Of Carols and Gifts
By Angelica Bautista Viloria
December 11, 2000

"Please make me wear a red or green shirt for caroling," went a note that my kid brought home from school. My 4-year old son's Nursery 2 class was going to visit three houses to bring Christmas cheer. Our (my parents' actually) house was lucky enough to have been chosen as one of the houses to be visited.

I was excited at the prospect of having 10 kids sing joyful Christmas carols one Wednesday morning in early December. The parents were instructed to prepare loot bags to reward the kids for their "singing efforts."

The kids were to come to our house at 9:15am and move out before 10 to go to the next house. As we were preparing the house (i.e. making sure the belen/nativity scene and the christmas tree were lighted and that the dancing Santa was properly in place to entertain the kids) and getting the food (yummy cupcakes and juice) ready, I realized that I was really happily anticipating the event. I could hardly wait for the kids to arrive. Then I realized that if only each person could anticipate Christmas or the coming of the Lord that way, wouldn't that be great?

Christmas they say is for kids. But aren't we all? Each of us is a child of God so we should look to the kid in us and look forward with glee to the coming of our Savior. Let us prepare ourselves spiritually. Let us keep the flame of faith alive in us. Let us get ourselves ready by praying, striving to do good, and letting go of hurts, worries, and resentments.

In the Philippines, I have talked to a number of people who are not too keen or excited about celebrating Christmas this year since the economy is not doing too well, they don't have as much money and therefore, worry about the expenses that the celebrations will bring. If you think hard about it, Christmas is really about gifts, though not the material kind that most people fret about these days. It is about the gift of friends, the gift of 10 cute faces joyfully singing Gloria, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Jingle Bells, and We Wish You a Merry Christmas, complete with maracas and tambourines and so much enthusiasm. It is about the gift of family, of a 4-year old son who cleverly thought, initially, that the three wise men brought gifts of gold, Frankenstein, and Dracula. It is about the gift of time, smiles, caring, and encouragement from people around us. Above all, it is about the gift of love from a generous Father Who gave us His only Son.

Life can sometimes be challenging. Situations can sometimes be daunting. At times, we have less material things than we wish we had. In the end, it is all a matter of perspective and believing that everything will turn out for the best. So, have a blessed Christmas everyone. Give thanks. Count your blessings (and I'm sure you have a lot). With faith in the Good Shepherd, we have everything we could ever need this Yuletide season and always.

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