Thanksgiving (Not Really A Xmas Post)

Greenbucks is asking about Xmas traditions. I will not be sharing any tradition here as my family do not observe Xmas practices. But instead I will share how I deal with questions asked of me relating to Xmas.

This never fails. Even my colleagues, my neighbors and my friends (who do not fall in the category of close friends or circle of friends, who do not belong in the same church as mine) who have known me for years still ask me the same questions every year.

I am not offended as they are not meant to offend me in any way. My guess is that it's hard for them to grasp somehow that a former Catholic like me was able to let go easily the Xmas practices and beliefs that were supposed to be ingrained in me since childhood. Not to delve on my religiosity and spirituality, all I can say is I have searched and I was answered.

To get on with my sharing, here are the staple questions and my staple answers.

What do you do on Xmas day?
We just stay home. We treat it like an ordinary day. We do entertain visitors. We give tokens or money to the kids who go to the house.

This is one of the opportunities I can pay it forward.

You don't decorate?
No we don't.

Do you cook for Xmas eve?
Not for Xmas eve. But we have some pica-pica or pasta. I also bake (more like try to). Again more for the visitors that go to the house, the kids that will come a-knockin' by the gate. Also to reciprocate the neighbors' tradition of giving food on Xmas eve and the actual day.

Do you keep/buy/give gifts for this occasion?
Yes to all. To my relatives, my god children and to those who are really close to me, they know that I distribute gifts after Xmas or a little after the new year. Perhaps it does not really matter when I give out my gifts, it's the intention that holds more weight to me. Just that I could say this is my personal tradition.

It's more of appreciating a rewarding relationship with the people I love. There are situations that I cannot do anything about like Xmas parties normally held before Xmas holidays. There I am obliged (the act not the giving) to give gift/s to my exchange gift partner/s.

Is it okay for you to attend Xmas parties?
Not to join in any religious ceremonies (which, by the way, no Xmas party I have attended all these years have save for the opening prayer) but to have a get-together with friends and colleagues.

What do you say if you are asked to be a ninang (godmother)?
I don't encourage it but I don't decline when asked. In fact I am elated and I highly appreciate it because it means my friendship is valued or they see something in me that they like. However, I do not attend the ceremonies. There's always a proxy.

Our church has Day of Thanksgiving middle of the year and before the year ends. This is what we prepare for for the whole year.

I treat every occasion in this season as year-end activities. They are all about celebrating the blessings from the year that is about to end and welcoming the coming of a new year with so much excitement and hope. That's what excites me about December, about the holiday season.