Merry Christmas, Hive Fam!
Happy Christmas, Hive Fam! Hope you all are having (had) a wonderful Christmas celebration with your loved ones. The day is almost over here in the desert. I managed to get homesick several times looking at several posts by the family on social media and in our group chats.
I know I have everything to be thankful for -- my little family is all well and healthy, we are content and happy. There are times though, especially on special occasions like these that I cannot help but miss how much better it could be celebrated when with our bigger family in the Philippines.
Christmas is more fun in the Philippines
They say the Philippines has the longest Christmas season all over the world. Radios start playing Christmas songs as early as September 1st and you will also start seeing Christmas decors pop here and there.
Being in a Muslim country, it is a lot different for us. Christmas is a working day and a lot of the traditions we got used to like going caroling from house to house are non-existent.
My children have never experienced Christmas celebrations in the Philippines so whenever I share with them what our Christmas traditions are in PH, they would say, "Christmas is more fun in the Philippines!".
Another tradition that I love is the Misa De Gallo (Simbang Gabi) which is a 9-day novena mass leading to Christmas Eve. We have it here, but I never brought my children to these. Since there is only one mass per night, the church is filled by thousands of Filipino church-goers. Tagging kids along just don't seem like a good idea for me. Oh, should I say, "was" because these were all pre-pandemic and masses are now broadcast live online due to restrictions.
17 Christmases
Seventeen! You'd think that through the years I would get used to it. However, it feels heavier to the heart each year. Being away from your family is something that you never get used to. My parents are getting older and I really wish to spend more time with them, especially my kids.
I content myself by watching their videos while having fun at mini family reunions, listening to their thundering laughter while playing parlor games, and talking to them on video chats...
Regardless, I am still thankful to the Almighty for keeping us through everything that is happening in the world. It's been harsh but we sailed through and I look forward for a better 2022.
Again, my sincerest Merry Christmas wishes to everyone. I wish you the best of the season and beyond!
*Photos from Christmas 2020.
A very Meery Christmas to you and your family! I wish that you make it home to visit, some day soon!
Thank you, my friend! Yes, I really hope we can come home for Christmas someday soon. Merry Christmas! <3
17!!!! Wow!! That's a really long time!! Christmas really is fun and more festive in the Philippines, but, I am happy that, in those years (and counting!!), you are still able to find your own ways to celebrate the holidays. I sincerely hope you and your kids get to spend Christmas with your parents soon!! <3
Yeah, we were never allowed to take vacations at year end. When plotting our vacation leaves, November and December months were always blocked. 😢 There was also work on Christmas day (we can request for a few hours off just to attend the mass) and even December 31st would be the busiest for those submitting business last minute for the year. But those were behind me and now it's the pandemic that is making it hard to travel.
Hope you had a joyous Christmas celeb, @charlocked!
As of September? Ok that's really early!!
Here's to you guys celebrating in PH with the fam next year <33
Yeah, Ber-months for us mean Christmas and we usually don't put down our decors up until the Epiphany (also known feast of the 3 Kings) on January 6th.
I really wish the next Christmases will be as a complete, big family in PH. Thanks, Sheela!
Dear @arrliinn , in any case, video calls, Hive and other forms of communication help to know about our families in these Christmas days, I live in Venezuela and I have a son working in Argentina in the mines very far from Buenos Aires at -10 ° C of temperature, and many families are separated these days, in any case the important thing is that we are in good health. The situation in Venezuela is very difficult economically and many people are in different countries of the world, well as I said, the important thing is that we are in good health. Hugs from Venezuela brother. The first thing is our health, the rest will come in addition, as it is expressed in the Bible. Successes in Hive and in his life. Merry Christmas.
Very true,@omarrojas. The best gift we can get especially in these times is good health. As long as everyone is healthy, then that is a reason to celebrate no matter what's the season.
I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!
That's how dear friend @arrliinn health is the most important thing Hugs from Venezuela
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Merry Christmas @arrliinn! My prayer for you and your family is that you get to go back to the Philippines and enjoy the full Christmas that you are longing for and that your kids have not experienced. Thank you for sharing.🎄☃️🎁💜🤗
Merry Christmas, @elizabethbit! And thank you. I know it will happen someday soon, but I can't help but be a bit sentimental during these times. 🥰❤
I understand! Take care!
Lots and lots of love to you and your family and wishing you all a very merry Christmas. I know it is so different to celebrate outside, especially in a different country. I wish you have a get-together and celebrate Christmas to its fullest soon in PH. My Filipina friend was sharing her story with me yesterday on whatsapp. A very similar story. Her children are back in PH and she was kinda sad but videocalls on zoom made it a little easier.
Thanks, @blind-spot! Yes, my story will be echoed across the globe with so many Filipinos working overseas and celebrating away from their loved ones in PH. I can feel for your friend coz we also had to endure 3 Christmases without our first born. But I would say, that I am thankfully luckier than many because my children and husband are now with me. I just really miss celebrating the occasion with my parents in the Philippines.
Cheers to you, my friend. Happy Holidays.
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We wish you a Happy New Year!Dear @arrliinn,