Thoughts About December

This is the month that gets people in a frenzy. I do not share in the rush. I sought myself why I am against being pushed into doing things that pertain to celebrating some days in December.

There are things I did before, and with careful thought, I ceased from doing them.

Decorate with a plastic "Christmas Tree". Right. I find live trees everywhere in my place. The evergreen tree that stood in the house of people in some countries were there because their surroundings were buried in snow. So before thick snow comes to cover their greenery, they cut the top of evergreens and place one inside their house to make wintry days less dreary. The Philippines has known no snow around it eversince I can remember.

Bring home the Reindeer-dragging-a-sleigh decoration. I love seeing deers and other forest animals. But for me, the reindeer decorated with a sleigh on snow is not part of my reality. The only similar stuff I witnessed was the wooden version of a sleigh -- dragged by a cow or a carabao.

Buy statue of the Big Fat Man. They call him Santa. I discovered Santa wasn't real when one night of a December 24 in my 9th year, I saw my mom stuffing toys, money and chocolates in the sock that they told me to hang by the door. Santa was not the one who gave me gifts. I do believe that there was a man that was generous long ago and he gave gifts to people during December. But he did that to express his love to his fellow. So people kind of remembered him for his good works. I choose not to buy his image.

Lighting my house in a pompous fashion and with all kinds of colored bulbs. Though I love, love lights, buying too much lighting for temporary use is expensive, and it makes the surroundings hotter.

I am not against people celebrating the love of God for them. Yet I do not favor the commercialism and the superfluous spending for things that are for seasonal use only. I'd rather see people radiate real change in themselves than get so busy buying things here and there, getting into debt because they are pressured to purchase or give for the sake of certain dates that we celebrate during December.

I disagree with coercing people to exchange gifts and contributing large sums for the sake of making a party more exciting. I disagree with too much partying that you find no time for the true life you are living. I disagree on gathering people only because it's a must to have a reunion.

I live life with a different perspective. Others may see it as joyless, I consider it practical living. I say No to excesses in anything: party, gift giving and even travel. I've had enough of these activities that give a false impression of happiness and having a lot money to spend. Most people I know are drained and depleted after December.

If I have to give, let it be giving from the heart. If I have to spend for something, let it be something useful. If I have to go someplace, let it be a journey which is an expression of my freedom to roam and not because I had to outdo the travels made by my peers.

And I am not less lonely because I changed perspectives. I ponder the path I take and the decisions I make. I do not worship My Lord less because I choose not to do some things. This is heartfelt existence. Life is still good, and a lot peaceful this way.

Here's to being real,