three days before Christmas, three poignant yuletide memories.

            One.  When I was a kid, I loved this certain magnetic-battery-operated-kitchen-cooking-set toy.  It’s a bit pricey for a toy back then; but my dad, even as a single parent and all, bought the same for me.  I think I was already allowed to play with it from the date of purchase. However, the young O.C. and the then E.Q.-enriched me chose to contain my excitement and wrapped the toy so my Christmas day will be ultimately great — me having a big gift to open which I can then play with after a long wait.  Weird self-imposed set up actually, but the excitement built up over the days and the happiness during the first hour of Christmas day was way worth it! J

            Two. The Christmas season before my second batch of cousins went to Australia was very memorable.  I dunno what it was that time because we celebrate together every year and we still didn’t know they were leaving soon anyway; but that time was one of our happiest together.  Everyone was participative during the games I prepared.  We got lots of presents that wrappers covered the floor after we’ve opened them.  As usual, there were lots of food. The mood was very festive.   And all were in good spirits. 

Three. My dad has been confined for days in December 2002 (as he has been every month for that year).  Despite being restless and weak, he did not want to spend Christmas day at the hospital.  I totally can sympathize ‘coz the dowdy white walls and disinfectant smell aren’t spirit lifting especially during the holiday season.  The afternoon of December 24, 2002, his doctors finally relented and sent him home.  God provided even further as one of his good friends sent financial help for hospital bills the very hour of his discharge.  That was our last Christmas season with my dad; but his happiness of being home on those special days is still very fresh on my mind.

            Happy holidays and happy reminiscing of your joyful Christmas memories!