Christmas Archives - Truly Rich and Blessed

When Christmas Doesn’t Feel Like Christmas

December 27, 2017 by Tina

It’s 3.20 a.m. here in Manila, and it’s the Third Day of Christmas. I woke up earlier because I felt like I was going to throw up (yes, I felt the urge while I was sleeping; no, I didn’t throw up and no, I’m not pregnant! #justsaying). I couldn’t get back to sleep so I prayed the Divine Mercy Prayer, which is usually prayed at 3 p.m. I wonder what the Holy Family was doing at this time, 2017 years ago. What Mama Mary must have been feeling. Did she have the “Christmas feels” as we like to call our feelings during this time of the year? Feelings of joy, comfort, peace, hope? Or did she have mixed feelings and emotions?

Reflecting on all this, and knowing that I “should” have the “Christmas feels” but the truth is Christmas doesn’t feel like Christmas too much right now, I take comfort in the “imperfect,” “not Pinterest-worthy” Instagram posts of fellow Catholic moms like , , and .

I know how challenging these busy but beautiful holy-days can be… so I’m sharing this photo of the altar in our bedroom as a “sign” of camaraderie and unity – yes, we still haven’t changed our altar cloth (purple is for Advent – maybe we’ll just keep it on till Lent?! Ha, ha!) and the only reason our nativity set pieces are where they’re supposed to be is because the 8-year-old placed them there.

As I write this, there is a huge pile of clothes in our living/dining area that need to be packed for an upcoming trip to visit extended family. There are more clothes in laundry baskets and drying on clotheslines to be folded, and more to be washed (praying the weather will cooperate so the laundry will dry faster!).

My husband and I’s hopes of doing some much-needed decluttering and deep cleaning during the holidays won’t be happening because of the previously mentioned trip. Which means the New Year will come and the apartment will still be in the (sorry) state it’s in now.

There is work to be done. (No vacation leave for work-at-home-and-everywhere-else moms like me! Ha, ha!) This blog is in a state of neglect. There are homeschooling-related tasks that need to be done as well. Etcetera, etcetera.

Well, you can probably see what I’m getting at now. I could go on and on “whining” but I won’t. Because, despite everything, there is SO much to be grateful for.

There are thousands, even millions, of people here in the Philippines and around the world who would probably trade places with me in an instant. Typhoon victims. Fire victims. Victims of armed conflict. So many people who are suffering, so many people in pain, so many who have lost their lives even.

Closer to home, I have friends and family members whose Christmases will never be the same because they have lost loved ones or have loved ones who are seriously ill.

All of these make my complaints seem so shallow now. So selfish. I have so much to be thankful for. Many days though, I fail to see them. I am too tired. Too preoccupied. Too focused on the “have nots” and “shoulds” and endless “to-do’s.”

So, yet again, I choose. I choose to be grateful.

Thank You, Jesus, for being the Gift you are to me, to my family, to all of us.

Thank You for the blessings *and* the burdens of this life — reminders that this world is not our Home.

Thank You for being born so that You could die and rise again… just for us.

Thank You for always being there for us… even when Christmas doesn’t feel like Christmas at times.

I’ve said this before but I’ll say it again:

Happy Birthday, Jesus! We love You!

How’s the Christmas season going for you so far, friend? Whatever you’re feeling now, I pray that God gives you the comfort, joy, peace, and hope that you need! God bless you!

Christmas In Our Hearts (Plus Ideas for Celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas)

December 28, 2016 by Tina

The Christmas season has officially begun and, as of this writing, we are celebrating the Fourth Day of Christmas. Most of our family’s Christmas presents have been unwrapped, though we’re saving some for the Feast of the Epiphany (so the kids can receive gifts just like Jesus did!).

Now, I’m going to be completely honest and tell you that Christmas this year hasn’t been as stress-free (or at least “stress-less”) as I’d hoped it would be! We had a family member coming home to the Philippines on a surprise visit, so adding that factor to the reunions and other gatherings we are expected to attend during these holy-days, our schedule has been kind of crazy so far.

Because of our crazy schedule going from one family gathering to another, we only got to “reveal” the Baby Jesus image in our nativity set in the afternoon of Dec. 26!

Still, I ~~shouldn’t be~~ am not complaining. We are so, so, so very blessed to be celebrating Christmas with loved ones — something that millions, even billions, of people around the world can’t do for some reason or another.

There are so many people out there who can’t even feel the Christmas spirit because they are hurting or hungry or alone or mourning the loss of loved ones or have become victims of natural calamities (like the Typhoon Nina victims here in the Philippines), victims of war, etcetera, etcetera.

So despite facing backlogs related to work, homeschooling, home organization (what organization?!), and the like, all of which I would love to be done with before the New Year starts (Lord, I know You’re a God of miracles! 😉 ), I choose to be grateful. I choose to have Christmas in my heart and share it with others.

