Growing up as a child
in a practicing Roman Catholic family,
Christmas was always a time
of joy and tradition.
I remember the happy memories—
peppered with the excitement
of decorating our old Christmas tree,
hanging our parol near the door,
and stringing up Christmas lights
on the facade.
I remember the feeling
of being able to fully immerse myself
in the moment,
to just feel the Christmas spirit,
with all its glee.
However, as time went by,
I began to experience what many call
the “Christmas blues”—
a sense of nostalgia
mixed with longing
and the ambivalent realization
that the magic of the season
isn’t what it once was.
The joy of the season mellowed
over time.
No more Christmas tree.
No more parol.
No more Christmas lights.
It became more apparent to me
that I was slowly losing touch
with the magic of Christmas,
as life became more demanding
and I felt less sheltered
by the traditions I once cherished.
And if anyone will ask,
how will I end this seemingly sad poem?
I will tell them:
We may not have a Christmas tree,
parol, or Christmas lights,
but in my heart lives the answer—
the true spirit of the season:
thanksgiving.
Jhon Steven C. Espenido writes from Surigao City.
0 Comments