Three Christmases

Christmas is a season of joy for many but I know of some people who find this holiday of cheers a normal, regular day for them.  Not for me!  Though I stopped decorating the house like I used to, blame it to my laziness to put them away later, I still find some time to put a few.

I don't usually walk inside malls as I have no intention of doing any shopping. However, the festivities inside the malls are the first indication that Christmas is arriving.  I don't hear any jingle bells or sleigh ride songs as this is predominantly a Buddhist country but mind you, come December, the air will be filled with the holiday songs.

This Christmas, I took time to re-read the story of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and thought of writing a blog post about Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future.  They wouldn't be in any way a written post about regrets, aspirations and goals or even ghosts, but merely a summary of my Christmas in three time periods.

Since we were never rich, I get my Christmas presents from two people every year when I was young.  My aunt would usually give us a present each, shipped from her hometown that we get to open on the eve of Christmas.  A godmother from abroad would send me a small package during this special holiday and I often get toys from her. We would have a small gathering of sort at home with family members and relatives to celebrate the holiday as well as my mum's birthday which also falls on the 25th. This was Christmas Past.


I celebrate Christmas by putting up small decors without the big tree.  I stay home during the break as there is nothing much to do. I believe that a visit to the church and temple suffice the celebration I intend to do.  I don't even go out for dinner or get-togethers as most of the families I know are also away for the holidays.  I have not been going 'home' since my mum's demise.  This is Christmas present. 

I will probably be the recluse though not the scrooge for the next 'few' Christmases I will be experiencing.  No celebrations of grandeur will ever replace the joy of family get togethers and filial relations of Christmas Past.  It will then be a more quiet and subtle way of celebrating at home, and in my heart. This will be Christmas Yet to Come.

Though I long for Christmas Past, it can never come back but the vibrant and vivid memories linger throughout.  Though I don't see Christmas Present as joyous, I still find solace in the peacefulness it brings to men's hearts and mine. Though I still have to see Christmas Future, it wouldn't be bleak because it is my most awaited time of the year, thus I still get excited. 

All then is to be merry and bright this coming Christmas holidays.  For now, happy weekend!