Burnsteem25 || My Past and Present Christmas Experiences

Christmas is a special time of year that is full of joy and magic. Every year, I reflect on the changes that have occurred since my childhood and how those changes have impacted my own personal experience of the holiday season.

During my childhood, Christmas was always a festive time of year. Every year, my family and I would put up a real Christmas tree and decorate it with ornaments, tinsel, and lights. We would hang stockings or socks near the window and enjoy spending quality time together. My favorite part of the season was opening presents during our family activity on the night before Christmas. I would anxiously wait to find out what surprises were in store for me.

As I grew older, the excitement for the holidays has not faded, but the focus has shifted. Now, I started to focus more on the holiday being a time of giving and service. I enjoyed using the holiday season to do something special for others. This Christmas, we went to my wife's place and gave gifts to some of the children in their compound. We also donated a small amount of money to "THE Light The World Giving Machines" located at Ayala Center Cebu City. It's a vending machine that provides a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable method for people to spread the light by serving and caring for others. Food, hygiene kits, educational materials and resources, emergency and repair kits, vitamins, eyeglasses, medical kits, and much more are available through this Giving Machine. These experiences have helped me to appreciate Christmas for what it really is - a time of giving and selfless acts of kindness.

One of the biggest changes I have noticed over the years is how technology has impacted the holiday season. From ordering gifts online to watching holiday movies on streaming services, technology has made it easier to celebrate Christmas no matter where you are. While this has its advantages, I still prefer the nostalgia of traditional holiday activities and rituals. I think it is important to find ways to keep the old traditions alive, while also embracing the new. For example, I have started to combine my love for technology with my love for Christmas by using special apps to create holiday e-cards and virtual Santa letters. This helps me stay connected with family and friends and keeps the spirit of the season alive.

My past and present Christmas experiences have shaped my view of the holiday season. I have fond memories of my childhood and appreciate the joy of giving to those in need. No matter how much the holiday has changed, I will always cherish the traditions that make Christmas special.