♥♥♥♥♥ FOR CHRISTMAS!!

According to Calvin Coolidge, "Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy is to have the real spirit of Christmas". I agree with Coolidge. Now, may I ask you, what's the real essence of Christmas for you?

Christmas is not just celebrated by parties, programs, decorating houses and establishments and the like. But in deeper thought, Christmas is a moment for forgiving, sharing and of course loving. For me, the real essence of Christmas is LOVE. Why love? It's love because without love, things you do won't have good intentions. With love, everything is possible. You give and share, because you love that person; you forgive because you don't want to feel uneasy with anyone and that's beacuse you want peace. And your affection for everybody bring peace and unity. You care and understand someone, because you love that person. That's the real essence of Christmas. It's not about the expensive gifts you give or the branded clothes you wear nor the glamorous decorations you have at your houses but instead, it's about the goodwill of someone for everyone.

Everyone is entitled with a gift during Christmas. Though it may not be the material ones, but the good traits of people are more appreciated when shown to others. We are all part of a community, and as a part of the community where I belong, the best gifts I can give them are prayers and some of my spare time. A prayer that wishes for their good health; a prayer that God may help them in all their endeavors in life and a prayer that God may help us maintain the peace and unity in our community. I would also like to share some of my spare time with them so that I can help them in any way that I can through my 'lil ways.

Christmas is truly one of the most important celebrations every year. It may be celebrated in many ways but let us all remember that the real essence of Christmas is forgiveness, charity and love. So, we must give love everyday not only during Christmas time.

"Pagpapatibay ng Pagkataong Pilipino: Tugon Sa Hamon ng Panahon"

Each nationality has its own identity. And the Filipino race is known for its good Filipino values.

We, Filipinos are known as hospitable, strong and resilient individuals. Filipinos are like bamboos. Bamboos are strong. When it sways, it follows the direction of the wind but it does not break. Like bamboos, Filipinos are strong. They can face any problem that comes along their way. They find solutions to remedy their problems. We also know how to stand after we're doomed. We're not letting any dilemma to ruin our lives, 'cause we believe that God never gives us problems that He knows we cant solve. Dilemmas are dilemmas that must be faced by the individuals involved and they should also find solutions for these in order to make their lives peaceful and joyous. On the other hand, Filipinos also have negative attitudes. But then, these attitudes are not being strengthened. We are trying to avoid practicing these negative Filipino attitudes.

Life is indeed full of ups and downs. God gives us dilemmas not to confer us burden but to challenge us in our lives. We, Filipinos must practice these good Filipino values to strengthen us as we go on with our journey..!