#techtonics

[retrocgads]

USA 1993

[nyaskitten]

I don't know why people think Sora will actually reciprocate Frak's feelings towards her 😭😭😭 This is nottttttt early seasons Jaya dawg, Sora has not shown any actual interest in Frak, whereas Nya was Very clearly attracted to Jay to some extent. Like I get that Ninjago does usually tend to shove Girl and Guy together but it feels so obvious to me that they're Not doing that again here...

[junibgoode]

I need everyone to understand 1 thing about san francisco danlou(which i am not quite as fond of as i am dubai danlou):

by all accounts my best description of what they could've been is that daniel is louis' boytoy. sorry thats my word for it. if they let that shit flourish thats what theyd be. danny should've been his teddy bear to vent to and to blindly take his side based on louis' biased pov bc rly all daniel wants is to hit and mayhaps for louis to put out that cigarette on his back. that is the guy who louis can just hang out on his lap and ask about a piece of property or work of art and know all hes gonna get is mush because holy shit his brain is fried from mix of gorgeous vamp on my lap and also yes the drugs all through his system. thats basically louis' bong so he can get high but hes being nice so no, he will not be turning or killing him. thats the guy louis can once more play dress up with because armand already has his own aesthetics figured out and maybe louis likes a guy willing to let him mold him. thats a guy who would comment on things with his own critical thoughts with so much beautiful potential in that reporter brain.

[badsciencejokes]

:(

[papermonkeyism]

Further thinking of the potentially making a travel journal/zine about Entica.

Wonder if I could maybe commission a fantasy mapmaker to make a map or two of Entica for me. 🤔

Doesn't have to be the entire planet, as only two continents and some islands are known, but I'm thinking one map of said known world, with the Ezek continent visible, and a more specific map of the particular journey of the potential zine thingy to take place in.

I have no idea what kind of price ranges those kinds of commissions even generally go for or if I could even afford one, but I think it would be fun to have one!

Anyone know any fantasy map artists with a knowledge of how geography works?

[binugha]

Beyond the Tinsel and Lights

Christmas, a time of joy, love, and family. A time when the world seems to pause, bathed in a warm glow of festive lights. It's a season filled with traditions, both old and new, that bring comfort and cheer.

As a child, the magic of Christmas was palpable. The colorful parols, the joyful carols, and the anticipation of gifts painted a picture of pure wonder.

One of my favorite Christmas traditions was going caroling with my friends. We’d walk from house to house, with some bottle caps flattened and wrapped around a wire as our makeshift bells, singing our hearts out, hoping for a small reward. Sometimes, we’d even start caroling as early as October, only to be met with the familiar phrase, “Balik lang mo ug December na.” But that didn’t dampen our spirits. We were just excited to spread the Christmas cheer.

Early in the morning, I think starting from December 16 to 24, we’d attend a Christmas mass called Misa de Gallo. The church, adorned with twinkling lights and fragrant flowers, was a sight to behold. As the choir sang hymns of praise, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and gratitude.

I’d often stay up late on Christmas Eve, watching classic films like Home Alone 1 and 2. The countdown to midnight, the excitement of opening presents, and the warm glow of the Christmas tree filled the night with a sense of peace and joy.

When the clock strikes 12, we’d gather around the table, sharing a festive meal and exchanging stories and laughter. And of course, no Christmas is complete without the exchange of gifts. The excitement of unwrapping presents, the anticipation of receiving something special, and the joy of giving to others create a magical atmosphere.

Yet, beyond the festivities and the material gifts, Christmas holds a deeper meaning. It's a time to reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ, a symbol of hope, peace, and love. It's a reminder to cherish our loved ones, to practice kindness, and to spread joy.

After Christmas Eve, the festivities would wind down. The fireworks would light up the night sky, a dazzling display of colors and sound. And then, just as quickly as it had begun, the Christmas season would come to an end.

.

.

.

.

However, as the days turn into weeks, the Christmas spirit gradually fades. The decorations are taken down, the lights are turned off, and the world returns to its usual pace. The magic of Christmas seemed to fade. The pandemic, with its restrictions and limitations, further dampened the festive spirit. The once bustling streets, adorned with twinkling lights and bustling crowds, now seem quiet and subdued. It's a bittersweet reality, a reminder that even the most joyous seasons come to an end.

