#CHARofLES123

[sstrwberri]

“The Season of Pure Happiness”

December fills me with excitement. There’s something magical about this month of the year that just feels amazing.

Taking walks at night and seeing the streets sparkling with colorful lights felt like walking through a dream. Hearing the Christmas songs played everywhere made my heart smile, as if they were bringing me back to every happy moment I had. Most especially is seeing a lot of people wearing their most genuine smile, which makes Christmas even more special.

Even though we don’t celebrate Christmas, we still give thanks for the love, hope, and joy found in Jesus. We also celebrate Thanksgiving, where we gather with our loved ones and take a moment to thank God for all the things we’re grateful for. Since December is the month that has the longest holiday, it’s also the perfect time for gatherings. It is the time where all my family gathers, and the best feeling is knowing that in every gathering there’s new memories will be created and there will be a lot of exciting things that will happen, especially the unplanned laag. It meant so much to me to have all my family members with me during that special month, as it was the moment when their faces lit up with joy, that fills the air with love and laughter.

I wished that my Christmas would always feel like those times, and I hoped that even when I grew old, I would still look forward to those moments of mine, cherishing the warmth of family and the magic of the season. I hoped that the joy we shared would always be with my heart, no matter what happens. I hoped that no matter how much time passed, the memories of those moments would keep us connected, filling us with the same happiness and peace that the season once brought.🌸

[itsbaninin]

When Christmas Felt Truly Magical

Have you ever had an unforgettable Christmas that makes you smile every time you think back on it? A Christmas so memorable, that it makes you want to go back in time. 

Month of December

When December is coming, there’s always this special feeling that starts to build up, like a quiet sense of anticipation in the air. Also, you have this feeling of nostalgia that begins to set in when December approaches. It reminds us of past holidays, and traditions that have come to define the season—decorating, listening to familiar holiday music, and the excitement of giving and receiving.

Big Family

As a member of a big family, I can say that it is really more fun and enjoyable having more people, especially during holidays like Christmas. For me, it is quite an advantage since, because of them, I feel the warmth of Christmas more, and I feel really loved and cared for, not only on Christmas and holidays but every day.

Loved Ones

Spending Christmas with your loved ones makes it more special. There’s something so comforting about being with people who know you well. Being surrounded by people you can call home. People that don't make you feel left out and alone.

Making New Memories

While the holidays often bring up nostalgia for years past, they also give us a chance to create new memories. The moments we create with the people we love. It’s about those simple, momentary experiences that give the season its heart and soul. 

Sad Reality

Is it only me, or is the magic of Christmas slowly fading? As I grow older, the excitement of the holidays and Christmas is slowly fading. Sometimes it feels like that magic fades into the background, overshadowed by the stress of the season or the passage of time. Not to mention, losing some of your loved ones sometimes makes the holidays quite sad. It is different then and now.

The holidays remind many of us of the things that are most important in life: friendship, family, and the relationships we cherish. It's a time to take a break from life's hectic schedule, think back on the last year, and spend time with the people who make us feel warm. Christmas is the ideal time to cherish those priceless moments spent with your loved ones, whether they are your immediate family, close friends, or even a chosen family. There’s a reason we look back on certain Christmases with such fondness—it’s not just the events themselves, but the memories we created and the emotions we felt.

“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” — Dr. Seuss

[spysabnhs]

Christmas is one of those holidays that feels extra special every year. It's a time for families to come together, for people to celebrate, and for everyone to feel the joy of the season. For many, it’s about remembering the birth of Jesus, while others take the time to give thanks in their own way. But no matter what, Christmas is all about love, happiness, and making memories.

Each Christmas is a bit like a new adventure. Even though it comes every year, there’s always something fresh and exciting about it. Some years are a little sad or challenging, but they still end up being part of what makes the holiday so memorable. Today, though, I want to share the Christmas that really stands out for me, the one I’ll always remember.

It was Christmas in 2022. The world had just started to heal from the chaos of COVID-19, and my family was finally coming back together. Everyone was so excited, almost like we were making up for lost time. There was so much energy in the air, and the Christmas spirit was present around and everywhere.

But the best part of that Christmas? I got to video call my crush, who’s now my girlfriend! It felt like the perfect moment. Even though we weren’t in the same place, we got to share the holiday together, laughing and talking while everyone else was celebrating around me. I felt happy and confident in a way I hadn’t in a long time. Christmas of 2022 wasn’t just like the other years, it was something special.

It was a Christmas full of old traditions, but with something extra, new memories that made everything feel brighter. It was the kind of Christmas you don’t forget, and one I’ll always hold close.

