AWAITING YULETIDE

by John Mick E. Fernandez

Cold breeze comes swooshing around and flickering lights go twinkling as melodies of
a red-nosed reindeer, a white beard man in red suit and a scenic depiction of a family in a
manger forge every heartbeat in my chest. Voila! It is my favorite time of the year- its
YULETIDE SEASON!
My long-time blank palette visage now evolves into a chocolate Nips smiley I love to eat
for snacks. A long slit on my face almost rips off my ears. Exaggerated! Indeed. Why would I
not? I am super-excited for Christmas.
There is a good reason this time of the year is called a holiday. This is one of the many
features of this time- the time off I get from school. Not that I dread school time, but every good
student needs a little break and vacation galore especially when a generous man promises
something to not pout and cry for he is certainly coming to town.
What a great day to celebrate all the generosity of every heart we know! The
exchanging of gifts, the Kriss Kringle style or the rustic way, we have in school, the
neighborhood and with other cliques makes me think of Christmas all the more. Who would not
have a merry face anticipating the presents from his or her godparents? Our parents, too,
wont forget their little acts of gift-giving in any form, be it cash or in kind, wrapped or not. Dont
tell me this doesnt give you a wish me moment now! Surely sharing is the spirit of Christmasbe it time, effort or through tokens of different forms. Sharing is akin to the emotive- love.
This sentiment we express through thoughtful regard of choosing the best gift for our
loved ones also extends to the soothing choice of tune we have in our playlists. It is not
everyday that we get to savor our favorite noels. We just get to play such melody so exact
during this season. In this theme-conscious world, a realm where every month has a specific
celebration held, a Christmas carol is so prompt for Christmastime. There is this distinct hue in
every Christmastide music, one that we cant explain which of course we dont mind to, but we
jive and rock n roll to our hearts content.
Speaking of contentment, more than anything else, the palates content- a satisfaction
of the taste bud- is but very much celebratory every Christmas. Part and parcel during this
season are the food we partake. Here in the Visayas, the puto and sikwate servings we greet
the rising sun after every Simbang Gabi. We even cut the monotony of this delicacies by
alternating budbod and coffee and even bread and milk. There are varied food choices
prepared in other parts of our country that each locality takes pride and serves every
Christmas to their visitors. Moreover, the Noche Buena is something every tummy looks
forward to. We, Filipinos, save an amount for this time of the year, or at least find a way to
have something served on our plates- be it lavish or simple- we do feel a certain level of
excitement about this time.
Enough! This recollection of every turn of events every Christmas almost brings me to
the hype of a Christmassy mood. But the wait is almost over for this year. Let me just leave
you to share your ecstatic feeling while watching a fireworks display. I know it will be worth the
wait.
Feel it; Christmas is just around the corner.