Aaaaaaand it’s DECEMBER already!!! Because it’s the first day of Christmas (is it??? start na ba ng sambaing gabi?), I am giving you an early Christmas gift. If you like the late ROBIN WILLIAMS, then CLICK HERE to watch his LAST EVER movie, A MERRY FRIGGIN’ CHRISTMAS! before it even comes out in the Cinemas here. Cheers! :-*

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“A Merry Friggin’ Christmas follows Boyd Mitchler (Joel McHale) and his wife Luann (Lauren Graham) as they spend a dreaded Chrismas with Boyd’s father Mitch (Robin Williams) and his family of misfits. Upon realizing that he has left all of his son’s gifts at home, Boyd hits the road with his father and younger brother in an attempt to make the 8-hour round trip before sunrise.” Enjoy! <3

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This story is about a father-son’s topsy turvy relationship. Kinda hits close to home for me. Out of all the Christmases I’ve had -17 of which my dad was alive, I can only distinctly remember 1 Christmas with him. I was 14 or 15 I think? My parents lived separately for a good number of reasons. And we went to visit him one Christmas day.

I remember a stoic atmosphere with my other relatives from his side of the family. And as far as gifts went, come opening time, he called us to form a line & gave each of us similar unmarked envelopes with a corporate check inside. We all had the same gift -a check for 800 pesos. #mostmemorablechristmaseverspentwithdad

It reeeeeally made me feel so special, getting the same gift and same amount as all of my cousins. That’s the most personal he’s gotten with me through all the years. And that’s the only memory I have of Christmas with him. Sad, isn’t it? Not because of the material things I wish I had gotten. But gosh, a pat on the head would have been good, just to separate me from all my cousins. I am after all, his child! @_@

I guess growing up in such situations have hardened my heart through the years & toughened me up so I grew up not expecting. Gifts were a rarity, almost non-existent. What we wanted, my mom bought for us. No wrappings necessary. I remember mostly trees at home over the years with empty boxes wrapped up & used for decoration purposes only. Christmas came & went like a regular day. Which is why Christmas is so important for me this present time. I really take pains in preparing simple, yet sentimental holiday decors & wrapping gifts for my own kids to open. And I am a stickler for family tradition. Something I never had growing up.

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My Christmas tree may be small & outdated, same year after year, but it brings so many happy memories of Chistmases spent with my loving hubby & kids that I can’t bear to part with anything due to sentimental reasons. That personalized Winnie the Pooh tree skirt has been with me ever since the kids were just crawling & has seen so many jolly Christmasses with The GOppets. I will never exchange it for something elegant -simply because the memories it brings me is so priceless.

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The Chirstmas story above for the father & son had a good & happy ending. Too bad I can’t say the same with mine. My dad died alone, unloved, and there was no chance for us to kiss & make up before the end came. But thankfully, God gave me a new story. A new life filled with love, and happiness, and so much attention, tight hugs & sloppy kisses. Of all the Christmas gifts I could have ever hoped or wished for, He gave to me my gifts perfectly wrapped, individually marked, and presented with love. Mi familia. <3 It doesn’t take away past hurts, or diminish it. But it sure makes up for my sad past super kaduper big time! 😉

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I make make sure with every fiber of my being that my kids grow up feeling loved, appreciated, and very much wanted. <3

Than you so much God for making it up to me! 🙂