Christmas in the Now Normal

~ gladysjpadilla

“Christmas now surrounds us; Happiness is in the air. Our hands are busy with every task; as carols fill in the air.”

~ Shirley Sallay

It’s been a rollercoaster of a year, but things are now going back to normal (with a few exceptions). December still is a hustle and bustle month, especially with my transition at work. But it is a welcome change compared with the pandemic years.

The month has seen us following old Christmas traditions, most of which we were only glad to follow:

  • Starbucks Coffee Collection (got our His and Hers planners!) I missed their toffee nut lattes!
  • Grocery Shopping at S&R and Robinsons
  • Christmas Shopping for Gifts (now with Teachers, Classmates and more officemates, since I’m giving for 2 divisions)
  • Christmas Tree Photos at PowerPlant Mall and ShangriLa
  • Christmas Parties in the Office
  • Christmas Reunions with Family and Friends
  • Games during Noche Buena and Media Noche
  • Mom and Tina’s Beef Stew for Noche Buena and Conti’s Baked Salmon for Media Noche
  • Simbang Gabi on Sunday dawn
  • Christmas Carols with Sofie (Christmas in our Hearts with Pentatonix and Lea Salonga
  • Christmas Greetings in social media, viber and messenger groups
  • Bibingka, Puto Bumbong, Castanas and Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate
  • Bioessence Massage, Tokyo Tokyo Dinner and Payless Shoes Shopping
  • Bank runs for denomination change and updating of accounts
  • Christmas Tune-up
  • MMFF (Labyu with an Accent)
  • Netflix Series (The Crown Season 5, Emily in Paris Season 3, and new series Wednesday)

Some new traditions for this year include:

  • Super American Circus (in lieu of Disney on Ice)
  • Day trip to Tanay
  • Christmas cards from Sofia
  • Ayala Triangle Lights
  • Early photo op for Family with DenMen

This year may be busy, but I wouldn’t trade the normalcy of December months for what we experienced the previous years. There’s warmth in seeing everyone’s faces again, and in really celebrating the Yuletide season with loved ones. The Mass is more heartfelt when celebrated in the Church instead of online.

Wishing everyone a safe, healthy and peaceful holiday season with your loved ones!

Leave a comment