Perhaps it’s a matter of maturity. As we grow older, our perspective shifts. The simple joys of childhood, once so profound, now seem less significant.

But I believe that even as we grow older, we can still recapture the magic of Christmas. We can do so by focusing on the true meaning of the season: love, peace, and compassion. By spending time with loved ones, giving back to the community, and practicing acts of kindness, we can rekindle the Christmas spirit.

Let us not let the fading glow of Christmas extinguish the light within us. Let us embrace the season with open hearts and renewed hope. After all, Christmas is not just a day, but a state of mind.

[rivsaeya]

I bet Santa hates time

When I was 6, I pretty much knew who Santa Claus was. He's a fat old man with a big and snowy beard. He wears a rather comfy red and white top and matching trousers, and of course, his big black boots and wide buckled belt. He visited my home once a year with his six helpful elves to put several toys for me and my brothers under the big Christmas tree. Sad thing about it is that Santa is too shy and would only place gifts when me and my brothers were behaving correctly, and only when we were asleep.

Whenever it is the night of the 24th of December, my brothers and I would quickly head to bed as early as 7 in the evening to sleep and wake up with gifts under the dark, slightly shone Christmas tree by the small Christmas lights in between our windows. The next thing I know, my eyes were very much awake and my head couldn't be put to rest, so I would run to my mom and ask to be gently rubbed on my back to help me sleep. My mom's technique somehow worked because I'd randomly wake up in my bed on the morning of December 25th, unbeknownst to how I got there when hours earlier, I was just in my mom's embrace. I would quickly disregard of the thought and head straight to the Christmas tree, and with my pupils dilated, my hands shaking, and my heart thumping loud and fast, there it was was in my sight, the gifts Santa Claus had given for me and my brothers. As quickly as how a cheetah might run, I then took my 3 big-bagged gifts, carefully opened it, and there they were, my cool Mclaren hot wheels and big remote-controlled excavators. My cheeks would quickly become rounded and my eyes would temporarily disappear as a smile had been carved across my face and my teeth were highly visible. This sight would be seen by both of my parents and they would smile back at me and I would then run to them, with my arms dangling side to side, and I'd run myself over my mother's lap and I would then demand to be carried by my father. All of the time, they would ask me, "Do you like your gifts, Ping?", and before a thought had even appeared in my mind, I would automatically answer, "Yes, I love these so much, I love you and thank you so much, Mimi and Papa".

Shortly after those events, my relatives and cousins arrived at our doorstep hour after hour, and me, my brothers, and my cousins would gather in a room to play mutiplayer games. While these were happening, we would laugh ourselves out, with the karaoke echoing through the house halls, my father laughing loudly with my grandpas and uncles, my mother checking up on my grandmas and my aunts, and before I forget, there would be a pleasant flavourful aroma that could be sniffed across the whole corners of the house, with the scratching cooking pans and sizzling noises. When dusk falls, my cousins and I would form "bedforts" to sleep together and wake up when it would be the time to eat. It is indeed just as planned, we woke up, there were lots of viands and drinks placed on our food table, and my parents and relatives could be seen in the living room, singing together and laughing together. My cousins and I would ironically call them angrily because we're getting hungry when they were literally the one who just woke us up. The whole family gathers across the food table and we'd pray together, after praying, the phrase "Merry Christmas" could be heard almost everywhere in the house, and a warm sensation could be felt across the house and my cousins and I would eat in a single spot, often times we'd crowd ourselves so much because we didn't want to be separated. After eating, we would head to our bedrooms and play until we would be sleepy, but that would be a long hour to go because we'd want to make the most out of every Christmas together. In the following days, specifically on December 30, we would celebrate my birthday and it would be the best birthday I'd ever have because the family was complete, my parents, my brothers, my cousins, my grandparents, and my aunts and uncles were all there. It would be my best Christmas season and birthday ever, where up until now, I'd get teary trying to recall those memories I longed to experience again. The day after celebrating my birthday, the house would then become spacious and I would heavily cry because all my grandparents, cousins, and relatives would have gone home to their places to celebrate New Year. I'd go as far as to say that it could be one of the worst feelings I've felt because in the following days, I would feel so empty and sad because everything is over. However, the feeling of grief and emptiness is a good indicator that I've spent my Christmas and birthday well and it's a memory worth holding on to. It's the perfect Christmas essence for me.

