♫♪And the thing that will make them ring is the carol that you sing
Right within your heart♪♪♫
Yes, my favorite time of the year is almost here. Next Sunday is the start of the Advent season, the beginning of another liturgical calendar, a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the Nativity of Jesus. I love the ritual of praying and watching the lighting of the first Advent candle, it signals the official start of the most joyous season of the year.
I am glad there is always YouTube to provide the music, I won’t have to take out all the Christmas CDs which are usually mixed with other DVDs the kids have accumulated through the years. Listening to Christmas carols all day long, singing along and belting out those familiar tunes and inspiring words. Truly, it warms the heart. I love the Christmas album of the Günter Kallman Choir, the cool voice of Johnny Mathis, the romantic way our very own Jose Marie Chan sings his Christmas compositions, Jason Mraz’ version of Winter Wonderland and the Pilipino Christmas songs from way back which speak of how we Filipinos celebrate Christmas. The latter would make you dance, stomp your feet and sing the familiar Tagalog lyrics. Talk of tinolang manok, lechon, salabat, bibingka, puto bungbong, hot tsokolate and such recipes and delicacies that you can only find here. The joys of meeting friends and relatives, the fun of watching little kids singing their versions of Christmas carols and shouts of “namamasko po” and your shouts of “patawad” because there are no more loose coins in your pocket.
Gifts are wrapped finally but I think I would have to make another trip to the mall for those I haven’t marked on my list yet. We have put up some Christmas decorations but don’t have the lights yet anywhere outside the house. And it is this time of year that I am sure Nate would love to celebrate with us. He is three years old now and can appreciate even small gifts that he receives. I love how his eyes light up and his whole face transforms into a smile while uttering a single word “wow”.
Hmmm….now I’m counting! Did I say there are twenty-nine days to go before Christmas?
This is definitely your time of year, Arlene. I am pleased to read about your excitement, and anticipation of the coming season. For many of us, it just signals stress, and complicated organisation, but for you it seems to bring genuine joy, and that’s what it should all be about.
Very best wishes from England. Pete.
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“it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas”….thanks Pete. You don’t need to be stressed, simple celebration means a lot too.
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Lovely post. I’m hoping for a simple yet special Christmas celebration this year – hopefully not too much stress, just a focus on family and the true meaning of Christmas. Blessings to you and yours in the Advent lead up.
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Thanks Miriam. I hope you’ll have a happy and meaningful celebration of Christmas.
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Thanks very much Arlene
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🙂
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very exciting times ahead, Arlene! 🙂
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It’s December and i am excited lolaWi
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I was trying to search for my father’s urologist and it happened that you have the same. When I googled it, your blog appeared as a link. As I read it, I felt peace in your experience and the way you narrated it. My father is being ruled out for an infection or a more serious disease. I hope its the former. Thanks Arlene for your writings. It gives inspiration.
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Thanks Vetto that you find inspiration here. I hope your father is okay now.
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