[loudgladiatorobservatior]

December is often a month filled with joy, warmth, and the comforting embrace of family traditions. A time when the air feels lighter, laughter fills every room, and love is wrapped up not just in presents, but in every moment we share together.

A tradition that we follow is family gatherings. No matter the distance we would always gather in a spot huddled as a family. I often sit in silence during these gatherings, observing and what always stands out to me is how the smiles, laughter, and joy have stayed the same over the years. Even as we’ve grown older, and changed in so many ways, those moments of pure happiness still feel just like when we were kids. These moments are a reminder that some things are timeless. The way we still find laughter in the same silly jokes, and how, in each other’s company, we feel like we never really grew up.We may not as often gather around during christmas but I will still always look forward to it.

I find comfort in the way we come together, no matter how much time has passed or how much we’ve changed. The love we share feels constant, and that’s something I’ll carry with me always.

One word always comes up in mind during these times and its love.

[tpperwre]

MEMORABLE MOMENTS IN DECEMBER

December has its own unique feeling, and for me, it’s a time filled with gratitude, family, and faith. Even though we don’t celebrate Christmas in the traditional sense, December is still a special month with moments that bring us closer together and remind us of what truly matters. Here are some of those moments that stand out.

WEATHER

One of my favorite things about December is the cool weather. After months of warm days, the air finally turns fresh and cool, which is such a welcome change, and I get to wear layering clothes. This cooler breeze has a way of lifting your spirits and makes it nice to spend time outdoors with family and friends. For us, it’s a reminder to appreciate the beauty in each day that God has given us.

FAMILY

December is when everyone seems to have a little more time, and we often come

together for simple meals and quiet moments. Whether we’re sharing a favorite dish, watching a family movie, or just talking late into the night, it’s a month that gives us those moments of closeness that get harder to find during the rest of the year. Family gatherings are thing I look forward to. Whether it’s a simple lunch after church or a dinner with extended family, these moments remind us of the blessings we have. My fondest memories are those spent around the table, listening to stories from my grandparents or playing with the kids in the family.

In 2019, we were able to gather freely with my family. December was full of get-togethers, laughter, and good food. My favorite memory was a game night with everyone at home, playing old board games and laughing until late. It was such a fun, simple night that brought us all closer.

2020 was a quieter December. With fewer people around, we celebrated at home and kept things simple. One memory that stands out is a video call with family members who couldn’t be with us. We shared stories, jokes, and tried to make each other laugh, even over the screen. It wasn’t the same as being together, but it still felt special.

Looking back at 2019 and 2020, it’s clear how much those years taught me about the importance of family, resilience, and appreciating the small things. In 2019, we enjoyed big gatherings and laughter with family and friends. It was a time of togetherness, filled with warmth and ease. 2020 brought quieter celebrations as we stayed home and connected with loved ones in new ways. Although it was challenging, it helped us find joy in simplicity and made us grateful for even the smallest moments of connection. Both years left lasting memories—one full of togetherness, and the other a reminder to cherish what we have.

December is also a month of reflection and prayer. As the year comes to an end, it made me look back and think about everything that has happened. For my family, we use this time to thank God for His guidance and blessings, and to pray for strength in the coming year.

Finally, it’s the little things, like setting up decorations or simply enjoying the cooler weather that make December special. These small moments don’t require much, but they fill my hearts with peace and gratitude. Spending time with family, doing good for others, and strengthening our faith make this month rich with meaning, even without the traditional holiday trappings.

For us, December may not be about traditional Christmas celebrations, but it is a month filled with peace, family, and faith. It’s these small, meaningful moments that make December a truly special time for us.

[bajinn]

December comes to mind, and I'll always look  forward to Christmas. Talking about Christmas, "Christmas is a season to be jolly." Streets light up, houses smell like good food, and families gather to make happy memories. It’s a season that brings people closer, reminds us to be grateful, and encourages us to spread joy and kindness.

Every December, my cousins and I would all gather to go caroling, or "mamasko," around different houses. We make our own instruments from whatever we can find, like bottle caps, sticks, rocks inside bottles, and even cooking pan lids. Often, we end up being chased by dogs or scolded by our parents for coming home late. After caroling, we would all gather up to split the money we’ve collected, sharing the fun and rewards of the night together.

During the Christmas season,my family and I, together with our relatives, would gather and celebrate. We would do fun activities like singing, dancing, playing, taking pictures and of course eating would always be present. My tita was the best cook in the family, and we often call her Tita Chef. She would cook foods like adobo, humba, carbonara, fried chicken, and her specialty would be "Puto Cheese."

