Christmas Day is done at this time of writing. And for this year, we celebrated it just like an ordinary day.
As an adult, Santa Claus' existence is gone and the magic seems to wear out. We all become realistic. All that I can ever think are the Christmas list I need to finish, gatherings I have to attend and the relaxation that I've been anticipating from my stressed life.
Few months ago, I was so anxious for the traditional Noche Buena with my family. Of course, they expect me to make up something nice for the holidays and so my sister-in-law and I cooked up a get together for the kids (They rarely see each other nowadays) at home then they will wake up altogether on Christmas morning to open their stockings and gifts. This is so far my most exciting in this year's holiday. To witness the warm expression you'll see on kid's faces.
However, plans change all the time and my sister-in law decided they will just visit after Christmas. So it's just me, my father and my son.
The house was uncomfortably silent except for the television humming while my dad and my son attended mass and I, busy preparing food. No children running around the house this year, no one tried to tease me on how they wish everyday is Christmas Day so I'll do the kitchen duty. Nobody pointed fingers on who will wash the dishes after. It was deafening.
Around 11:30pm when the guys in my life came home from Church and from there, they already felt that Christmas is just like Monday, except, we get to sleep late. We ate in silence, talked about plans when the rest of the family comes home. Said our goodnight and prepared for bed.
There was nothing special on Christmas morning as well. We just opened each others presents, said thank-you's, had breakfast and off we went to our own private worlds. I asked my son if there's anything he'd like to do. He just told me he'd rather stay at home and play. My dad, has told me he'll just go to a party nearby. So I gave in. Anyway, it's their choice that will be followed. Whatever that makes them happy, so be it.
I put on low, yet upbeat Christmas songs and danced while I think of something to pass the time. My son laughed, (I guess he thought her mom's acting crazy again) and eventually got tempted and joined me. I just tickled my son's fancy. Few minutes later, we were dancing like the rock stars. I saw my son's face lit up. It was priceless.
What happened next was a quality time between a mother and a son. We never had this moment in his entire existence. We watched Christmas videos and played games. We talked a lot of things the whole day. From the funniest to the most serious of all. Things which I hadn't realized that I will be getting inside an 8-year old's mind. What he said, coming from a child who never stops watching cartoons, who cries his heart out just to get his turn to open his Facebook, was something unbelievable to fathom.
If there is something that I have learned this Christmas, it is that you can always make the day special even if there was nothing much of a festivity going on. As long as you are with the people closest to your heart. And to mark this time of year, I may have just spent the most quiet Christmas, but it's the most magical of all.. I got what i wanted.
