Silent Night, Holy Night

I can feel the coming of Christmas, faintly compared to the Christmases when the family would get together in our modest abode when my mother, the late Perpetua Estampador was still alive. Her presence was so strong that we felt that everything that happens with and in us has to be celebrated with great attention and excitement. I could still remember her tin foil stars which she had collected the whole year from our Nido consumption or her ever beautiful Belen (Nativity Scene) which we have exchanged with coke bottle caps. The well preserved Christmas garlands and stockings and other small embellishments will be washed and cleaned before the month of November ends.

What about our Christmas tree? Oh yes, my mother was against buying a ready made nylon or plastic tree because for her it lessens our creativity and hinders us from digging inside us and feel what we are here for. She has taught us the great use of our ingenious minds and we have made use of her teachings.

This year, after doing Vresco Office’s Christmas décor, RCBC, and one prominent family’s residence, I have finally done my Christmas rituals. Even though I would be spending the holidays alone since my father has gone to Manila to celebrate the season with my elder brother and his family, I will not be feeling that “so alone” feeling or the spirit of love shines the vacant home that used to be full of laughter and drama.

It has been said that the Christmas season is a time for reunions, food, giving and forgiving. Well, that is just they say for their family is just complete and in perfect attendance. Mine has one root taken and suddenly every branch seems to wilt slowly.

The passing of one strong foundation in a family can cause a lot of changes and the change is very evident in mine. But what can one do? We just have to be strong and be contented and happy for the other branches of the family are still bearing fruits and flowers.

In a silent Christmas like mine this year, I would just sing a silent Christmas carol as I sit and look at the Christmas lights that do not appear to be breathing with brightness and listen to the carolers from the next house and lull myself to sleep.

“Silent night, Holy night
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from thy Holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth…”

It would be the day after Christmas tomorrow; I still have the New Year to worry.