Christmas Happenings

I think it is safe to say that one of the most celebrated days of the year in our country is Christmas. It is such a popular holiday that often those not of the Christian faith participate in the festivities. It is also safe to say that this day is widely celebrated around the world, even in cultures that are not Christian in culture or persuasion, such as Japan and China. They too call it "Christmas".

Christmas is a celebration of Jesus Christ's birth. Some people celebrate Christmas differently, but it is all based upon the birth of Christ. Christmas is on December 25th. This is the day that Jesus is said to be born. Nobody really knows the exact date Jesus was born. People celebrate Christmas differently from one another. For example, my family celebrates Christmas by decorating our entire house. We also exchange gifts, go to church, and cook a big dinner. Even though we do all these things, we remember the "true" meaning of Christmas - To Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ.

Christmas is a time for giving and giving is the act of generosity. It nourishes love in our relationships and builds the human spirit. Giving is an expression of our love. We give in many ways with our supportive words, our listening, attention and giving of our time and of course through material giving too. Giving materially, emotionally and physically is the glue that holds people together and is a way to renew our love for one another, create lasting cherished memories, deepen relationships and create psychological health and happiness for ourselves.

Christmas to me is a celebration, which includes spending time with my family, decorating the entire house, inside and out, and shopping, for the people I love. Doing this with the people I love is what means the most to me.

I feel so fortunate, to have my family throughout the year, but especially, at Christmas time. When showing, my family just how much I love them and what exactly they mean to me. That is so very important to me. Christmas, for me is about being with family, loving each other and showing each other just exactly how we all feel.

Just before the last day of school I give out presents to my teacher and a few of my friends. I always hope they like what I get them. When school is over and the Christmas holiday begins I usually go out with my parents. During the day I go to Dipolog; maybe to a boulevard or sometimes we just go on a ride round. Almost every day we go out for lunch.

I always ask my parents not to tell me what they get me. Of course I no longer believe Santa Claus. They usually buy a present for my brother to give to me, as my brother is three. What I do is have my supper and then we each go to our beds. My favorite part of the holiday is Christmas day.

Last year, I went down very early but my mother always tells me to wait for the rest of the family. When they come down I open my presents and every year I like what everyone gets me. At night we have a roast dinner usually chicken. During January and February, my brother and I get another present from my uncle from America it's usually clothing or sometimes jewellery.

Last year and this year, my father built a mountain that is about a metre wide. It starts small with bits and pieces and from there we build up. I live with my mother, father, brother and uncle and every year we have a nice Christmas. We are all happy and we get lots of gifts. My friends Aiza and Jane always get me a nice present and I always give them one too.

Though people celebrate Christmas in different ways throughout the world, I learned to celebrate Christmas from my family and church.