XMAS

       Ahhh xmas, a celebration held in most countries. In my 47 years on earth, today I will sleep it over unlike before. Yes we still have some food like ham, bread, spaghetti and various rice cakes but me and my Mom, we will not wake up at 12 midnight and eat and exchange gifts. This time I decided it to be different. I don't know but maybe, I'm getting tired of it. We did not even bother to put up a xmas tree or hang decorations and lanterns.

       As a child I remember, my parents used to instruct me to hang socks on windows and expect a certain "Santa Claus" to put presents there. Jeez, as a kid I have my doubts. I'm always skeptical. Turns out, my parents are the ones who put the presents. Haha! Anyway, they said it's the thought that counts. During my pre-teen years I used to go to my uncles and aunts plus godmothers and godfathers to ask for "aguinaldos" or xmas money.

       Then I grew up. High school was really fun! I stopped believing in that Santa shit. Haha! I stopped going to my uncles, etc. If they come to our house they give me money, I just accept it. No more begging. Ha! Still we wake up before 12 midnight of December 24 and eat delicious food. I also still go to catholic church for the "simbang gabi" masses.

       During my college years, I rarely received money durng xmas, I rarely go to that church masses. I'm starting to be enlightened. I'm doubting religion and all its other forms. By this time, I am seeing xmas as a very commercial thing. So much buying and waste of food, fuel and it adds to pollution. It is a way of continuously brainwashing people to adhere more to religion.

       By the time I was working in several corporate set-ups, xmas was just a requirement from management. Those stupid department dances, singing, etc. Jeez! I can't stand it. I always try to avoid them or let my subordinates do those damn things. Call me Scrooge or what but it's just not in my genes. 

       For me, xmas is now, truly, a commercial thing. An obsolete tradition that makes people buy things, do things, prepare things for relatives, friends, superiors, etc. I hope it fades away. I'm envious of countries that do not celebrate xmas. They don't have to burden themselves on this. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to stop you from celebrating, this is just my view on things, enjoy it while you can.