Independence Day

The Philippine Independence Day (June 12) just happens to fall on a Sunday. Unlike in previous years, there's no "holiday economics" anymore, so there would not be a non working day during the weekday (usually Monday) in lieu of the Sunday holiday. Sigh.

I noticed, however, that for most Pinoys, Independence Day celebrations are no longer as celebrated as before. Aside from being, hopefully, a respite from work, there is nothing special in that day. Of course, there's the obligatory government ceremonies and celebration, but at the level of common Pinoy, there really is no feeling of it being a big deal. Unlike in the US, where there are Independence Day parades, fireworks, parties complete with July 4th Invitations, and all that jazz. Which is sad, because it actually shows how little pride the average Pinoy has in his country.

I'd love to be corrected.  So if you think that I'm wrong in saying this, do leave a comment and cite examples of how Pinoys are proud of our country.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to everybody! How did you spend your Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?

Like most married couples with kids, we tried to show up at the holiday dinners of both families. My side of the family usually prioritizes the New Year's Eve celebration while my husband's side prioritizes Christmas Eve and Noche Buena. That being the case, early in our marriage we agreed that we go to my mother-in-law's house for Christmas Eve and my grandmother's house for New Year's Eve. It's a happy compromise for us, and our kids get to spend the holidays with both sides of the family.

For the past few days, we've been very busy with preparing gifts for the various people in our lives. I'm the sort to give out "practical gifts" meaning, I'd like people to actually USE the gift. For example, I gave my mother a face cream that she actually uses. That's why I'm a bit partial to toiletries. Unusual things like neos overshoes are reserved for people who actually put them on their wishlist, because these are not exactly cheap and would just be wasted if I gave them to somebody who does not use them at all.  Anyway, it's a lot of fun matching items to recipients.  What's not fun is paying for them!  Hahaha!

As always, the holidays are a lot of fun...but it's kinda tiring too.  I do wish to impart to my kids that this is the season of Christ's birth, a season of hope, of giving and of family.

Merry Christmas, everybody!

Fireworks!

It's the Christmas season and for spouses, there's usually an agreement on where to spend what.

In our case, we usually spend Christmas Eve with my in-laws and New Year's Eve with my folks. Usually it's the evenings that we look forward to. The actual days are usually holidays for recovering from the merrymaking and for lazing around.

Our family no longer lights firecrackers for New Year's. We find it a waste of good money. And since hubby and I are doctors and we have seen the different injuries that might occur with firecrackers, well, we'd rather not risk it anymore. Anyway, there are good fireworks shows around. There's even one that's visible from our bedroom window. We just close the windows, turn on the A/C, lift the blinds and turn off the lights to enjoy a fireworks show, no need for binoculars at all! Free and safe, and without having to inhale all that smoke and soot.  I'm sure we'll get treated to the same thing this year.  It will be a great treat for my little girl, who is already at the age when she could appreciate such things, and my son, who loves such light shows.

Christmas is almost here!

Time flies! We're now on the second half of November. You can't help but notice Christmas peeking around the corner especially with all the Christmas decors and lights around (which reminds me -- we haven't put up our Christmas tree yet!)

I haven't gotten around to making up my Christmas gift list but I suppose I should -- VERY SOON! I might just give *some* youngsters ang pao especially if it's difficult to think of gifts. Key word being "might". I'm also thinking of Red Envelpe gifts for mom on christmas, not the literal ang pao (red envelope) but gift suggestions for women who seem to have everything. Maybe I'm missing something nice that she might enjoy.

Anybody care to give me suggestions? Gifts that won't break the bank please!!!