CandyMag.Com

We all have holiday traditions. Simbang gabi, Noche Buena, gift-giving, and family reunions are all part of the Filipino Christmas culture—we make this season as festive as we can manage it to be, no matter how many gloomy things threaten to take over the joy in our hearts. I’d like to think we’ve become pretty good at looking on the bright side: we keep smiles on our faces, decorate our homes with twinkling lights, and wish everyone a meaningful Yuletide season. We do all of this, tirelessly and optimistically, and maybe that in itself is reason enough to celebrate.

I think these holiday traditions remind us of everything that’s important—family and friends and forgiveness and laughter and hope. I think they remind us that no matter how many changes occur over the years, there are things that remain constant, things we can count on and look forward to. Here are a few of my traditions:

The annual family photo

In 2006, my mom decided we should all dress up in red. In 2007, we wore matching green outfits, and last year, we went back to red. It’s a green theme again this year, and it’s going to be extra special because we have six new family members—our beagle Charm and her five babies! I’m going to attempt a Jenny Humphrey and make green scarves for all of them, so please wish me luck. (Also, I have no idea how ALL of us will fit in the frame. Haha!)

Dressing up with the Candy Girls

One of the many things I love about the Candy Girls is that they’re always game to do crazy stuff nobody else gets—like dressing up as billiard balls for the office Christmas party! We love working as a team, which probably explains why we love group costumes. What are we doing this year, girls? I vote Glee!

Love Actually

This is one of my all-time favorite films, and my regular Christmas movie. I love the idea that life gives us a million possibilities every day, and that there is a thread that connects each one of us to total strangers on the opposite side of the world. I love the idea of everyone writing their own life stories, but having a common plot (loving and losing and finding love again) underneath all the differences. I love the fact that love is at its strongest and most powerful form this time of the year.

Merry Christmas, everyone! What are YOUR holiday traditions?

Warm fuzzy hugs in this December sweater weather,
Marla