In my part of the world this Christmas season, the days are wet. Fat drops of rain are always spilling over, unannounced, unwelcomed. I left the kitchen window open one day and we came home to a massive puddle so messy it’s not funny. The weather’s often unkind, to me at least – I get caught in heavy rain more often than I care to count, my dresses are soaked to a darker colour even when I shrunk as much as I could under the brolly, my new Terra Plana shoes stained the colour of rain on cream. There isn’t the comfortable rhythmic pitter-pattering. Only the loud whooshing, droning of heavy downpour, then sudden whispering of a short drizzle, and back to beating down the concrete again. It’s so wet, this December.
Amidst it all, there was warmth. I know I’m blessed with much, but this year, this year beats it all. Friends send parcels from afar, packages big and small, presents they know I will love. They adorn me with food-primping gadgets, coffee-drinking pretties, handmade cards, the little odd things that I so like but always too reluctant to splurge on. So thoughtful, every little gift I’ve received. It always amazes me how well my friends know me, and how they care to indulge me. I have the most wonderful friends, I swear. And this space, oh this wonderful blog space that I’ve neglected so much. It brought me to the loveliest bunch of people, people I wouldn’t have crossed paths with if not for this. You know who you are – thank you.
The huddy and I made a pact to not exchange presents this year, because we’ve got so much it feels like a mini-sin to take more. So I took that sum to give a little. A little to the students who just have it harder. A little to children who need medical attention. A little to communities who could barely afford the basics. A little to a kid out there. There’s something magical about giving. It makes you want to give more, take less, and appreciate more the things I take.
So this is my Christmas. My heart is light, the homeland is bright. All is right.
Merry merry Christmas.
Merry merry Christmas, to you and the family too.
Thanks dear. You are one of the reasons why this season is so great.
Hi Yuling, I haven’t been blogging in like forever and haven’t visited your blog in ages…just wanna drop by and say hi, Merry Christmas, and may your days continue to be filled with love, joy and happiness
Hey Yixuan! It’s so nice to hear from you! May this season bring you much warmth and love, and a joyous beginning to the new year ahead!
Merry Xmas and happy new year to you and your lovely family! Keep having lots of wonderful, sweet, delightful fun in the homeland!
Thanks, babe! Here’s wishing your beautiful family a bountiful year ahead, filled with treats and smiles and love every single day!
I don’t really like the gift-giving, and am still trying to figure out how to rightly communicate to K & B the tonnes they are receiving… but anyway, you’re right! end-of-year is when we are blessed with much, so it’s a great time to give to the needy… I found another one last year with a great mission! http://www.streetkidsrescue.org
Thanks, will check that out! I hope there’s plenty to go around so everyone gets some love this season!
What a meaningful way to spend Christmas.. by giving to others. A blessed Christmas to you and your lovely family!
Blessed Christmas to you and the man too! Keep warm where you are!
Blessed Christmas (belated) to you, babe! Always thankful at how we got into each other’s lives.
Same here! Always thankful for having met you again this way, and having such a friendship! Blessed holidays, dear!