Christmas Day is fast approaching. Probably a lot of Filipinos are out for their Christmas shopping (despite the pandemic). I, too, am thinking that if I have the money for this season, I'd probably be out as well (I guess having none is a blessing in disguise for me to stay away from COVID-19).

By the way, Merry Christmas! Indeed, this Christmas is not our usual one. We still have the threat of the virus keeping us away from get togethers and family reunions. But for me, this is the season when I have nothing. I mean, no money to spend. NADA.

As a kid, my memory of Christmas is a pocket full of money and plenty of toys given to me as gifts. Pure joy. As I grew older, it turned to pockets full of money from my 13th month pay which will be given to nieces and nephews and godchildren. Still, I am happy. One of the things I look forward to every Christmas is the feast prepared at our table. But this time, NOTHING. Empty pocket. Zero cash. But believe it or not, I am more than happy.

MONEY IS NOT EVERYTHING.

Living for the past 26 years, it was only now that I realize that there are far more important things to celebrate this Christmas other than money, gifts, and feasts. Christmas is meant to be celebrated because Christ was born, and He was because God loves us. I am thankful for this circumstance I am in, that I realize that I can be truly happy with having nothing this season because I have my family to spend my time with. We don't have much at our table but as long as we are together celebrating the reason for this season, it is more than enough.

I may have nothing now, but because I have my family, I have everything. :) Merry Christmas to all of us!