My cousins and  I would get together and rehearse a dance. Since there are four of us and Blackpink is our favorite K-pop group, we�� are known as the "Blackpink" group. Our performances have become a favorite tradition everyone looks forward to. Of course, the tradition of exchanging gifts will always be part of the celebration. We would always get excited when it is time for exchanging gifts. We would happily exchange gifts and open our gifts together.

Our Christmas celebration might not be as fabulous as the others, but what truly matters is that we enjoyed it and spent time with our loved ones.❤️

[disconicthehedgehog]

My Most Memorable Christmas

The Holidays

When the days start getting cooler and decorative lights begin to twinkle, it is clear that the holidays are coming. At this point I have been waiting for these times, to which some people might assume I would be waiting just for the vacation.

No. These times are so much more than that. The holidays, or in my case, Christmas, are more than just a vacation. It is a time to give, to love and to celebrate Jesus's birthday. It gives me a sense of hope and joy, that in this season, people are actually united and are as kind as it can be. Of course, being kind and generous shouldn't just be on Christmas, but these days always give off an aura of goodness, which even brings out the best in people. Today, I am going to share my experience in perhaps the best Christmas ever.

An Old Memory

This was all the way back in 2020, back when everything was so much simpler. I was no older than 12, and yet it was probably the most memorable one yet. It was a respite for the rest of the very turbulent and chaotic year. Of course, classes were out, and I got to enjoy a couple weeks of vacation. But I wasn't excited because of the vacation, I was waiting for Christmas. One of the first things I had to do was help in decorating the house, and more specifically, the Christmas tree. My mother insisted on a Hello Kitty theme, as it was a favorite of hers. It was very enjoyable, and of course, I had to do the task of placing the star at the top of the tree! With a bit of effort and with the help of my father, I managed to place the final decoration for the tree. It made me feel accomplished and proud of myself, as I had more or less added the "cherry on top" of the tree.

Family

As they usually do, my cousins and other relatives were coming over to celebrate with us. The house, was of course, very busy, and I spent my time with them. I always felt joy when I was around them, and we were almost always around together. We anticipated this day, we shared stories, played, and even went out to other places. With them, I felt... well, ecstatic, and I felt a special feeling every time I was around them.

A Memorable Night

At last, it was finally Christmas Eve. On that night, me and my relatives got together to celebrate Noche Buena, and we had a large feast. I got to eat a lot of my favorite food, and I got very full. Later that night, I stayed up to 12 AM with my cousins, of course. We managed to convince our parents to allow us to stay up and wait for Christmas, and we definitely enjoyed our time awake.

Conclusion

Despite the rest of the year looking rather mediocre or even bad, Christmas and the holiday season always manages to lighten up the end of the year. The season of giving, kindness and generosity gets people to aspire to be their best and treat others well. It is a very wholesome part of the year, and some of the best ways to end one. Happy holidays!

[wynnieisurs]

MEMORABLE DECEMBERS

Every December is a memorable December for me. There are many events that happen in our family every December; most women in our family are born in December, and as a Christian family, we also celebrate the most important event of the year, which is Christmas in December.

It all started at December 2016, it was my first time spending December with a big family since my mother got married to my papang, who has a big family. It was a whole new experience since I got used to just spending Christmas with my mother, titos, and titas. The new family I'm in combined their birthdays (my anma's and titas'), including my mother's, since she was also born in December. We celebrated their birthdays at Can-ayan, and it was so fun because there were a lot of foods, like for real. We also always play tons of games with my cousins and sing karaoke songs. I also made new friends since one of my cousins gave me a tour around their place. On Decembers, we also celebrate events in church like Thanksgiving and when I was still a kid me and my cousins joined Christmas Cantata.

Next, we celebrate Christmas; although we don't really do much on December 25, we only have some food for the celebration. Lastly, we celebrated a lot during December 31, it's our neighbour's birthday and we always get invited to their party, me, my cousins, and our friends always play together in the computer shop that our neighbor owned while the adults in our family prepare for New Year's Eve, our family usually celebrates Christmas with New Year's Celebration our family believes that Jesus Christ's birthday was not exactly the 25th of December so the actual celebration of Christmas is combined with New Year's Celebration, we did our exchanging of gifts and it's my first time that I've received a lot since there are a lot of family members in this family, that time before midnight we played games and ran outside while waiting for the fireworks. Every December is such a memorable core memory of my life, and I will be forever thankful to God who made me experience these Decembers.

Love binds us together in perfect unity.

- Colossians 3:14

[bonewastaken]

My December Experience: How I Found My Purpose

Introduction:

Ever felt like you’re just drifting, moving from one day to the next without a real sense of purpose? I’ve been there too. This is the story of a turning point, a moment that changed everything when I least expected it. Along the way, I discovered something I’d been missing, a piece that put everything into perspective.

