Christmas with kids... For kids...

For many years, we've spent Christmas just the five of us somewhere away from home... It's a rarity for us to celebrate Christmas with a big family together with extended relatives especially since my mom's family migrated elsewhere and her parents died (grandparents). My dad's side should be bigger but a lot of them have also migrated and the few left, my dad is not really that tight-knit... So our way of celebrating Christmas is not the typical Filipino family reunion type (nor even new year).
This year was definitely memorable... There's a certain nostalgia to it reminding me of my childhood days when we'd go home to the province, head to the small farm where my grandparents had this little nipa hut, have lunch under a tree then after us kids would just play etc. I missed those days and it was too bad my sister no longer had the chance to experience it... Spending time with the relatives of my cousin's partner in Ilocos was almost like that except that it was way better while reminding you of the simplicity of life... Growing up in the confines of the city and the materialism that comes along with it, you can't help but think that their life is not easy just because they don't live the same way as you do or afford the same gadgets and thingamajings that you have. Then it hits you, they don't really need it and nor are they green-eyed hungry for material stuff. They may not have a lot in your eyes but they make do (more like nurture) with what they have and that is their wealth.
Christmas Eve 2012 was better because there were 8 simple, innocent, well-mannered but playful kids who brought life to the party. Watching them play, enjoy the games and treats, basically having fun brought joy to us adults who seem to have forgotten how to do so without being constrained by all the complications and inhibitions we develop as we grow old. Their parents and also Our gracious hosts, who just like any typical Filipino who would try to serve as much as they could even when they don't have a lot just to make the guests feel special and taken care of, reminded me of why we should stay grounded and humble. We are so blessed and lucky to be living relatively comfortably but we shouldn't forget to share...
An eve well-spent and worth remembering... Now my mom's looking forward to hers getting extended and having kids... She might have to wait on that though. How long? I wish soon but then we'd have to trust and believe in the Lord for that... in His time...