Several years have passed and everything changed. I don't believe in Santa anymore, my brothers and I doesn't sleep together on the 24th of December to wake up on the morning of December 25th anymore, I could easily sleep on the night of December 24th and I wouldn't feel the need to run to my mom to help me sleep anymore. I mean, my grandparents, cousins, and relatives would come to our home, but we don't celebrate Christmas the way we used to anymore. My cousins would be stuck on their smartphones, and I would find myself struggling to speak to them because I would feel shy and there's something that's constraining me to speak to them. After some time, I'd figure a way to talk to them but it would only be for a short time, and we'd get stuck on our smartphones again and we'd let a day pass by without a meaningful interaction. As usual, they would go back to their places after my birthday and their departure doesn't leave an effect to me the way it used to. I don't feel the grief and emptiness anymore, it's more like a normal day that has casually passed. I would ask myself, was that really Christmas? But I would suddenly remember that all of my past Christmas weren't really the complete essence of Christmas. Christmas is about celebrating the birth of our saviour, Jesus Christ, who saved us from our sins and brought peace to the world we know today. Christmas is about celebrating Christ's birth along with our loved ones, and even when it didn't feel the same way as it used to, what's important is we get to celebrate it with our loved ones still with us, and with us, celebrating and thanking our Lord and Jesus Christ for the goodness they brought for us.

Even with all this, I would still find myself asking myself the same question over and over again. "Why did my Christmas change?", I think that the answer to this is perhaps, it's not really Christmas that changed, it's because time really does fly. When we were still young and innocent, our minds were focused on staying happy and finding excitement in everything we do, but as growing individuals, our viewpoints and priorities would change, which in turn, changes parts of us. I don't believe in Santa anymore because I grew up. My brothers and I do not sleep together anymore because we grew up. I wouldn't run to my mom to sleep anymore because I grew up. I wouldn't find cool McLaren hot wheels and remote-controlled excavators in my gifts anymore because I grew up. My cousins and I do not sleep and play together anymore because we grew up. In this sense, I blame it all on time. Time changed the Christmas I usually experienced. Christmas didn't feel the way it was supposed to feel when I was younger. Time is honestly so confusing for me. One day, nothing seems to change, and suddenly, everything is different. Realizing that I'm powerless to turn back time, it's my worst truth to accept that everything only lasts for a moment, and while they do last for a lifetime, but only in our minds, and that includes the Christmas I've felt when I was a kid. Are we that powerless wherein we are bound to live in nostalgia every single day because of a passed moment that we really wanted to experience twice? I like to think that maybe, time is just a cruel being where it makes us live a beautiful moment, and it tortures us by making us long for it for the rest of our lives.

When I was writing this, memories came in waves, and I was drowning.

[rytheriean]

Bituin ng Pagkakaisa

Pamilya'y nagsasama-sama,

Lahat ay nagkakaisa,

Pagmamahal ang nananaig sa bawat isa,

Mga tao'y bakas sa mukha ang saya.. 

Buhay sa puso ng mga Pilipino ang diwa ng pasko. Pagtutulungan, pagbibigayan, at pagmamahalan, 'yan ang ating nakagawian. Sana'y araw-araw na lang pasko, puno ng saya at pag-iibigan! 

Ang mga bahay ay nagiging isang makulay na paraiso ng mga dekorasyon. Ang Christmas tree ay hindi maaaring mawala, ito ay isang simbolo ng pagkakaisa ng pamilya, kung saan lahat ay nagtutulungan sa paglagay ng mga palamuti, mula sa mga ilaw hanggang sa mga dekorasyong pang-Pasko. Sa mga kabahayan nating mga Pilipino'y hindi makakalimutang isabit ang parol na siyang simbolo ng pag-asa at pagkakaisa ng mga Pilipino sa landas ng buhay. Isang magandang representasyon ng Bituin ng Bethlehem, nagagabayan sa pag-ibig at pagkakaisa. Nagbibigay ng ilaw sa kadiliman ng gabi, nagagabayan ang mga tao sa landas ng pagmamahal. Ang parol, isang bituin ng pag-asa na nagpapaliwanag, sa mga puso ng mga Pilipino. Naaalala ko pa noong nabubuhay pa ang aking lolo, tuwing simula ng 'ber months', ay kaagad na naglalagay siya ng mga dekorasyon sa aming bahay. May mga ilaw, parol, at mga palamuti na nagbibigay ng aliw at saya sa aming tahanan.