Curious? Dive in on my December Experience, and maybe you’ll find a bit of inspiration for your own journey.

Autopilot

December 2023, this was a stage in my life where I didn’t really care about what I was doing. I was just mindlessly going through each day without any clear goals, trapped in a depressing cycle of waking up, eating, sleeping, and repeating. I tried setting personal goals like working out, eating healthier, and building better habits, but I was too exhausted and unmotivated to start due to academic demands and time constraints.

The question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” forced me to reflect deeply. It stirred my immense fear of the future and reminded me of my insecurities. I know we're still young and that there’s no need to rush, but it bothers me that I don’t have a positive outlook on my own future. Ironically, I resist change and avoid setting goals, not because I don’t know how to start, but because I’m afraid of change. So, I continue living on autopilot, without clear goals or purpose.

Lost in Light

Then, my mom, who works abroad, came home for a two-month break. I hadn’t felt this much joy and warmth in a long time, and I cherished every moment with her. But even her presence didn’t give me a clear purpose or motivate me to set goals for my growth. I was still living mindlessly, weighed down by a persistent fear of change.

It’s not that I haven’t tried to change. I have, but my attempts often left me feeling worse. Two months ago, I started a diet and felt good initially, but eventually, I broke it and started eating unhealthy again, telling myself, “I deserve this.” It was always one step forward, two steps back. This cycle of setbacks made me afraid of embracing change.

One thing that kept me going, despite having no real goals, was the desire to make my parents proud. I thought good grades might be my purpose, but achieving them brought only fleeting satisfaction. I realized that living solely to make others happy wasn’t fulfilling. I wanted a purpose that would bring happiness to both others and myself.

Inner Realizations

It was my birthday, people say your birthday should be the happiest day of the year, but ironically, while everyone around me was celebrating, I couldn’t feel happy or proud of myself. I spent most of the day alone, scrolling on my phone. My mom even asked, “Why didn’t you invite your friends over?” I just replied, “They’re busy,” even though it wasn’t true because it was just the beginning of Christmas break, I just didn't want them to come, I didn’t want anyone around to remind me of how worthless I felt.

That was when I realized I needed to make changes for myself. I couldn’t keep living like this if I wanted a brighter future. I wanted to feel proud of myself, even if just once. This realization became my turning point, my motivation to set a goal for personal growth.

Verdant Visions

At the start of Christmas break, I had two weeks to try to improve myself, even though I was uncertain where to begin and still afraid of change. I started a diet, worked out, slept better, and initially, everything was going well. But soon, I felt unmotivated once again, and sensed the feeling of déjà vu, where I'd take one step forward, two steps back. Once again, I felt lost.

I convinced myself I was trapped in a self-made hole of fear. Every time I tried to escape, it felt like reality pulled me back. But as I kept reflecting, I felt that something was missing, a piece that might be my way out. Then, I realized that the missing piece was God.

Throughout my self-improvement journey, I hadn’t really thanked God for my efforts. I focused only on myself. But now that I knew what I was missing, I began to pray and thank him for everything he has given me. During my prayer, I felt an urge to go for a 10-km walk. I wasn’t sure if it was a sign from God or just a random thought, but I decided to do it.

Expect the Unexpected

It was December 18th, and the weather was perfect for a walk. I didn’t fully understand why I was motivated to go, but I went anyway, thinking it wouldn’t be a wasted day. I kept walking, and after 4.6 kilometers, I still didn’t feel proud—I just wanted to get it over with. At the 5-kilometer mark, I noticed that it was beggining to get dark, the sky was clouding over and I decided to head back home, but I had no money on me, so I picked up my pace.

Soon, it began pouring rain, and I couldn’t find any shelter. Most were either closed or crowded with people and stray dogs. So, I ran. Our house was still a kilometer or two away, but I kept running, soaked and freezing. Dogs barked and chased me, but I kept going, running as if my life depended on it.

Eventually, the rain slowed, and I stopped running, still a few minutes from home. I was shivering and drenched, but I continued walking. Then, it all hit me. I understood why I was on this walk. I realized that God was helping me find my purpose, and at that moment, I discovered it.

In the middle of the street, I laughed out loud, ignoring the strange looks from people around me. I didn’t care about being soaked or cold, because for the first time, I felt truly alive. Running through the rain, I felt like I was living life at its peak. Finally, I was happy with myself

Conclusion:

And this was my December Experience, at this stage of my life, I've finally accepted and embraced change. I feel genuine happiness within myself, and most importantly, I have found my purpose. Let this blog be a reminder that whenever you feel stuck or worthless in life, one of the most powerful ways to find clarity is through talking to and praying to God. God guided me in my search for purpose, and now I have found it and felt it.

