Happy Christmas

It was a quiet, uneventful Christmas spent at home with family but I loved every minute of it. The playtime with the kids, the downtime, the food, the cool breeze, the Sunday night mass, watching Midnight in Paris to cap off the Christmas day... they're all lovely. We may not have much but I'm really thankful for everything...

For my husband who's always been my friend and a great partner in life.

For my darling daughters who've been so wonderful they never fail to cheer me up.

For my parents who've always been supportive.

For friends from work and school. Some of them I don't get to see often but whose friendship I treasure very much.

For ALL the blessings really.

As I'm typing this post, the stars right outside our bedroom's veranda were shining brightly reminding me of things that truly matter in life -- love and family. I'm happy. Sometimes, it's a work-in-progress but still I'm thankful. Whatever I have and whoever I am now is because of what I've gone through and I guess that makes happiness even more special.

I prayed for a lot of things this Christmas.

For my husband and myself to continue to have that love, understanding and patience towards each other's flaws. To be good examples to our kids, be good providers and be better parents. To always be strong in the midst of challenges.

For my kiddos to grow up to be loving, obedient, God-fearing and lovely people inside and out.

For my parents to be strong.

For good health and safety for all of us.

I prayed, too, for those who've been hit by tragedy and to all others who've been struggling. May they find strength and continue to have faith AND hope that this too shall pass and everything will be better.

Christmas is so much more that just getting presents. This is something you realize when you get older. I miss those days when I had nothing to worry but new clothes, and when and where the next party would be but at this point in my life, Christmas becomes truly special when my family is healthy and we're together.

Happy Christmas everyone.