A Pre-Christmas Cheers from the Heart of the Holiday Hustle and Jingle Bells

12 months ago 44

(December 23, 2023)"Ho, ho, holiday greetings,�my extraordinary and delightful readers from all around the globe! 'Tis the season to spread joy and cheer, and I couldn't be more thrilled to extend a warm and heartfelt greeting to every one...

(December 23, 2023)

"Ho, ho, holiday greetings,�my extraordinary and delightful readers from all around the globe! 'Tis the season to spread joy and cheer, and I couldn't be more thrilled to extend a warm and heartfelt greeting to every one of you. But hold on tight, because this greeting is about to get even more spectacular!

First and foremost, I want to give a shoutout to my beloved families, relatives, and pals in the United States, Canada, and right here in the beautiful Philippines. I hope this festive season brings you nothing but pure happiness and unforgettable memories.

Now, let's dive into the magical world of the holidays, where majestic Christmas trees grace shopping malls and stunning decorations captivate our senses, those twinkling lights dance in the night sky, and the air is filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked cakes and cookies. Picture yourself cozied up on your beloved couch, sipping on a steaming cup of hot cocoa or brewed coffee, as you listen to the joyful melodies of your favorite holiday tunes. Can you feel the enchantment in the air?

It's that time of the year again when the Christmas lights are so bright, you might just need sunglasses at night.? And let's not forget the festive spirit that's as infectious as the latest dance craze sweeping through TikTok. But before we dive into the jolly good times, let's take a moment to muse about the pre-Christmas shenanigans, especially in the bustling Metro of Manila.

Ah, Metro Manila, where the traffic jams are as consistent as the 'ber' in September, October, November, and you guessed it, December! The streets are decked with cars like ornaments on a tree, and the symphony of honking could almost pass for a remix of "Jingle Bells." But hey, who needs reindeer when you've got jeepneys with more flair than Rudolph's red nose, am I right?

Now, let's talk about the shopping malls. Oh, the malls! They're like magnets for every person who's ever thought, "I should buy a gift!" In the past fortnight, these retail havens most likely have transformed into veritable jungles, teeming with eager shoppers. If you've braved the crowds, you deserve a medal... or at least a free foot massage.

This month of December, sales are probably popping up faster than popcorn, and if you listen closely, you can hear the faint cries of credit cards from all the swiping,� accompanied by the melodious ka-ching sound made by a cash register. hahaha...� Oh, my friends, that sound perfectly captures the essence of the season's shopping spending spree.�

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However, the shopping landscape has experienced a significant transformation with the emergence of online marketplaces. The convenience and accessibility of digital stores have surpassed the traditional mall experience for a large number of consumers.�It is likely that both Shoppee and Lazada are experiencing a surge in sales.

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And how can we forget the beautiful tradition of Simbang Gabi? Oh, Simbang Gabi, the ultimate spiritual marathon of the Philippines! It's like the Olympics for the faithful, but instead of gold medals, you get puto bumbong and bibingka at the finish line. Now, that's a tasty victory worth waking up at 4 a.m. for! (photo credit: mai mai)

Imagine the scene: families groggily dragging themselves out of bed, their eyes barely open, but their hearts filled with devotion. They stumble into the church, hoping that their wishes will come true after completing the nine consecutive masses. It's like a spiritual scavenger hunt, except instead of finding hidden treasures, you find yourself craving those delicious rice cakes.

And let's not forget the ingenious idea of having night masses instead of dawn. It's like the church said, "Hey, we know you love your beauty sleep, so why not attend mass when the moon is shining bright?" It's a win-win situation. You get to sleep in and still fulfill your religious duties. Who says religion can't be convenient?

Oh, the food! As you step out of the church, your nostrils are greeted by the heavenly aroma of puto bumbong and bibingka. It's like a siren's call, luring you towards the stalls lined up outside. You can practically taste the warm, sticky rice cake melting in your mouth, topped with that perfect blend of coconut and brown sugar. It's a flavor explosion that makes all those early mornings worth it. Ahhh...

Kidding aside, the real highlight of Simbang Gabi lies in its essence. It is a Filipino Catholic tradition that dates back to the Spanish colonial period. The purpose of Simbang Gabi is to prepare and spiritually prepare oneself for the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time of reflection, prayer, and anticipation of the coming of Christ. The essence of Simbang Gabi is to deepen one's faith, strengthen their relationship with God, and celebrate the joy and hope of Christmas.

Simbang Gabi begins on December 16 and ends on Dec. 24 (Misa de Gallo).

Christmas is also a celebration of family, love, and togetherness. It's that magical time of the year when we gather around the twinkling lights and the beautifully decorated tree. But beyond the festive decorations and mouthwatering feasts, Christmas is about cherishing the most precious gift of all � our loved ones. Even though they may sometimes be the cause of our pain, disappointment, and stress, hahaha, we recognize that they are still the most important people in our lives.�Let's be honest, it's not always easy!

In a world that often moves at lightning speed, Christmas offers us a rare opportunity to slow down and reconnect with our family. It's a time to set aside our busy schedules, put away our phones, and truly be present with one another. During the challenging times of the pandemic, we have been compelled and forced to adapt and find new ways to celebrate. But amidst the challenges, the spirit of Christmas remains unwavering. This year, Christmas may look a little different for some of us. We may not be able to gather in large groups or travel long distances, but we can still find creative ways to connect and strengthen our family bonds. Perhaps we'll embrace virtual gatherings.

So, as we count down the days to Christmas, let's embrace the chaos with a smile. After all, it's the season of giving, receiving, and, let's be honest, eating more than we probably should. But that's okay because New Year's resolutions are just around the corner, right?

To my friends and kabayans here in the Philippines, as you navigate through the sea of shoppers and the tangles of traffic, remember to soak in the warmth of the season. Share a laugh with a stranger stuck in the same EDSA jam, exchange a knowing nod with your fellow mall warriors, and savor the sweet, sticky rice treats that make waking up before the sun totally worth it.

To everyone around the world, may your holidays be merry, your hearts be light, and your internet be fast enough to stream all your favorite holiday movies without buffering.

Merry Christmas mga kapatid,� mga kapamilya, mga kapuso at mga kaibigan, and to all who celebrate the holiday spirit! Here's to a season filled with love, laughter, and the occasional honk of a jeepney playing "Pasko ay Sumapit" on its horn.

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As we celebrate this joyous season, it is important to remember the true reason for the festivities. Above all things, Christmas is about the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ,� our savior.�By acknowledging this special reason, we can appreciate the true meaning of Christmas and find joy in the celebration.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PAPA JESUS! May your light shine brightly in our lives, illuminating our paths and filling our hearts with love and hope. May this Christmas be a time of deep reflection, renewed faith, and profound gratitude for the incredible gift of your birth.�We humbly ask for your abundant blessings, Lord, and guide us to become better individuals.?

Stay jolly, stay kind, and let's all have a holly, jolly Christmas!

With all the love and humor I can muster, I am Mhel, the blogger behind�An Asian Traveler, spreading Christmas cheer and a bit of cheeky fun!