Last year was my first Christmas in the Philippines in 5 years, my second in 7 years. It was one of my happiest Christmas having celebrated the holiday season with my loved ones. I remember attending lots of parties, giving gifts, and putting up Christmas decors. I had so much fun especially since I missed all those things for a while.
This year, I am back to celebrating the season away from my family. I am again abroad, working in another country where Christmas is but an ordinary day. There’s not much of those huge Christmas decors and not much of those parties. Just a few to keep the spirit alive, at least.
But then, who am I to complain? I may not be with my family this Christmas, but there are still lots of things to be thankful for. Watching the evening news, I realized I am still so blessed.
I am not one of those recently laid off from work because of the global financial crisis. I have a decent job, earning enough for my family back home.
I am not one of those affected by the fire that hit some residential places in Manila recently. I have a very comfortable flat on my own.
I am not one of those who lost their loved ones recently. Many died in some accidents recently. My loved ones may not be with me, but I know they are all safe.
I am not one of those bank depositors whose banks recently closed. I am financially stable at the moment in God’s grace.
I am not one of those chronic patients lying on the hospital beds just waiting for their time to come. I am healthy, and my family as well.
So is there a reason for me to be sad just because I am alone and not with my family during this time of the season?
I guess, there is none.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
A Dose A Day 
nice reflection! sometimes we complain so much that we forget that there are those that are less fortunate than us. let’s count our blessings! merry christmas!!!
LikeLike
Merry Christmas bro!
LikeLike
Being away from one’s family during Christmas could be a sad moment, but I would rather be away than to be in other people’s problematic shoes. At least, being away, I am able to make my family’s Christmas happier than what we had before.
Merry Christmas to you and to your family.
LikeLike
Love this post. You’re right. Not being with family can be hard at Christmas, but there are far worse things families go through. Merry Christmas to you and all you love, and I hope 2010 sees you brought closer.
LikeLike
Thanks, ONEREDSOCK, for dropping by and leaving some notes! Merry Christmas to you, too!
LikeLike
It’s funny how we watch the news and find ourselves still blessed with so many things. I feel the same way too, and so far, there are a lot of bad news in tv these days,
LikeLike
now that is worth to be thankful for… I thanked the Lord for showering you with so much blessings! Stay Blessed! 🙂
LikeLike
Merry Christmas too…lol…anyway, di ba kayo nag cecelebrate ng christmas dyan sa UAE??
LikeLike
agree..and tatg is enough to be grateful..tsaka your ding that for them naman..ano naman ginagawa ni internet di ba..malayo man..malapit rin yun..hehehhe..
of course iba na ngayon..
LikeLike
tamaa and youre definitely right! Mom ko nga more than 20 years na in Switzerland and she’s not always there in every occasion but I’m still thankful to God na malayo man sya pero parang malapit din with the help of the internet.
LikeLike