(P.S: if you wanna know what my purpose is, I suggest to you to scroll back up and read the first letter of every subheading except for the introduction and conclusion :vv)

[horixmiyamura]

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

Collecting memories one destination at a time.

Hello! I'll be sharing one of my best memories during Christmas. You know I had been waiting to share this moment of mine at that time, but I didn't get to. This is my chance. So, thank you, Sir Candano for this activity, hehe.

We do celebrate Christmas as a Christian household. We get together as a family with our relatives at Christmas. The year 2023, however, it was challenging to exchange gifts or carry out our regular activities as it was apiki nga panahon. That Christmas wasn't particularly happy for me. I wasn't feeling the spirit at all, but my cousins and I still tried and had a good time doing things together, even though we didn't celebrate it fully.

* *

That Christmas was a melancholy time...

So my parents made the decision to take a little trip to Davao. ⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀.　　　　　　　　　　⠀⠀⠀✦ ⠀ ⠀　　　　　　　　　　　　　　⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀* ⠀⠀⠀.　　　　　　　　　　. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀✦⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀.　　　　　　　　　　　　　.　　　ﾟ .　　　　　　　　　　　　　. 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　✦ 　　　　　,　　　　　　　. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 　　　　　　*　　　　　　　　　　　. .　　　　　　　　　　　　　. 　　✦⠀　   　　　,　　　　　　　　　* 　　　　　⠀　　　　⠀　　, ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀.　　　　　 　　⠀　　　⠀.　 　　˚　　　⠀　⠀  　　,　　　　　　. 　　　　　　　　　　　　　. 　　　　　　*⠀　　⠀  　　　　　⠀✦⠀　 　　　　　　*　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　. 　　　　.　　　　.　　　⠀ 　　　　　　　　　　　. 　　　　　　　 　　　˚　　　　　　　　ﾟ　　　　　. 　.⠀　　⠀‍⠀‍⠀‍⠀‍⠀‍⠀‍⠀‍⠀‍⠀‍⠀‍⠀, 　　　*　　⠀. 　　　　　.　　　　　　　　　　⠀✦ 　˚　　　　　　　　　　　　　　* .⠀ 　　　　　　　　　　.　　　　　　　　. 　　　　　✦⠀　   　　　,　　    　　　　　　　　. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀.　　　　　　　　　　⠀⠀⠀✦ ⠀ ⠀　　　　　　　　　　　　　　⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀* ⠀⠀⠀.　　　　　　　　　　. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀✦⠀⠀⠀

✦ 　　　　　,　　　　　　　. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 　　　　　　*　　　　　　　　　　　. .　　　　　　　　　　　　　. 　　✦⠀　   　　　,　　　　　　　　　* 　　　　　⠀　　　　⠀　　, ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀.　　　　　 　　⠀　　　⠀.　 　　˚　　　⠀　⠀  　　,　　　　　　. 　　　　　　　　　　　　　. 　　　　　　*⠀　　⠀  　　　　　⠀✦⠀　 　　　　　　*　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　. 　　　　.　　　　.　　　⠀ 　　　　　　　　　　　. 　　　　　　　 　　　˚　　　　　　　　ﾟ　　　　　. 　.⠀　　⠀‍⠀‍⠀‍⠀‍⠀‍⠀‍⠀‍⠀‍⠀‍⠀‍⠀, 　　　*　　⠀. 　　　　　.　　　　　　　　　　⠀✦ 　˚　　　　　　　　　　　　　　* .⠀ 　　　　　　　　　　.　　　　　　　　. 　　　　　✦⠀　   　　　,　　    　　　　　　　　. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀.　　　　　　　　　　⠀⠀⠀✦ ⠀ ⠀　　　　　　　　　　　　　　⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀* ⠀⠀⠀.　　　　　　　　　　. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀✦⠀⠀⠀

⭑⭑⭑☆ Me and my family love to travel. Gusto nasad kog other place kay sige ramig Medina or CDO or didto ra nga side sa mapa, which is gi sumhan nako, hahaha. Meanwhile, my papa nga sige rag adto ato nga city is gaka-ibog kooo, so I kept begging my parents to bring me there. And my papa said yes, puhon, which ang puhon really happened.

