Mom, what do you want for Christmas?

I was in front of the mirror putting my face on ( my mom calls it Mook ap) when my daughter J.A. asked me, " Mom, what do you want for Christmas?"

Surprised, I replied, " I just want you to be a good girl for the whole year."
To which my 4 year old answered, "Yeah, but where do we buy that?"

To the average listener, this is funny. In fact it was hard to keep a straight face when I explained to her that this gift can not be bought in any store by any amount of money. It's something you do for the people you love.

Much later that day, I was pondering how commercialized Christmas had become.

When we were little kids, it meant having new clothes, either from Es Em or Divisoria or Tutubs. Then showing these off to the people in Santo Tomas.... who, really could not afford to even buy a decent Noche Buena. Except, of course, for people like my Mang's amigas and co-teachers who have the means, usually utang payable in 4 gives.... but that's another story.
I can not believe we were raised this way!

Don't get me wrong, I am thankful that we were blessed with material things courtesy of our parents and grandparents, but isn't it insane how when someone asks you, "Are you ready for Christmas?" it usually translates to "Are you finished with your Christmas shopping?"
It is really easy to forget the real meaning of the season.... God's love personified. That gift which can never be bought by any amount of money.

.... I think I'll take this thought thru the New Year, so that everytime I am tempted to splurge insanely on a pair of shoes ( and I mean insanity.... incidentally, hindi rin po ako galit sa pera), I will remember that Someone loved me enough to give up His only Son... no questions asked....that it does not matter what kind of shoes I wear or how expensive my perfume is, or how my jeans make me look thin- ner (like I said... merely my opinion)... I will be loved for who I am because I am created according to Someone's image and likeness.

So what now?.........

"Are you ready for Christmas?"

I am not exactly sure what I am doing.

I finally broke down and started this whole blog thing... thanks to my "favorite" Auntie M. (I am not sure if it's ok to mention names). This will aide in my sort of new year's resolution thingy... to be more reflective this year.... of my actions, my thoughts... hence, the title, "Tsikin Souf op Aileen's Sowl." This blog will contain, exactly who I am as a Christian, a wife, a mom, an OT, a Couples for Christ member/leader, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a Filipino ( notice the accent)... etc., etc. (Whew, I have many roles.... no wonder I'm overwhelmed!). Also, this blogging could be fun! It's sort of a way to keep up with each other.
As always, here is a disclaimer.....anything written in my blog (whether you agree or not) is purely my opinion and sometimes should not be taken seriously. =) Do not attempt to try any of these things at home. My blog may contain items that may not be for the faint of heart. Most importantly, I am merely describing the world as I perceive it.... so here it goes.... the gospel (good news) according to Aileen.....