Random thoughts

Christmas Is In The Air

The lights in San Vicente Blvd have been put up, and they're selling peppermint drinks at the cafes now. Christmas is officially in the air. :) It's the best time of the year, in my opinion, because everyone is in such a good mood, and the weather is just right for hot chocolate and cuddling and using the fireplace, and I have a good excuse for listening/singing/playing Christmas carols, which always puts a smile on my face, no matter what the time of year is (heck, sometimes I even listen to Christmas carols in July, just to cheer myself up).

I'm halfway done with my holiday shopping, and I'm very happy with the gifts I've gotten. The joy in gift-giving is finding the perfect one for each person, and anticipating the look of joy in each one's face when they find out what I've given them. That, in itself, is the natural high I get from it. I know it feels pretty damn good when someone gives you a present that's exactly what you wanted or needed (or at least close to it).

Now I know Thanksgiving hasn't passed yet, but I grew up not celebrating this holiday, so it pales in comparison to Christmas. I'm still trying to assimilate Thanksgiving in my life; it still doesn't feel much like a holiday to me. So even though I'm going through the motions of preparing Thanksgiving dinner, my thoughts are one month ahead, and my mind is filled with ideas of Christmas decorations and activities. For example, I cannot wait to bring out the Christmas teddy bears, as I have assumed this responsibility every year (since I'm the one who moons over them anyway). I always throw myself into planning how the lights are going to be set up (and thank God my uncle pretty much gives me free rein when it comes to that). This year, I'm even having red capiz balls made in Manila and sent here. Hopefully, they'll arrive in time.

I also throw myself into wrapping gifts. I wrap the gifts I'm giving out, and I wrap my uncle's and Tito Gary's gifts as well. They think they're asking me to do them a favor, but what they don't know is that this is another natural high for me, being surrounded by glittery wrapping paper and ribbons and gift cards. They've tried to tone me down though lately, because I think I went a little crazy two years ago, making funky things with the ribbons and taping things to death. I think the kids had a hard time opening their gifts that year. Haha!

Another highlight this year is mine and my family's present to, well, me! I was going to buy it for myself, but now my parents have offered to help me get the digital piano I was going to buy for Christmas. As I've said, I've chosen the one I'm going to get, and I'm getting it this week, possibly tomorrow.

I can't wait to play Christmas carols and all the other piano pieces I've splurged on in the last year. I've been away from a piano for so long, and I don't think I can last much longer without one.

So anyway, how can I not look forward to Christmas with all these reasons? :)

posted by Cathy at 3:02 PM