. ܁₊ ⊹ . ܁˖ . ܁. ܁₊ ⊹ . ܁˖ . ܁. ܁₊ ⊹ . ܁˖ . ܁. ܁₊ ⊹ . ܁˖ . ܁. ܁₊ ⊹ . ܁˖ . ܁. ܁₊ ⊹ . ܁˖ . ܁. ܁₊ ⊹ . ܁˖ . ܁ ⭑⭑⭑☆ YES! we went to Davao City on December 25, 2023, and I did not expect it. It was our first time to get there except kay papa. I was really over the moon to be there. ☆ Traveling to Davao City was a very relaxing experience. A cold wind, a few drops of rain, and a misty trip with opm music playing, significantly a calm trip.

⭑⭑⭑☆ When we arrived, the first place we went was People's Park. Kay mingaw man kaayong palibot that time nang laag mi, so my papa decided nga try mi og adto sa port padulong Samal. That was the time wala gyud kaayoy ga linyaaa, AND YEAHH! ☆ Ni adto mig Samal Island nga wala sa plano at all. Didto mi sa ma-afford ra. After that beach, we tuyok the Island padulong sa Kaputian White Beach, where well known gyud siya (mahal ang entrance, basta naka attendance). Ohoo, pag-uli kay murag more than 3 hours gyud ang pila pa-uli, rrrrrrr, pero it's alright kay worth it. That was short time nga laag sa Samal Island but we really did enjoy it.

☆ Back to Davao City. ⭑⭑⭑☆ Ni diretso mi sa SM Lanang, and sayo kaayo nanihapon sa KFC (first time ani nga resto hehehe, na-ignorante nasad). Naglaag dayon mi sa likod sa SM, picture2x everywhere. Then ni adto mi sa ilang City Hall, still, nagpicture2 gihapon. There naay tig massage nga dugay kaayo sila nahuman, sige rakog hulat T-T. Human sa City Hall, sa Roxas Night Market na. Nagkaon nasad mi utro didto, and krazy kaayo ilang barato nga rice, mura rakag ni free taste hahahaha. After tan-aw2x sa palibot kay nag baklay2 mi while ga nanaw² sa palibot. Felt safe kaayo sa Davao. ☆ After all the laag2x, nagbyahe dayon mi sayo sa buntag pauli. On our way home, we stopped by somewhere in Kitaotao, where the view was amazing, it was like a sea of clouds. :)) ☆☆ We may not have visited many places in Davao on our short vacation, but we still had a great time. My parents are thinking about going back to more new places to visit. ☆☆☆ Mao to akong one of happy and melancholy moments sa Christmas on December 25-26, 2023. Though I was still 3 months recovering after surgery, that did not stop us from traveling. With my family, I cherish every moment. Going places together, celebrating one another, traveling together, and creating new memories to treasure. I am also grateful to God for allowing us to with my family to a place I had always wanted to visit. ⋆⭒˚.⋆⭒˚｡⋆ THAT'S ALL. I hope to go back there again soon! ⋆⭒˚.⋆⭒˚｡⋆

[candiivye]

My Christmas,

It was nothing special, na busy na among house kay daghan nasad ga order Kay December Naman sad. Nag bantay napud dayon ko sa mga cats nako para dili sila mangawat ug tiil sa lechon, habit gyud na nila. Natingala nalang dayon ko nga naay katawag akong mom, guol pagyud kaayo iyang face nga nag lingkod siya. Naghilom-hilom rako at first pero kalit nalang dayon siya nag hilak. Rare gyud na kaayo nga akong makita si mom nga ga hilak, Dili gyud na siya in ana ka emotional. Gi duolon nako si mom, wla pakoy gi istorya nga ako siyang gi hug. Nihilak siya sa akong sinina, nag puyo nalang sad ko. Gipangutana nako ngano ga cry Siya tapus gi explain niya nga nag cancer recurrence si tita. Natingala gyud ko, ngano mu balik paman iyang cancer nga okay naman kaayo to siya last namo pag visit?

Basta mag tugbong mi sailaha, lutuan gyud ko ni Tita vera ug adobo, iya pang ignan akong mga cousins nga muadto sila sa dagat para dakpan kog kasag kay kabalo man siya nga favorite nako ang crab. Sge na siyag pangusi sa akoa, sunggogon pako niya nga sayo lagi daw ko ma minyo. Mag pa palit na siyag Ube nga cake, tas mango cake para saakoa. 'Abitot' iyang pag tawag niya sa ako.

