It’s Christmas, the season for giving. Grew up with fond memories surrounding Christmas back home where I come from.

It is said, Christ was born in this day right about 2 millennia ago and we celebrate the day in our own special way across the globe to signify his coming.

The very mention of Christmas brings warmth to my mind and I am sure to many out there as well with fond memories. Thoughts of presents (giving and receiving), family gatherings, Christmas cards, food and friends all just surrounds us during this season.

If you have ever read Charles Dickens work, A Christmas carol, or saw its many renditions in the movies. You would understand where I am coming from. For the uninitiated, the story is about Eb Scrooge’s change from a mean old grumpy man into a kinder version after the visitation of the ghost of Christmas past, present and future.. in short this season is about giving and being kind, a time to reflect of past deeds.

St. Nicholas, of famously known as Father Christmas.. Or Santa Claus is famous for deeds on helping the poor and started the tradition of giving gifts. He was loved for his piety and is currently adored by many for his deeds. Many legends surround how he was.. and I sure without him.. Christmas would be different. As a father.. I find pleasure in buying gifts for my kids. At the same time, as I get older, I find giving is better .. for the smile you see on the receiving end is greater than the gift itself for me.

Christmas caroling.. if you ever had a chance to listen to Christmas carols during the eve of Christmas or during church masses.. you will definitely be amazed by the beautiful songs and rhymes celebrating the season. I truly loved those when I was back home. Remember “O Holy Night”, “Silent Night” .. “Joy To The World”.. Jingle Bells J and truly many more that I cant recall now. But I am sure you know what I mean.

Christmas tree, we all know the famous decorated tree that lights up with PRESENTS at its bottom. Its family tradition for many to put it up together, decorate it together, and while doing so, share stories and laughter and of course discuss presents that will be put under. For the uninitiated, this tradition comes from Europe.. where they use fresh trees, nowadays for the sake of convenience we use fake trees.. well where I am from, you can’t find those trees, so we made it with what we had. It was fun.. and I am sure it is still fun.

Christmas has many more meaning to people all around the world. It has been hard for me the past couple of years as I have been away from family due to work in Shanghai.. Albeit thanks to technology.. we can all still celebrate virtually via Facetime. Christmas is celebrated for 12 days.. so I will be going back home during the New Year to be with Family.Maybe it wont be that bad after all.

So where is the snow in Shanghai ?

Merry Christmas to all! Have a blessed day.

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