I invite you to do the same. Let’s hold Christmas in our hearts not just during the Christmas season but beyond it as well.

Here’s an oldie but goodie Christmas song from Jose Mari Chan that I hope will remind you — remind us — about the true meaning of Christmas, and how to keep Christmas in our hearts:

(I know the lyrics are included in the video above, but I’ll still share them below:)

Whenever I see girls and boys
Selling lanterns on the street
I remember the child in the manger as He sleeps
Wherever there are people
Giving gifts exchanging cards
I believe that Christmas is truly in our hearts
Let’s light our Christmas trees for a bright tomorrow
Where nations are at peace,
And all are one in God

[Chorus:]
Let’s sing Merry Christmas and a happy holiday
This season may we never forget the love we have for Jesus
Let Him be the one to guide us as another new year starts
And may the spirit of Christmas be always in our hearts

In every prayer and every song
The community unites celebrating the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ
Let love like that starlight on that first Christmas morn
Lead us back to the manger where Christ the Child was born
So come let us rejoice
Come and sing the Christmas carol with one big joyful voice
Proclaim the name of the Lord

By the way, in case you are looking for ideas for celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas or the Christmas season, I found this super useful post from Better Than Eden (which has FIFTY ideas, wow!). Of course, you can also refer to my favorite #LiturgicalLiving sites and for more ideas. If you want, you can also check out my old post here.

Again, from our family to yours, we pray you are having a blessed and beautiful Christmas season!

Did this post encourage or inspire you somehow? Please feel free to share it with others. God bless you!

3 Ways to Make Meaningful Memories This Christmas Season

December 24, 2016 by Tina

The Christmas season is about to begin, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who is excited about it. Yes, Christmas is a very special time indeed, mainly because of the One who is the main Reason for the season: the Birthday Celebrant Himself, Jesus Christ.

Christmas is also special because we have more opportunities to make meaningful memories with our loved ones — not that we can’t do so during other times of the year, but the Christmas holidays are extra special, don’t you think so? There is just something different, almost magical even, about the whole season.

Now, I’m sure you all have your own activities and plans for Christmas but please allow me to share a few suggestions for beautiful memory-making, in case you’re looking for ideas:

1. Make Christ the center…

…of all your Christmas merry-making.

Go to Mass on Christmas Day.

Celebrate Christmas all throughout the season, not just on Dec. 25. (Here are some ideas.)

Pray together with your loved ones every day and thank God for the gift of Jesus, His Son.

2. Share your blessings…

…especially with those who are not able to enjoy Christmas like other “ordinary folks” do.

Christmas is a great time for sharing and caring, so involve your loved ones — your family and friends — and reach out to those in need.

Our family plans to perform “random acts of kindness/mercy” somehow on Christmas Day, even if it’s just giving out bread or other food items to poor kids on the streets, or something like that. (I’m actually hoping we can do this every day of the Christmas season.)

3. Have fun…

…with the people you love. Enjoy this precious time with those near and dear to you.

Squeeze in extra time for snuggles over hot chocolate.

Say “yes” to their requests for a family movie night at home.

You might even want to treat them to a special experience, like watching Le Grand Cirque, which is set to dazzle audiences from Dec. 25, 2016 to Jan. 3, 2017 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Le Grand Cirque is a big-scale circus production featuring an electrifying show of acrobatics, aerial tricks, white-knuckle stunts, and precision skills. Its world-class artistes from Europe, Canada, and the United Kingdom have captivated millions of audiences all over the world. Watch the preview below and you’ll see why:

Dubbed by the press as the ‘Next Generation of Cirque du Soleil,’ this heart-pounding Las Vegas-style extravaganza promises action, glitz and glamour. It’s even been described in the press as “a glittering spectacle” that “defies gravity and belief,” and touted to be a “real family entertainment.”

By God’s grace, our family was given two free tickets to Le Grand Cirque — an answered prayer of sorts because Rysse had been asking Anthony and me for weeks before Christmas if we could buy tickets and watch the show. So getting free tickets was a great blessing indeed! (Thank you, Araneta Group!)

Since Baby Titus is currently in his “separation anxiety stage,” Anthony was the one who took Rysse to watch it, as part of their monthly “daddy-daughter-date.” I asked her what she thought of it and this is what she had to say: “My favorite part was all of it; I didn’t want to leave!”

(Since our daughter truly enjoyed her date with her Papa, I suggest you date your loved ones at Le Grand Cirque, too, if you can — tickets can be bought here. You can also check their for more details and updates.)

Of course, the aforementioned are not the only things you can do to make meaningful memories this Christmas season. There are SO many other ways; so many other activities! Whatever you choose to do, I hope and pray that you don’t lose sight of the REAL meaning of Christmas, i.e. to celebrate Jesus’ birth.

