I’ll Be Home For Christmas

Lyrics of songs like "I'll be home for Christmas…if only in my dreams," or "Pasko Na,  Sinta ko," have never touched me as it did last night, when we celebrated our first Christmas outside the Philippines. We were singing "Kasadya N'ing Takna-a" with so much vigor that my music teacher would have given me an A+ for vocalization.

Christmas songs have their own unique and special way of  stimulating all kinds of emotions in our hearts.  When the program started with Mauel and Izzai singing a song, I was certain I saw real pride and admiration from their parents, Joy and Jerry (my wife's brother). I knew it was pure admiration because it was how I felt when I saw my daughter, Danika, dancing gracefully, in front of all the friends and family around the living room, in the later part of the program.

When I sang "The Christmas Song" with the twins, Jerry and Jon, I knew the "tiny tots, with their eyes all aglow, will find it hard to sleep tonight." Especially when the most awaited part was announced, and the gifts were distributed, and everybody started unwrapping their gifts, you can see the kids really with eyes all aglow!  Nemai was all smiles when his self-declared parents, Jon and Grace, gave him a gift and he jumped with joy when he got his "baby rocket launcher", Danika beamed with thankful heart when she received the gift that she really prayed for, "The Baby Alive" doll. Izzai and Mauel would need a whole room to stock their gifts on. They are almost covered by the pile of the gifts they received from Mama and Papa, uncles and aunties, and friends. 

And yes, indeed, Christmas breaks all boundaries of space and time. I really wish I was home but then realize that home is where your heart is, and no matter where it would take you, you've got to take the chances for those you care about.

Merry Christmas to all.