Christmas Lanterns

Christmas is not complete without lanterns. Its always part of the celebration. Some make them throughout the year. Others are decorating and putting it already first day of September. Everywhere we can see them.

I was amazed by this lanterns displayed at 2^nd floor Limketkai Center. Unique and recycled, its made of straws and used wrappers of foods. Filipinos are truly artistic and initiative. Once again, this makes me proud to be PINOY!

our christmas prayer

O merciful God, we thank you for Christmas time and all that it means to us.

When Jesus, Your divine Son, came into this world, He came into a humble home. He had to grow up and learn like any other boy. When He grew into manhood He did always a good day’s work as a carpenter in the village shop of Nazareth. He was tempted and grew tired, was hungry and sad, just as we are. For all this we Thank You, O lord.

He was always one in all things with His brethren; He truly shared this life with its struggles and its toils, its sorrows and its joys, its trials and its temptations. He knew what it is to live in a home circle, to earn a living, just as we do, to know friendship and the failure of friends, just as we know it. For all this we Thank You; for the service of His life, the love of His death and the power of His Resurrection.

Grant, O God, that when He comes to us. He may find that there is room in our hearts for Him, that Christmas may enter into our inner part and abide there forevermore.

Thank you very much for giving Jesus Christ to save us from our sins. Thank you for all the blessings you’ve given to us. AMEN.

my christmas wish list

All of us do have wishes this Christmas. Here’s mine.

1. stable job/income
2. peace of mind
3. good health for our family especially for kids
4. my painful right foot-ankle will be alright
5. money for my papers for work
6. another bag for my collection (hehehehe)
7. a cell phone
8. money for my ipod and psp, it’s been sleeping in a pawnshop (hehehehehe)

To my relatives and friends, if you happen to read this, now you know what I want (hehehehe).

10 Commandments of holiday weight control

1. Thou shalt step on the scale once a week. It will tell you if you are on or off your plan. Basic rule: same scale, same time, same day of the week.

2. Thou shalt not skip workouts. Exercise burns calories and helps you control your weight but only if you work out on a regular basis.

3. Honor thy need for sweets. Go ahead, have a goody. Just keep it small. Savor your treat by eating slowly, and the taste will go a long way.

4. Thou shalt never say, “I blew it at lunch, so I may as well pig out at dinner. “ Forgive yourself for the slip and go back to your plan of moderate, healthy eating.

5. Thou shalt prepare thyself for partying by taking the edge off thy hunger. Before leaving the house, eat a small ampunt of lean protein. This way, you won’t be seduced by all those incredibly rich, caloric hors ‘oeuvres.

6. Thou shalt go easy at the buffet table. Go up and survey the spread first. Fill up on the plate of fresh fruits and vegetables, then choose tiny tastes of your favorite foods.

7. Thou shalt keep thy body properly hydrated. Skip the soda and juice (which are loaded with calories) and go for good old H2O.

8. Thou shalt make sensible substitutions in thy favorite holiday dishes. Bake plain sweet potatoes and forget the butter.

9. Thou shalt always include a steamed vegetable at holiday meals. Even if it is just for you.

10. Thou shalt not hoard leftovers. Keep the meat, the baked sweet potatoes, the veggies, and the salad. Send the high calorie goodies home with guests, or give them to a homeless shelter.

Source: Good Housekeeping 2004

True Meaning of Christmas

It is an understatement to say that Christmas is our favorite holiday. We will hear songs like “ Jingle Bells,“ ,“ Joy to the World” , “ Pasko na Naman “ being hummed by Filipinos young and old played endlessly on the airwaves. Yes, we Filipinos embrace the holiday season with so much glee!

As a result, we tend to get even busier, with the list of gifts that we have to buy, wrap, and give. Then there are parties that need to be organized. Are we overlooking the real meaning behind all these festivities? Are we also passing on a misdirected notion to our children that Christmas, instead of being time to give love, is an occasion to attend parties and receive gifts? If you are one of the many families longing to put some meaning to your Christmas celebrations, then the following ideas may be of help:

Remember the Nativity. The story of the Little Baby boy born to a Virgin in a cold manger is the real reason for all the celebration. Let’s put His story back at the heart of Christmas. Hearing mass together, recounting the year’s milestones, and joining each other in a prayer of thanks are other good practices.

Spend quality time with the family. Another characteristic unique to us Filipinos is the way we make the season truly family-oriented. This year, as you visit Lolo and Lola, surprise them by having your children practice traditional Filipino customs that show love and respect, e.g. pagmamano and use of po and opo. You can also ask the children to prepare a song and dance number to present to the family.

Rekindle ties with your grandparents. Somewhere along the road to adulthood, we may lost touch with our birth godparents. For sure, they will be glad to know how you are doing and be pleasantly delighted that you took the time to check on them.

Exchange Christmas cards and personal favors with your family. Ideally, gifts are given to people we love. This Christmas, you might want to consider exchanging Christmas cards and “personal favor certificates”. By exchanging genuinely heartfelt messages, you will be literally giving each other the gift of thoughtfulness, time and love.

Show appreciation for your neighbors. Christmas is also the perfect time to express our thankfulness to people who help us in small ways. Remember people who make each day of the year more manageable for you, the neighbor, the bank teller who never fails to assist you with a smile, the loyal household help.

Share your blessings with the less fortunate. One very important lesson you can impart to your children – Christmas is the time to remember how much they have been blessed. Let them experience giving back to the less fortunate. Share a portion of your family’s precious time by joining your church or local community in distributing food, used clothing, and toys. Provide financial assistance to a chosen child for his schooling and everyday needs.

This year, consider humming a different Christmas tune. Share your time and affection and be more understanding and considerate to others. Together with your whole family, rediscover and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Merry Christmas everyone!

Source: Nestle magazine