From our family to yours, may you have a beautiful and blessed Christmas season!

Do you have your own suggestions for making meaningful memories this Christmas season? Feel free to share them in the comments section below. And if you found this article useful somehow, please do share it with others. Thank you!

The Best Christmas Gifts… for Jesus

December 19, 2016 by Tina

I saw this image on Facebook earlier, on a dear friend‘s page, and was inspired to write this post. The days are getting busier and busier so it is my prayer and hope that God will use these words to encourage and bless you somehow.

Most of us are probably still busy trying to find the best Christmas gifts for our loved ones while trying to avoid the stress that is usually associated with the holiday season.

But have we stopped and thought about the best Christmas gifts we could give the Birthday Celebrant this December 25? The Reason for the season, as they say?

Of course, if you really think about it, what can we offer the One who will be celebrating His birthday very, very soon?

After all, everything comes from Him, right?

He is the Source of everything. He created everything! So He actually does not need anything from us.

Well, that’s true.

Sort of.

But because of free will, there are some things He does not have unless we give them to Him freely:

Our hearts.

Our time.

Our attention.

Our love.

Our lives.

So as Christ’s birthday draws near, I want all of us — myself included — to think about this question very carefully, and answer it wholeheartedly:

What gifts shall we give Him this Christmas and beyond?

Want to share your answer with me? Go ahead and leave a comment! And if you feel like this is a message that should be shared, feel free to click any of the buttons below. 🙂 God bless you!

5 Ways to a Less Stressful Holiday Season

December 13, 2016 by Tina

The holidays are almost upon us and we all know what that means, right? Traffic! Shopping for presents and other holiday-related whatnot! More traffic! Christmas parties and family reunions! Even more traffic! Food galore and Christmas carols! (And did we mention the traffic?!)

Kidding aside, everyone knows that the holiday season is a time for joy and celebration – but many times, it also becomes a source of stress and tension, especially among family members.

Does it have to be so though?

The answer is no. We can actually avoid stress during the holidays and truly enjoy every bit of it! Here are five suggestions that we hope can make this possible for you, based on the acronym R.E.L.A.X.:

Remember what the holidays are all about.

Don’t forget “the Reason for the season”, i.e. Christmas. If you’re a Christian (and yes, all Catholics are Christians, too!), you’d know that Jesus is the main reason for the holiday season. It is His birthday we are celebrating, after all. Don’t let the busyness of the “holiday rush” make you lose focus.

Instead, spend some time every day leading to Christmas Day in silence – even just a few minutes will do. Think about the true meaning of Christmas, and teach your family members to do the same, too. If it helps, post different images of the Nativity or the Baby Jesus around your home to help you remember the essence of the holidays.

Exemplify giving and sharing.

Christmas is a special time to model giving and sharing to others, especially to the people in our own family. Focusing on others instead of ourselves gives us more opportunities to remember the “essentials” in life, and how we can bless others.

When we are preoccupied with sharing of ourselves and what we have, there is a tendency to be less stressed. We learn to be more grateful for what we already have, and not be focused on what we can get or receive from others.

Look around you.

Sometimes we find ourselves so overwhelmed by all the glitzy and shiny holiday decorations around us that we lose sight of what is truly important.

Take time this holiday season to really look and observe the things around you. The beautiful Christmas lights that remind us of the star that shone over the manger where Jesus was born. The gifts that remind us of the best gift we could ever receive – Jesus. The family and friends who are our greatest blessings in life.

See Christmas through the eyes of a child, and allow yourself to be wrapped in the wonder of Christmas. Be grateful for everything you have.

Avoid the holiday crowds and traffic.

On a more practical note, if you find yourself getting stressed out at the thought of Christmas shopping and being stuck in holiday traffic, find out how you can simplify your purchasing process.

Maybe you can consider online shopping or buying presents from stores in your neighborhood. Make a list of all the holiday parties and gatherings you have been invited to and maybe choose only those you really need or want to attend. (It’s OK to say “no” to people, you know!)

Inhale. EXhale.

This may be a silly suggestion to some, but you’d be surprised at how many of us actually find ourselves super stressed out and breathless during the holidays. When you start feeling so, stop and take deep breaths.

According to the American Institute of Stress, focused breathing actually helps evoke our body’s “relaxation response.” (Check out this link online for more details, plus helpful breathing techniques.)

So, there you have it: just some ways to help avoid stress during the holidays – or at least decrease it somehow. May we always remember that as long as we are able to make meaningful memories with our loved ones, the holidays will be a memorable time for all!

*This article was originally written for the monthly e-newsletter of Family Reborn, a special membership club that helps families build stronger relationships. It has been edited for the purposes of this site and is used with permission.

If you found this article helpful in any way, please feel free to share it on Facebook, Twitter or Google Plus — just click on any of the buttons below! Thank you and God bless us all! 😉