Christmas is a time to be jolly and bright. The problem is, when you are spending Christmas far away from home. We were so used to Christmas eve as the night we all walk to church and celebrate the birth of Christ with families and sometimes even friends that we meet along the way. Then off we go home, eating puto bumbong while walking back (walking is faster due to the traffic). Then Christmas dinner with ham and salad and whatever it is that is shared at the dining table. Let's not forget the gifts that we receive after the small feast.
All that changed when we came to live in this foreign land. In as much as we want it to be like the old days (getting gifts at 30 years old was kind of fun), the absence of family really takes a lot out of Christmas. But that wouldn't really stop us from celebrating what it's all about. So we don't get to walk to church together as family, but at least we have prayer time together. We don't get to eat puto bumbong anymore, but there's still cake and there still is a small feast. Alas, gift giving is not a big affair (with only the three of us), but it's a great moment nonetheless, especially for Jakjak.
It's not about the gifts, or so we would like to believe. But happiness and prosperity are gifts that cannot be measured tangibly. And they are given and received without anyone really noticing. The blessings that we had received over the last three Christmases was all worth the smiles and the thank yous. It has been a tremendous gift for myself, Judy and of course, Jakjak. All of these, we thank our Lord God for. All these blessings, not just this Christmas, but all throughout the years. Merry Christmas! Happy Birthday, Jesus!
Sometimes, Jakjak's silliness peaks at the most awkward times. And it brings us endless joy and laughter to see him at his best.
It's not always smiles and giggles though. At his worst, he can become an onslaught of naughty. It brings me endless frustration when he is at his worst because it becomes really hard to control him. And he will taunt you to death until you both get cross. So let's not delve into that part of his personality.
Happiness comes in all forms when it comes to Jakjak. He can make you laugh just by sitting there and making faces. He can even make you laugh just babbling about nothing. He will tell you endless stories with characters weaved from different books and movies with the most interesting plots. He will do stunts. He will make things out of paper and clay (with some crayons and paint thrown in for good measure). He will "wow" you with the new things that he discovers day after day. He will even amaze you when you realize that most of the things he knows, he has learned from mum, dad and the discovery channel.
It is all of these amazing things that make you negate the simpleton tantrums that he throws at you. But you can't ignore it either. We do our best to educate him about the folly of his ways, but after that (lately, that includes a bit of crying and whining), we go back to being "normal" kids.
The problem with living in a far off place (overseas) is that you tend to be away from the whole family. This is the reason why I made it a point to bring my own family with me whenever and wherever I am. We continue to keep our relationships close, or as close as we can to as many family members as we can. This is especially true for Jakjak who left for a new home when he was but 3 years old. No one misses him more than his grandparents. So what did they do? Well, they decided to visit.
Jakjak was very happy when Mamu and Papu arrived. Surprisingly, he warmed up to them immediately this time. In the words of Mum, he had matured. Quite quickly actually. He just turned five! As much as we love him and want to be with him, we know he needs a balance in his relationships. So we sneaked out while he was having fun with his grandparents. Okay, so maybe we had other plans at the back of our minds, but hey, children need to be in touch with their grandparents. It's like a right of passage. I did it when I was a kid.
We spent as many days as we had to go out. Bring them to sights, bring them to have good eats, bring them to where Jakjak goes. Jakjak has actually been a good tour guide and a good host. He entertains, he sings, he dances and he shows that he likes them being there. In fact, I believe that the last two weeks with them has been good for everybody. Jakjak has enjoyed the stories of Mamu and Papu. Mamu and Papu have enjoyed Jakjak's infectious happiness. Mum and Dad have enjoyed a few moments on our own as well.
Those were good times. Short but sweet. As it turns out, growing up does have it's perks. For both children and adults. But I think most especially, it was grandma and grandpa who enjoyed it the most.
