My mother woke me up for the occasion, I fell asleep because I was tired from the 23rd's tradition with friends. So we went down, and there was something more homey to this Christmas eve's feel and something sad as well. This will most likely be our last Christmas here in our home, in a long while.
Things I got from group exchanging gifts:
- FORLAN Class: from Paul - native sun/moon necklace
- PSITS Christmas Party at Mang Inasal: from Marnie - a cow stuff toy bat
Presents from other people:
- Tita Dinah - hanky
- Chipstar - a thoughtful Christmas card and a very cute cow memo pad holder :)
- Elwin, the boyfriend - a 4GB flash drive so cute, "crystalized with Swarovski Elements" and it says its waterproof
And after the opening of gifts, we took lots of photos. Dad and mom wanted photos of our living room and dining area in different angles so that when we fly off to America, we remember how home looks like. We ate desserts and enjoyed the evening with our two maids and two aunts. :)
Even though the gifts were fewer (although there are still other gifts on the way from other relatives), Christmas eve was still heartfelt for me. And just a few days ago did a fact hit me; it hit me, I pondered, and later grew grateful for the fact that:
I've never spent a Christmas or New Year
away from the family or away from home.
Thank you Jesus for that. :) I didn't really think about how common it was for others to spend Christmas away from family and away from home, not because they want to but they have to. My friend Princess is at work now since she has to work, I'm chatting with her a bit to keep her company.
Christmas is a time to bond with family and friends, think and ponder about all our relationships, especially our relationship with our God.
Happy Birthday Jesus Christ! :)
Very thankful,
-allie
//photos to follow
