What is Christmas to you?

.....a time for giving
.....spending time with your family and loved ones

......time for partying

......time to reaquaint oneself with God

......time to reflect back on the year that has just gone by

To me, Christmas was never a very significant time of the year as I grew up a Buddhist. Also, growing up in Malaysia, where Chinese New Year and Hari Raya celebration are more felt than Christmas, well at least to me! However, this past few years since coming to the US and after knowing Chris, the meaning of Christmas has changed for me. For one, we have been putting up Christmas tree at our home the past 3 years and on Christmas day, out of nowhere, there would be presents under the Christmas tree for each one of us. Would it be any different this year? (Hint! Hint!) Haha.....another ritual that we do is to go to church on Christmas morning to attend masses. It's nice to see everyone in a Christmas mood, all dressed up in their best suits. Best of all is the Christmas carols that is sung. They sound a lot more familiar to me than the usual hymns.

This year Christmas will be different for me as I have the whole family here with me. When I said whole family, I meant the whole family.

We have dad, mum, sis, sis' friend, ah boy, Chris, me and Zoey. Normally, it's just the three of us. But this year, my parents have decided to forgo the warm and humid weather of Malaysia to be with us in this cold and windy winter.

I must admit that December is never the best time for me. I always feel the most depressed during this month because it's so cold that you feel like being in bed under the covers most of the time. Moreover, it gets dark early outside.

This year, I'm not going to complain about the cold weather or having to work during Christmas week. I'll just rejoice in the fact that my family is here with me and appreciate the time we have together. Family reunions like this are difficult to come by especially when we have all grown up and move away from home.

Merry Christmas everyone and may you all rejoice in everything you have and appreciate the people in your lives. Now, off to open my presents!

National Christmas Tree

What is the National Christmas Tree, one might ask. In the United States, a large tree near the White House is decorated as the National Christmas Tree. The grand illumination of the Christmas lights on the tree by the President of the United States early in the Christmas season is an annual televised event and a month-long festivities known as the Pageant of Peace. Nearby smaller trees and other decorations leading up to the National Christmas Tree are referred to as the Pathway to Peace. (source: Wikipedia)

The lighting of the National Christmas Tree is just one part of what has become a major event at the White House -- the Christmas Pageant of Peace first established in 1954). Activities include featured guest performers, strolling costumed entertainers, and more than 50 volunteer choirs, gospel groups, bell ringers, and cloggers providing live musical performances.

What once was a single Christmas tree, now includes a main tree with 56 smaller trees - one for each state, territory, and the District of Columbia -- lining the Pathway of Peace. (source: about.com)

On Dec 6th, President Bush and the First Lady led a countdown to the lighting of the National Christmas Tree to mark the beginning of this sharing season.
Hmmm....it's time to put up my own Christmas Tree too.