but I will remain a kid at heart, content with the belief that Santa remains true in the spirit of giving, being grateful for friends, family, and all the other blessings that came our way. For that, Christmas remains alive.

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday to the Christ that God gave us. :)