Merry Christmas indeed.

   They say Christmas season is for the kids and is dreaded by adults. I guess that is somehow true and I think I know why.

   These past few days have been very busy for me, so busy in fact, I cannot even remember the last time I had a very good night sleep. Almost everyday may parties na kailangan puntahan after duty sa work in the morning. Nahihiya na nga ako kay Mei kasi halos hindi na kami mag-abot sa bahay. Dadating akong natutulog na siya tapos mauuna pa din ako aalis sa kanya para pumasok sa umaga. We barely see each other ng gising lately. And though it may sound like fun, having parties every night for 2 weeks, nakakapagod pa din ito para sa aking katawang-lupa. To be honest, given the choice I wouldn't attend each and every party sa office kaya lang para na din kasi silang compulsory in a way. Automatic deduction ba naman sa salary, not to count the fact na you'll probably be tagged as "K.J." and have a bullseye mark sa likod mo sa paningin ng mga immediate superiors kapag hindi ka nila makita doon. So susulitin ko na lang ang mga kinaltas sa sahod ko at kakain kahit ayaw ko sana at aasang mabunot man lang ang pangalan sa mga raffle para makabawi sa gastos kahit paano. Hindi pa kasama dito ang parties with close friends and former classmates, which unfortunately I have to turn down some kasi nga pagod na ako. Isama mo pa diyan ang stress na nakukuha kakaisip kung ano pwede iregalo sa mga loved ones.

   Although yes I am having fun as Christmas day approaches, but all the activities related to it are slowly taking its toll on my mind and body. Naalala ko tuloy yung lecture nung pastor the last time Mei and I attended the church service a couple of weeks ago. It's message struck me like I was suddenly doused with an ice cold bucket of water. He said people nowadays tend to forget the real meaning of the season kasi ang lagi na lang naiisip ay mga material na bagay. Kung anong regalo ang matatanggap o gustong matanggap, kung makakakuha ba ng pamasko sa mga ninong at ninang, kung makakakain ba ng marami sa noche buena, kung matutupad ba ang wish nila, o kung miyembro ba sila ng SMP o hindi, etc.. Everything has been commercialized, the essence of the season is slowly lost amidst all the shopping and organized chaos around us.

   This is where I realized that I still have to be thankful to Him dahil pagod na pagod ako lately. Ironic as it may sound but there's a reason behind it. Oo nga at pagod ako at kulang sa tulog lately, but it only shows na I am more than blessed. All of those parties I've been attending here and there are all because of I have a good job, I have good friends around me, and I have a happy family that surrounds and loves me. He has given me much and at the same time also given me the opportunity to give back and share to others as well. I guess having a tired body (and tight wallet) is a very small price to pay for all these blessings that He has given me. And for that, I thank Thee, and I hope I am worthy of all of these. May you enjoy your holidays as well my dear friends. Merry Christmas everyone!