This Christmas

I had planned on skipping Christmas this year since this would be the first time I would not be home for the holidays. I tried to ignore it as long as I could since I actually dreaded its arrival. But since I had TFC on cable, I have not been spared from the daily Christmas countdowns on local TV shows. The fact that some people on Twitter and Facebook have somehow made a career out of doing their own countdowns did not help either. It's so funny that, this year, christmas songs actually make me cringe, realities make me sad, and yes, I have been my own personal Christmas Scrooge.

It was only quite recently when things started to change for the better. I made friends. I found strength somewhere. I had found something to look forward to. I had learned to count my blessings. I had given myself plenty of gifts. I had experienced snow. I slowly got the Christmas vibe. And today, after much prodding, I finally bought myself my very first real Christmas tree.

As I hung lights on its fresh branches, I felt better. The tree looked nice framed by the large bay windows of the apartment. The white lights made the tree shine really bright. And even if it was no taller than four feet, it has managed to fill my entire living room with its fresh pine tree scent. It really smells so Christmas-y now. It has somehow killed the Scrooge inside.

So this year, in spite of all realities of single life abroad, I have decided that I will not be skipping Christmas after all. I will celebrate it for myself and with my family back home, albeit virtually. I will be celebrating it for the people who have dreamt of having their very own white Christmas with real Christmas trees and nice presents but, are not able to do so. More importantly, I have come to realize that, no matter what, I will be celebrating His birthday on Christmas. And, if only for that, tuloy pa rin dapat ang Pasko.