Christmas when I was 5 VS. now I'm 25

Christmas Day is probably one of the most awaited days of the year. Gifts everywhere, foods that are undeniably delightful, smiles from the people around, no one can deny it’s just the best! I remember when I was still a child, I would sleep early on the 24th of December so that Christmas day would come quickly. Personally, I think Christmas day is really special for the children.

As what have William Saroyan said:

Christmas is sights, especially the sights of Christmas reflected in the eyes of a child.

There are plenty of things that changed about Christmas season when I was still 5 years old and now that I’m 25, an adult who has lots of responsibilities.

Me and my cousins during Christmas when we were still young.

When I was still young, lots of presents were given to me during Christmas season. Some of those came from my Ninongs and Ninangs that were kind enough to send me sweets, cute little shirts, pairs of jeans, and a bunch of toys. Now that I’m 25, I’m the one who gives presents to my friends’ kids and even themselves. Santa Claus must’ve been jealous of me now. Seeing the children open their presents with joy just makes my heart melt.

Before, I used to think Santa Claus is true. My sister and I put socks near the fridge and hang it on the 24th, and on Christmas day, it will be full of delicious sweets. Then I came to know that my parents were the ones putting it. Thinking about it just puts a smile in my face.

In the past, during Christmas, there are family get together. My relatives and my family would spend time together to celebrate the Christmas season, sharing of food and gifts and praying together. I remember playing tago tagoan (hide and seek) with my cousins and playing all sorts of games. We would open our presents together and eat the foods our parents prepared together. We would even sneak out in the kitchen just to get a taste of the delightful treats. I remember how my mom would scold us. Remembering it now, would just make me laugh.

Now, my cousins and I would still get together but this time, we would just gather together, drink our favorite beverages and talk about life. We would just catch up with each other because we barely have the time to see each other anymore and Christmas is the only time that would bring us all together. Karaoke is one of our favorite things to do during this season.

Also, now I have someone to spend romantic Christmas dinners with my girlfriend. My girlfriend and I have spent the last three years sharing dinner in a nice restaurant. I think, it is one of the things I look forward with. Since the day I met my girlfriend, my life became meaningful .She is the one I'm waiting for in my life and spending Christmas with her is just the best!

My girlfriend

There are lots of things that changed. Now that I’m 25, I have a lot of things to do and responsibilities to meet that made me very busy. However, there are still things I enjoy doing during Christmas when I was 5 that I do up until now. Just like spending time with my family, eating the same sweets, and of course going to church for the misa de gallo. I am still the young boy who enjoys his hot puto and who still gets excited receiving and opening my gifts.

The years may pass and we may age but there are still things that remain the same. Let us all remember that Christmas is not about the food in the table nor the gifts under the Christmas tree but about Christ who was born and how He lighted up the world. How about you? What has changed about Christmas when you were still young vs now? Share your thoughts below!Merry Christmas!