Most Filipinos abroad miss the Philippines during December, partly because it’s Christmas and they want to be with their family, and partly because of the biting winter season in other countries. In mainland manila, once the weather goes below 18 degrees, we find ourselves wishing it’s summer again. Now imagine what some of our countrymen have to deal with in countries where the temperature can go below zero celsius. It’s the kind of chill that you can only handle if you have an electric blanket wrapped around you.

Besides the chance to wear cold weather clothes, I look forward to showing my son what Christmas is about. I want to point out stars and Christmas decor in the church, on the streetlamps and on houses in the neighborhood. I also want to teach him the basics of non-commercialism during Christmas, although I really don’t know how to start. I guess it’s a mom’s instinct to buy all the good toys and gifts for her baby during Christmas. Seriously, I find myself wanting to buy more stuff for him whenever I see another kid wearing a funny hat, or fashionable shoes.

I even forget sometimes that I have a son and maybe a pair of Dora themed gloves won’t suit him. But… maybe I can manage to teach him about the REAL meaning of Christmas even if I pile on the gifts and go crazy for holiday bargains. Maybe.

I also look forward to going to bazaars. And, you’ll probably find me yapping about the time when I used to sell in bazaars during the Christmas season. I can’t help it. I loved that experience, even if the profits from those ventures were meager. I used to sell trench coats and bath items, and generic Christmas gifts that most people would simply grab and go.