Dear Christmas I Waited So Long

It's been a while since I wrote what was around me. I've been blinded quite a while, writing only things that are inspired by a single entity. Last night, though the sun was away and all that was in the sky were the smallest of twinkling diamonds I've ever seen, I found myself "opening my eyes" to what was really around me. It reminded me of what used to be...of what has always been there but never really took the time to pause and appreciate.

It was a cold night last night. I could not remember the last time I walked under the stars in the plaza of my hometown which has always been there ever since I was born. I cannot remember the last time I set foot in that plaza. It had been so hard to appreciate, having a "fixed" routine. I get up in the morning, dress up and go to work.

As I walked with a couple of friends, the smell coming from the bbq on the grills, the scent of the fishballs cooking, the steam coming from the street food vendors' merchandise, it all reminded me of how my life was as a child, being fascinated with the smallest of things. It was the smell I missed for many years, because I had been "enclosed" and limited with the vehicle and its a/c. Roll- up windows becoming the barrier between me and that nostalgic scent.

Walking through the plaza was not at all tiring. In fact, I took each step around it silently, appreciating the sights I haven't seen in YEARS. I took a deep breath, let the cold wind brush through my shivering body and let my eyes wander, noticing the bright lights, the happy faces of people walking beside me...they only meant to tell me one thing, Christmas has finally arrived in my hometown, but I have always failed to notice. I'm most happy that this time, I no longer missed the chance to notice it before it had gone.

The sounds of the bustling jeeps, and the humming of tricycle engines sounded more like music along with the voices of those around me. It was much different than that other time I consider a milestone when I had to run in the highway because I was late for work. I was happy I get to take each step at my own pace and actually ENJOY walking again. This time, there were no tall buildings, no noisy car horns, no time pressure, no business suits, no traffic lights, NO HEELS, no leather bags...Just me, the road I am taking one happy step at a time, my sneakers, bright Christmas lights, the laughter coming from old and young alike, the cold wind, a velvety night sky and the scents of my childhood.

It is these times when the car horns and engines turn to music...the taste of native delicacies becoming a mass favorite...blinking Christmas lights shaped in many forms becoming a sight to behold...the cold wind becoming a comforting blanket rather than an unimaginable hindrance.

It is the time when the rainbow colors decide to descend from the skies and make their presence known in the dark of nights...when the assorted tones of children's voices singing one common Christmas carol become an amusing rather than annoying sound to hear...Finally, my hometown which is often called the Christmas capital of the Philippines is once again getting its "fire" back.

Dear Christmas I waited so long...I am happy that you have come back, to make me realize what I had been ignoring for a long time, and to make me see how beautiful it is when you are around...

Happy Holidays, my friends! ^__^