BLOG 20: Keeping Christmas Simple: Joy in Every Moment

“Keeping Christmas Simple: Joy in Every Moment” serves as a reminder that the genuine charm of the season is found in the simple, heartfelt moments spent with loved ones rather than in extravagant décor or lavish festivities. Adopting simplicity allows us to concentrate on the things that really count, such as spending time with our loved ones, making memories, and enjoying the small pleasures in life. These small gestures, like sharing a prepared dinner, taking a peaceful stroll, warm our hearts and serve as a reminder of the splendor of the holiday season. By releasing ourselves from the need to be flawless, we make room for a more authentic, tranquil form of happiness one that endures long after the holiday lights have gone down.

Hello everyone! Welcome to my blog, and Merry Christmas! For today’s post, I want to share how we celebrated Christmas this year with my family and loved ones.

December 23, 2024 – Before I went home to Danao City, one of the employees (whom we call tutors) at the company I work for visited the clinic. I thought she was going to ask for medicine or some health remedies. However, my partner, the nurse, and I were very surprised when she gave us a simple gift that we truly appreciated. We were very happy to receive a gift from someone who also appreciated us.

Fast forward to December 24, 2024 – Christmas Eve. We had visitors from Ayungon, Negros Oriental. These are my cousins on my mother’s side; their father is my mother’s brother. I was so happy to see them again. The last time we met was during my debut and my dad’s funeral. I also finally met the little cutie who was visiting our home for the first time.

We had so much fun exchanging words, laughing, and eating together. My heart was full of joy at that moment when they finally visited us in Danao. We really missed each other’s company. Also, they finally met my boyfriend, and they got along very well.

When they left, we were all busy preparing food for our Noche Buena. I cooked spaghetti, which I called 'special' because I didn’t use ground pork; instead, I used ham. My sister made a dessert, my brother cooked chicken curry, and my boyfriend cooked the ham. My mother was the one arranging everything and cleaning. It truly felt special when everyone pitched in to prepare the food.

Everything is all set! Merry Christmas from our family to yours! We celebrated Christmas together as a family. It was truly a merry Christmas because we were celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, as well as the season of love with family.

Our second Christmas together, and also with Bambi. It was truly a season of love and contentment during the holidays, and I’m so happy to have spent Christmas with my boyfriend. We were both very happy, and our tummies were full of food. It was wonderful to celebrate Christmas with him and my family.

Christmas is not complete without this dessert, mango float. Thanks to my sister who made this very delicious dessert. With its layers of whipped cream, perfectly ripe mango, and creamy, sweetened condensed milk, this cool dessert was the event's star. It became the evening's favorite treat right away because every bite was a flash of tropical sweetness. It was unique not only because of the flavor but also because of the custom of preparing it as a family. The Mango Float represented the sweetness of the season and our love for one another as we sat around the table telling stories and laughing. This dessert is the ideal way to cap off a happy Christmas dinner because it unites everyone.

Indeed, a Merry Christmas! Overall, it was one for the books this holiday season, aside from spending quality time with my family and loved ones. Good food and the best company are truly some of the greatest gifts of life this Christmas. As we get to the close of this delightful celebration, I am deeply grateful for the warmth, love, and joy we have experienced together. The real essence of Christmas is spending time with one another, enjoying the small things, and showing goodwill, whether through modest celebrations or elaborate customs. May this love and warmth be with us all year long. Happy Christmas! I hope the upcoming year is filled with joy, peace, and more treasured time spent with loved ones.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and connect with my thoughts today. I’m excited to continue sharing my journey with you, and I hope you found something here that resonated or sparked an idea. This blog is a space for growth, inspiration, and conversation, and I’d love to hear your thoughts, feedback, or experiences in the comments. Feel free to share if something stood out to you. Here’s to many more stories, lessons, and moments of connection ahead! See you in the next post!