Ni tan-aw ko sa calendar, hapit na akong birthday. "Ngano karon?" Naka huna-huna ko. Okay naman kaayo to siya, gidala panamo to siya sa dagat. Wala ko nakahilak, nasuko nuon ko. Wla ko nakasabot ngano mubalik pa nga nag recover Naman unta si tita. Naka adto pami didto bag o pagyud, nag storya mi duha. Dili na Siya ga pasulod sa iyang kwarto Kay Dili Siya gusto nga maluoy mi sa iyaha. Gi ignan ko ni mom nga gi tawag daw ko ni Tita, nakulbaan ko, wla pako naka sulod sa iyang kwarto sukod nag puyo Siya didto. Nisulod ko sa iyang room, humot kaayo ug haplas, nag tan aw ko sa portable nga toilet tapus mga medicine nga gi butang na sa katre dayon ni tan aw ko sa iyaha. Niwang na kaayo si tita. Iya kong gipa lingkod sa katre, nag storya mi, gipangutana ko niya kung unsa Akong gusto nga tarbaho, about school. Nag lingkod rako didto, nag tubag Ra sa iyaha, gusto Nako Siya i-hug pero sa iyang kaniwang, nahadlok ko nga basin masakitan na nuon Nako Siya. Nakahuna-huna ko if mao ba pa gyud ni si tita, kusog raba kaayo ni Siya mangusi, Naa gyud nay color iyang nails tapus naka lipstick pa. Luya Naman kaayo Siya sa Akong panan-aw, nalooy ko sa iya.

"Gikapoy Ka, Tita?" Gipangutana Nako Siya.

Ni katawa Siya Gamay, "Oo,"

Gi hawiran nako iyang likod, "rest na Tita." Gi ignan Nako siya. Nisugot Siya, nilingi Siya sa Akoa, gi tan aw Nako iyang nawong, niwang nagyud kaayo siya. Gi hug Nako Siya, very gently ragyud.

"I love you Tita," Ako siyang gi ignan.

"i love you too." Nitubag Siya, halos wla siyay tinggog. After a week Kay ni uli mi sa bukid.

Gi ignan ko sa Akong mom nga muadto mi didto karon gyud, mag ready nadaw ko sa dal-on Nako Kay I-surprise daw Namo si tita. Ni dagan ko sa Akong kwarto, nag dali kog prepare, gi ignan nasad nako Akong ate ug Kuya.

Nilakaw mi pagka adlawon, Cagayan Nami. Nag ring Ang phone ni mom, nag smile Siya, gi ignan mi niya sa likod nga Dili Mag saba nga padulungay nadaw mi. Gitubag ni mom Ang phone. Nahilom Siya, natingala nalang pud mi. Nilingi Siya sa likod. Wala na daw si tita.

Nahilom mi sa sakyanan. Wala gyud ko naka tuo.

Naka abot mi didto Kay didto Nami sa funeral home nag atang Kang tita, ayha nami nag kita utro nga naa na Siya sulod sa casket.

Wala ko nag hilak, not until gi haya na siya. Nitulo Akong luha nga gi layog Nako iyang portrait.

After a few days, Christmas na. Nag share Akong family nga nag dream daw Sila ni Tita, natingala ko Kay wla pako naka dream sa iyaha. From 2023 up to now, mao Akong Gina pangayo Kang tita nga iya kong kamustahan sa Akong dream for Christmas.

[aquariuslxszx-10]

Celebrate the Season with the Best of Best.✨

Spend the holidays surrounded by friends, family, and loved ones. Take time to relax, laugh, and make memories together that you'll carry into the new year. This season is all about enjoying each other's company, unwinding from the busy year, and recharging together. It's a chance to feel grateful for the people around you and look forward to everything the next year will bring. This blog is about my experience during last year's month of December. And No, I do not celebrate Christmas, we only celebrate Thanksgiving.

December has a magic that makes it feel like the world is wrapping itself up for a grand finale. With only a month until December, the season of celebrations is nearly upon us the time many call "the most wonderful time of the year." As I get ready for the festivities, I find myself looking back on memories from last December 2023, reflecting on all the moments that made it special.

I remember back December 2023, me and my friends, my barkadas also know as "the mwas" planned out a small get-together party or a year-end party. We had a problem finalizing the date due to busy school schedules, until we decided it to be held on December 21, at my place. Although we weren't complete due to "wala gisugtan" and busy schedules. We had heart-to-heart talks which made most of cry, we had jammings, chikas, reminiscing, and many more. I had a lot of fun and I was grateful for that experience and that we were able to hangout with each other after being busy with school.

We don't celebrate Christmas, but we do celebrate Thanksgiving because of our faith. This year, it was extra special since we also celebrated my grandmother's birthday on a Saturday, which is our day of rest and church. What made it even better was that my uncle came home from the US for the holidays. The happiness in the air was undeniable, as we were all finally together. It felt so good to be with my family again, and I was especially happy to see my cousins after such a long time. It was a moment of pure joy to be surrounded by loved ones.

