Christmas Wishes and New Year's Resolutions

Only God knows what my Christmas wish is this year, and I'm not telling. It helps that as the years went by, I've seen my grown up Christmas list (for myself) dwindle in terms of material possessions. Materially, I am content. I don't feel the need to splurge on the latest tech stuff or designer bags, as I used to come Christmas season. So maybe I should jump onto my partial New Year's resolutions instead:


1. Do not upgrade techie things in '08.

I am a complete klutz with my phone, which is why starting 2 years ago, I refused to buy any phone more than 10,000. I end up leaving it lying around, dropping it (or recently, intentionally banging my sun cellphone out of sheer frustration over their horrible network). As of late, it has been doused with a number of liquids, wine and chocolate included, making me wonder about the state. Nonetheless, I've decided NOT to buy a phone this year, since my last purchase was january of 2007, maybe my next one can be in jan 2009, or whenever my phone gives up on me, whichever comes first. Same goes for my 2 year old digital camera, laptop, ipod... NO UPGRADING.


2. Be more adventurous- in the outdoors.

My friends can attest to the fact that I am not an outdoorsy or sporty person. I hate sneakers and only own 2 pairs of rubber shoes out of sheer necessity (Denzell got me the other one, with hopes of converting me). I back out of excursions and even cringe when I hear words like hiking, climbing, biking, running, etc. However, as proven last November in Cagayan de Oro, I totally enjoyed white water rafting and playing tarzan in the jungle. I also realized last May that I actually like diving (sans the expense!)... So hopefully, I can pursue something more... adventurous this year, so I can unleash the inner animal (monkey) in me.


3. Be frugal.

Although I have never found myself to be in debt, I know I need to improve more in this area. I am such a shopaholic, and it does not help that several of my good friends are clothing, bag and shoe designers. A chunk of my monthly income really does go to them almost consistently... Sigh, you know who you are -friends! So yeah, I have to curb that, considering that my closet space has long been insufficient that I had to start using up my brother and sister's closets (Canada based- thus the empty closets!)

Another area that needs frugality is my choice of places to eat. See, I love food, and I love enjoying good restaurants. Unfortunately, most of the good restaurants with good quality food is expensive, so next year, I should limit that to special occasions only. :P


4. Think more.

I tend to be quite the impulsive person when making decisions and reacting to situations... I think I ought to think more, react less, and save myself the drama and stress that comes with making bad decisions and overreacting.


5. Listen more, talk less.

Ever wonder why we were born with 2 ears and 1 mouth only???


6. Pray more.

The power of prayer truly is amazing. But I'm not praying only because of certain things I want to happen. There is something about praying that has a very calming effect, and I honestly believe that everyone should pray more. But I should start with myself first.


For now, these are some of my resolutions. I thought of writing them down early to get a head start on them (hopefully not crash shopping before 2007 comes to a close) ;)

The Season

A few days ago, while walking outdoors deep into the night, I realized how chilly the night air had become. Gazing around me, I saw houses and buildings bedecked with the trimmings of Christmas. I should have known Christmas was just around the corner, me, who had been ready with lists and presents since October. However, I cannot help but feel a little wistful. It is after all my 28th Christmas now (my first when I was just 8 months old). After all the years, all my Christmas memories have become so entangled that it is almost impossible for me to say which year was which.

One Christmas in particular stands out...

It was 2002. My first white Christmas, in a not so white country. I was in Beijing, China, attending the Fall-Winter semester at BLCU, and it was my first Christmas away from my family. Deep down, I thought how fun it would be, being away from home and my family. But it proved to be difficult, in a country where Christmas is celebrated by a handful (most of whom were foreigners such as us). In China, Christmas is an ordinary day, in which you are required to come to class, or attend work just like an ordinary day. I, however, rebelled at the thought of not celebrating Christmas. So, instead of a Christmas tree, I got myself a wreath to hang on my door and found myself shopping for Christmas gifts from IKEA and the flea market. After class on Christmas Eve, a bunch of us went to the Canadian Embassy for Christmas service, after which we herded ourselves to a forgettable (but expensive) restaurant that served watery risotto for dinner. It was a cold and snowy night. I remember holding on to a friend while walking to keep warm and avoid slipping on frozen ice. Back at the apartment, me and my roomies sang Christmas carols, greeted each other a merry christmas, and went to bed. The next day, we woke up late and deliberately skipped class. I had lunch with my cousin, my only relative in China, at least to feel the semblance of being home, and went to the mall thereafter with my friends...

Looking back, I can say that it wasn't the best Christmas I've ever had, but probably the most memorable. It taught me a valuable lesson which I try to remember every year. Christmas is not just about the trimmings, the presents and the more frequent dinners and get togethers, Christmas is about love and communion, hope and acceptance, but moreso, something each of us carries anywhere we go. One thing I was most thankful for, was that in the very country where Christianity is forbidden, that Christmas was when I truly found myself seeking for God, and finding Him. It is ironic to find God amidst a populace that does not believe He exists. Nonetheless, that is what exactly happened, and I am eternally grateful, and humbled by that memory.