Christmas Eve | Clare Henney

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…

Finally, a little time to relax, reflect and prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth. Things have been very busy for me this month with all the holiday preparations, parties and the work we have to finish before everyone goes on holiday. To be honest I still have some work to catch up on at the office before the year ends and I’m still worried about being able to finish it all on time. It’s just that time of the year that’s a mix of stress and happiness.  I’m just happy things finally slowed down for Christmas eve. I managed to get some of my Christmas shopping done early but like everyone else, there were some gifts that I had to get at the last minute — and that meant braving the holiday crowd at the malls. It’s scary sometimes to deal with all the people and the long lines (some of which I had to deal with by standing for an hour or more just to get things done). Still, this holiday shopping thing had its moments, like when I went grocery shopping with the family. The whole spirit of the season just comes back to you in spite of the craziness when you’re around kids.  The excitement they have about the season reminded me of when I was a little one myself and how much fun the holidays were for me.  It felt good to share that happiness with my niece and nephew. We had our Christmas party at the office late this week.  It was not as big as any of our parties in the past and we did not get the kind of party we had expected but it was still fun.  Tiring, but fun.  We had to rush some of the things around in our program because several people at the office had to attend the simbang gabi but we managed to make it work. Plus, I got EXACTLY (more on that in another post) what I wanted for our Kris Kringle so that was a good party. Just yesterday my youngest sister and I went to the mall so she could be my “personal stylist” (?!) and helped me shop for something to wear for Christmas and for my get-together with my long-time blog friends next month. I’ve admitted to the need for help when it comes to clothing and my sister was more than happy to take on the challenge (what with my weight, lack of style and all that). Problem was, when we got to the mall, she got a little distracted by a sale stall for Charles and Keith shoes.  She got so excited and looked like Carrie Bradshaw seeing rows and rows of Manolos. My sis ended up buying a pair she fell in love with then we were on our way to creating a dent in my credit card with two shirts that I’d never have bought if I were on my own and accessories I’ve never thought about buying.  Yes, I am that plain; I’m just so completely low maintenance, quite the opposite of my stylista sister who looks up to Laureen Uy. We capped off our day of shopping and bonding with this photo op with a mime (?)/robot-like guy who was handing out flyers for Dell.  He was doing a great job catching the attention of the shoppers.  If only the Dell logo on the floor were right-side up then it would have been perfect! So now, after all the rush, I am here in my room enjoying the peace and stress-free time before the family does the traditional late meal right before midnight.  We’ll be enjoying a hearty meal, exchanging gifts and just goofing around all together (well, except for my dad who passed away last year that is).  I’m very grateful for this holiday.  It’s one of those times with my family that I cherish the most. 

What about you, what are YOU doing this Christmas eve?