My Younger brother's birthday is also on December. Me and my Kuya decided to treat him out for lunch, unli-wings, since the three of us love to eat chicken. It was actually our first time to eat out together without our parents, usually we do celebrate birthdays together but my parents were busy that time. I felt very happy to spend time with my brothers, it made me feel more connected to them.

December 31, everyone is so excited for the new year’s. In my tita's farm, which is just next to our house is where we usually celebrate the New year’s. I remember my mom, tita and lola being busy in the kitchen while me and my cousins set up the venue, the tables, the bonfire and of course the Karaoke. I'm always excited for the ampao— este New year’s eve, where I can spend time with my family. And of course, we can't forget about the food, especially Bulalo and Pancit Guisado, the cakes, the fruits and my mom's specialty, the spaghetti. I am very thankful to the Lord for giving me this blessing of Family, I am grateful that I have these people in my life and also for the opportunity to spend time and celebrate another year with them.

As we celebrate the holidays, let us remember to spend quality time with those we love, cherishing every moment and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Life is precious, and these moments of togetherness allow us to deepen our connections with family and friends, making the bonds that tie us stronger. Let's embrace the joy of being present, fully engaged in the laughter and warmth around us. In the midst of the festivities, let us also take a moment to reflect and give thanks to the Lord for all the blessings we've received the good and the challenges alike as they shape us into who we are. May our hearts overflow with gratitude, and may we continue to carry the spirit of love, kindness, and thankfulness into the new year.

[bibliophilequeens]

December always felt like such a special month to me, especially as a child. While Christmas is often a big celebration for others, for our family, it’s more of a Thanksgiving and a family gathering. Our religion doesn’t have Christmas in the traditional sense, but we still gather with relatives to share in the season’s spirit. Sometimes, we spend it just at home, keeping it simple, or we might visit relatives where, instead of "Merry Christmas," the tarpaulins say "Happy Thanksgiving" or "Ramos Family Gathering." I always found it exciting to see that, as it felt unique to us.

Back in elementary school, I would always get excited for December, knowing it meant the end of classes and a break from school. The thought of seeing some of my family was something to look forward to, even if it was just a small gathering. And of course, I loved that it was a time when I could earn a little extra money from family members. Spending time with my family brought so much joy, and it felt like the season gave us that special opportunity to be together.

Still, as much as I enjoyed these gatherings, there was always a part of me that felt a bit different. I would sometimes find myself comparing our family gatherings to others, noticing how they had a complete family with a dad, something I didn’t have. It made me feel a little insecure, like there was something missing, but I also knew how lucky I was to have family who cared for me. Even if there were moments of self-doubt, I truly loved and appreciated my family. They were my comfort, my happiness, and every December, I got to be reminded of that.

And so, each December, the gathering became a reminder of what truly mattered. We didn't need extravagant displays or big celebrations; it was the small gestures, the laughter, the feeling of being seen and valued that made the season feel whole. I realize that these gatherings shaped how I understood love and family. They taught me that family isn’t about perfection but about showing up for each other, embracing each other's flaws, and creating a space where everyone belongs.

#CHARofLES

[ic3cr3am]

Celebrating Christmas has been something I kept on anticipating yearly. "Kanus-a ka mouli?" is the phrase i keep on saying sa mga family members who work abroad, I really do miss them and their balikbayan boxes of course. I have to be honest, habol ko lang is money (and maybe gifts) chr. When I was in grade school, I really like christmas because my relatives would host a party just for us in our family compound which included games and other interacting activities. I could still remember me and my cousins playing around while the adults would set up everything and fathers would start the 'drinking'. Up to this day, the Christmas station ID 2009 of ABS CBN would really remind how much lucky I am to have spent Christmas with my relatives.

After everything, all I have to say is some things do change, and we can't do anything.

My relatives have planned another Christmas tradition we can do. As the years passed, my relatives have then moved away in another city or country. For those who can actually go, my family would decide to which resort we would spend Christmas Eve (could be anywhere but we have spent 3 Christmases in GenSan already). We usually get ready and leave together at 2-3 am on the 24th of December, have breakfast together at the side of the road while the family cars are aligned. Common delicacy at a time like this would be boiled eggs and 'humba'. We would then stay a bit in a relative's house in GenSan, then proceed to the actual resort. I usually just sleep when we had just arrived because I am not good with road trips. Most of the fam would sleep. The remaining would just drink ang play until 12 am hits. After cheering on and greeting everyone a "Merry Christmas!" "Maayong Pasko!" I would then sleep peacefully. I had been used to this already, although I am still open on what and how we would celebrate Christmas together. I would always choose simple celebrations with fam than anything else.

#HappyHolidays

#charofles123