Christmas Diary – December 23, 1999

Dear Christmas Diary, 

With my schedule back to normal at work, I got a chance to observe my neighborhood. I am so wrapped up with school and work lately; I spend very little time at home. Well, at this point, I can say that our house is at least ready for Christmas. We have a Christmas tree, have put on Christmas lights, and also a lantern by the window. Simple decor, but I think it is more than enough. But of course, our Christmas decorations are nothing compared to the ones that our neighbors have. They have somewhat extravagant Christmas lights which are dazzling to look at. I enjoyed watching those lights at night as a child.

These days, people are starting to do their grocery shopping, preparing the things they need for the Christmas Noche Buena feast. The wet market like the supermarkets is as busy as ever, with various goods on display for sale. There are also fruits and vegetables of all kinds. So many people are shopping even if it is likely that market prices are higher these days. With everyone seem to be outside; shopping, working, looking for money, partying -- the traffic is so much heavier. Even during office hours and considering school is already closed by this time.

But I love the Christmas weather. It is cold at night but not so hot during the day. People seem to flutter about excitedly, fussing over things they will receive and gifts they will give. Also, there are parties here and there. The media is of course taking advantage of the season too with endless greetings and ads pertaining to the holiday season. Holiday seems to be a crazy season but maybe people love it because we are all crazy in some way...