Marites Manicsic

When I was a child, I remember, I used to dream of having a white Christmas. Like what I have always watched in foreign movies. It looks enjoyable to play snowball-fighting with friends while wearing thick clothes to protect the body from the cold weather. I used to envy them because Philippines have only two seasons. Dry and wet season. I dreamed of an evening with sumptuous food and expensive gifts. For me that is what Christmas should be. My dream convinced me that Christmas in the Philippines is not so enjoyable. It lacks something. Worst, my dream made me wished I was born in another country that has four seasons.
I never thought my dream will come true here in Korea. Last year I experienced winter for the first time. I felt a different Christmas. It was cold and yet my heart was warm. The falling snow made my heart leaped like a child. Everything was exciting! I wore different kinds of winter clothes and I played snowball-fighting with my friends in the beautiful landscape of white snow. At last, I experienced white Christmas.
Was there really any difference compared to that of what I had in the Philippines? Yes! There was a big difference! It was a Christmas away from my family. I realized then that it is not the surrounding that makes Christmas an ideal Christmas. I realized that Christmas is a time when those people close to your heart are with you.
The joy of Christmas is not measured in what is serve on the table, what gift you received and what clothes you wear. As long as there is love in your heart and share that love to others especially to your family, we can say it’s really Christmas. Jesus came because he loves us and wants us to share that love to others.
Christmas is coming and how I wish I’ll spend it in the Philippines… in my hometown… with my family.