On Christmas Day

What Christmas Means To Me

Christmas is about bringing joy and magic to our children. It is about giving to others with a sincere heart presents of love, happiness, peace and hope. It is about celebrating the birth of Jesus and remembering why he came into this world. It is about appreciating the blessings we received, big or small as well as sharing those blessings for those who have less. Christmas can mean a lot of things to every person but regardless of our religion or what we believe, it is a day to make someone happy. To let them know in words or gesture that we are glad and thankful that they are part of our lives. It is a time to honor, celebrate and cherish the people who held our hands and walked with us during our darkest times. It is about embracing the light and all that is good.

My son created this Nativity scene which he placed on our Christmas Tree. Yesterday, after the Christmas church celebration, we greeted the baby Jesus in the manger a Happy Birthday.

December 24th, I went home all excited that Christmas is finally here. Both my son and wife were waiting for me close to our Christmas tree. My wife told me, “Guess what? Someone gave me a Hermes bag.” Looking confused I replied, “What? That is expensive. Who gave it to you?” Laughing she said, “Your son!” Laughing with her and still a bit confused, I told her, “Wow! He is rich.”

Our children makes the most creative and beautiful surprises. Everyday, they make our world a happier place to live in. Everyday, they make us smile, laugh and just feel good about ourselves. Everyday, the remind us that magic exist as long as we truly believe.

The night before, while cooking food for our Christmas Party, my son asked my wife, “Mom, what do you want for Christmas?” With a loving smile she replied, “Nothing. I have everything I want.” Not satisfied with his mom’s answer, he asked again, “Mom, what do you really want for Christmas?” His mom answered, “Okay, I just want you be a good boy.” Still not satisfied, he told her, “You like bags, right mom?” My wife just smiled. My son looked at her for a several seconds and ran to his room. Before heading for sleep, my son placed something under the Christmas tree. My wife was still cooking and did not notice what it was.

When my wife was ready to sleep, she checked all the doors, the lights and finally the Christmas tree. She noticed what looks like a bag  secured together by a paper tape. On the middle front part of the bag was the “H” logo. My wife was laughing like crazy for several minutes. Her son just gave her a hand-made Hermes bag. She was deeply touched of his thoughtfulness. My son knew we can not afford such an expensive bag and so, he made one for her. We were both impressed by his creativity and ingenuity. We both gave him a big hug that morning followed by tons of kisses.

On Christmas Day

Every year, my friends from my home town in the Philippines celebrate New Year together with our families. This year, we decided to create the happiest and most unforgettable Christmas for our kids. Our children had no idea that Santa was visiting them for Christmas to give them their presents in person.

He went in like a blur bringing in magic and happiness beyond words can even describe. It was indeed a Merry Christmas for everyone.

An hour before the 25th Of December, we heard a loud knock. As the kids opened the door, they were in disbelief. It was Santa! With their eyes all wide in awe and wonderment, they clapped, jumped and cheered. It was a priceless, happy and exciting moment. Their faces lit up with joy.

As Santa sat on the rocking chair, the kids lined up in front of him. Everyone stared curiously at the huge, red bag full of presents.

Seeing them smiling with faces all aglow as they received their Christmas presents, I whispered to my friend, “I’m so glad we did this. Look how happy they are.” I quietly told myself, “This is what a magical childhood should look like for all our children.”

It was time to open the presents. As Santa announced, “Ready? Open your presents!” My son hurriedly opened his present and was speechless for a second when he saw what he got. He only had one item on his wish list. A few weeks ago he wrote, “Dear Santa. I wish for a Star Wars Malevolence Lego.” I knew what he wanted because he asked me to spell the Lego model for him before he placed it inside Santa’s mailbox.

Christmas morning, as soon as he woke up, my son started working on the first phase of his Star Wars “The Malevolence” Lego. It’s the most complicated model he ever had. Knowing it will take him more than a day, he is taking his time and just enjoying the entire experience. Hmm? Seems like he is teaching me something.

After the gift giving, Santa read the kids a beautiful Christmas story.

It was time for “How to get into the chimney” drill. Santa pulled out what looks like a long stocking with an opening on both ends. The kids had a blast racing each other. Whoever goes through the tunnel the fastest wins. A few took their time. For a moment we thought they were lost inside it.

Before Santa left, he said, “I may need more elves next year to help me make more toys.” He added, “I will teach you how to make two of my favorite toys.” From his bag, he pulled parts of a wooden boat and plane. Everyone learned quickly. Looks like Santa found some new elves for next year’s Christmas.

I wish Santa didn’t have to go but he has other kids waiting for him to bring their presents. All the kids followed him towards the door as they waved goodbye. I followed Santa and like magic disappeared as soon as he turned towards a corner. He was in a hurry that he forgot to eat his cookies and drink his milk. So as not to disappoint the kids, I ate a few and placed some of the milk in my coffee. After all the fun, I was a bit hungry.

We went home around 03:00 in the morning. When my son saw his presents, he said, “Can I open my presents now? It is Christmas morning.” Me and his mom told him, “Okay but after you shower, brush your teeth and change into you sleeping clothes.

Christmas is about making our love ones feel special. Bringing a magical joy they will never forget. My parents gave me and my siblings the happiest Christmas I ever known and now, I have the chance to do the same for my son.

As my Christmas gift, my son took 4 dollars from his piggy bank and wrapped them in paper. He also drew one of his clone troopers for me. Inside the gift wrapper was a short letter that sums up why I celebrate Christmas. He wrote, ” Dear dad, I love you. Dear dad, thank you for taking us to places.” The most timeless gifts are the ones that comes from the heart.

This week’s Image of Life is titled “On Christmas Day.”

On Christmas day, create a beautiful, happy moment your family will never forget. A Christmas day they will always carry with them in their hearts when they are all grown up and ready to create magical, happy moments of their own.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. May your days be full of blessings. Blessings of love, happiness, peace and good health.

As we celebrate the rest of the holiday season, let’s also take a moment of silence and offer a prayer for those who may not feel the joys of Christmas this year. Let us pray that soon enough, they will experience the gift of happiness and peace.

Discover the world of these blogger friends. 

Katy of  http://praguebykaty.wordpress.com/2012/12/21/weekly-image-of-life-children-and-their-gifts/

Lisa “Z”  http://playamart.wordpress.com/2012/12/22/children-their-gifts/

Francine of  http://francineinretirement.wordpress.com/2012/12/20/greatest-gift-part-one/

Patricia of  http://lifeofaministermom.com/2012/12/26/weekly-image-of-life-children-and-their-gifts/

For those who wish to join in this week’s challenge, here’s a link and the widget.

http://thismansjourney.net/2012/06/13/weekly-image-of-life-happiness/ 

Images taken using an iPhone 4 camera with Camera + App and  Nikon 1 J1. 

My friends, let us find time to discover and capture the images around us. Take a moment, breath and just enjoy what the holiday season has to offer. 

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