Its January and lots of people, especially kids, make their inventory of what they got on Christmas. They count the money ninongs, ninangs, uncles and aunts gave them to know how much they have accumulated during the holidays. They count how many clothes, perfumes, books, and Victoria's Secret items they received. They compare which is the most expensive, most interesting, or most rare.
I do the same too. I especially would this year because I received so much. Not much of material things but things that I think matter more. First, my eldest brother, Raffy, came home. It was a pleasant surprise because we rarely see him as he lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was such a comfort having him with us this holiday season. Mainly because one of my brothers, Bong, and his family went to Singapore and we really missed the annual Christmas and New Year's party with them. The kids and I really enjoyed the holiday because he was with us. Second, I received very lengthy phone calls from my parents, with my father asking about what we will cook during the holidays and my mother uncomplainingly listening to my ramblings about my marriage troubles and tactfully changing the topic to how cold has it gotten in Baguio City this year. Third, a good friend of mine, Vicky, had a successful operation and I am very glad that she is healing well. She has always been a busy body and I felt sad that she had to be in bed during the holidays but I take comfort of the fact that she wouldn't be harassed this year with endless orders of her famous mango cake. Fourth, I learned that no matter what, relatives would help you out, give you comfort when you need it, give you advice when you needed it most. We spent New Year's Day with Aunts Evelyn, Aida, Lourdes, and the Delim clan at Rock Quarry. It was great to be with people I have grown with again. Fifth, another good friend, Kit, came home from Michigan with her family for the holidays. Its been such a long time since we saw each other, seven years or more. Because of this, we had a reunion with friends. It was a very short reunion but it was loaded with remembered times together. Dion, Grace, Annie, Des, Kit and I bonded again after seven years. It ended with a promise to each other that we will not let another seven years go by without getting together again. Sixth, I was witness to a cousin's happiest moment. Eking got married before Christmas and it was such a good feeling to realize that I have been a part, however small, of his coming of age. I have seen him grow up into a responsible young man and now he will be starting his own family. Good luck and best wishes, Insan.
I received 2 christmas cards this year. One was from my auntie Naty who is in Butuan City in Mindanao. Several emotions hit me at the same time when I opened her card. One is happiness because she remembered me and my family this Christmas even when she just came from the hospital because of a sickness, bless her. Guilt because I never even took the time to call her during the holidays. Lonely because I really, really miss this sweet lady and that made me miss my mama and papa, too, who are in Las Vegas, Nevada. And gratitude that I am so lucky to have her as my aunt. The second card was from someone I haven't seen nor heard from for so long. This card made an impact to me because it was so unlike the first one. It looked like a campaign material like those you receive from candidates on Christmases before a major election. There was a picture of the whole family on the card and attached to it was a piece of paper listing the accomplishments of each member of the sender's family. Awards they received, famous people (is a Philippine ambassador famous?) they met, things the kid destroyed, etc. Who would do such thing if you weren't running for any political position? Nevertheless, I'm grateful that I received this because it made me appreciate more the thoughtfulness of my aunt Naty in sending me the simple but priceless card.
Those were the things I received this Christmas. Now who could ask for more?
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