Nakasanayan nating mga Pilipino na ipagdiriwang ang Pasko kasama ang buong pamilya. Ang mga nasa malayo'y kung maaari ay umuuwi upang makasama sa pagdiriwang. Sa aming pamilya, ang aking ina at kaniyang kapatid, na kapwa OFW, ay umuuwi tuwing Pasko. Samantalang ang ibang mga kamag-anak na nasa malayo ay pumupunta rito sa aming bahay. Kami'y nagtutulungan sa paghahanda ng mga pagkaing pagsasaluhan, at nagdadasal nang taimtim sa simbahan. Ang aming munting tahanan ay puno ng halakhak at pagmamahal.

Hindi kumpleto ang pasko kung walang mga batang nagpapakita ng kanilang talento sa pag-awit ng mga Christmas carols sa mga bahay-bahay. Kasama ang mga matatanda, nagtitipon-tipon sila upang kumanta ng mga tradisyonal na awiting pang-Pasko tulad ng  'Pasko Na Naman', at 'Star ng Pasko'. Sa mga kanta nila, ramdam ang pag-asa, pagmamahal, at pagkakaisa. At pagkatapos ng kanilang pagkanta, nagbibigay ang mga may-ari ng bahay ng mga aginaldo bilang pagpapalain at pagkilala sa kanilang pagtatanghal. Noong kasali pa ako sa choir kami ay pumupunta sa iba't ibang simbahan upang mangaroling at ang malilikom naming pera ay ginagamit namin upang may pambili kami ng bagong uniporme at ang sobra naman ay para may pang 'outing' kami. 

Subalit, sa paglipas ng panahon, marami na ang nagbago at naglaho, isa na rito ang mga nakagawian tuwing pasko. Pasko noon at ngayo'y labis na kakaiba. Kayraming ipinagbago na hahantong sa pagkakataong ika'y mapapatanong ng pasko nga ba ito? 

Ang Pasko ay hindi na ganap simula nang sumakabilang-buhay ang aking lolo. Ang mga dekorasyon na dating nagbibigay ng aliw at saya, ay wala na rin. Siya ang nagpapakulay ng aming tahanan, at ng aming buhay. Hindi na rin pumaparito ang ibang kamag-anak... Wala na rin masyadong mga bata na nangangaroling rito.. 

Gayunpaman, ngayong papalapit na ang pasko, ako'y nagagalak na unti-unti nang bumabalik ang aking nakasanayang pasko noon dahil ipinagpatuloy nga aking lola ang paglalagay ng dekorasyon sa aming tahanan. Sa pagbabalik ng mga alaala ng nakaraan, muli kong matatamasa ang Paskong nakasanayan ko. Hindi man ito ganap na tulad ng noon, ngunit ang pagmamahal at pagkakaisa ng pamilya ay nananatiling pareho. Sa bawat ilaw ng parol at dekorasyon, natutukoy ko ang diwa ng Pasko - pagmamahal, pagkakaisa, at pag-asa. Muli kong makakasama ang aking pamilya, at muli kong makakaramdam ng saya at pag-iibigan. Ito ang Pasko ko, at ito ang nakasanayan kong pagdiriwang.

Aking napagtanto na ang pagbabago ay isang bahagi ng buhay na hindi natin maiiwasan. Hindi tayo pwedeng manatili sa isang lugar lamang. Kailanganan nating harapin ang mga pagbabago at gamitin ito bilang pagkakataon upang lumago at umunlad. Sa tuwing may pagbabago, mayroong bagong pag-asa at pagkakataon na nagbubukas.

Minsan, ang pagbabago ay nakakatakot, pero hindi tayo dapat matakot. Ang pagbabago ay isang proseso ng paglaki at pag-unlad. Hindi ito isang pagkakamali, kundi isang pagkakataon upang matuto at lumago.

Dili sa tanang panahon ania ra sila, 

Busa samtang ania pa sila, 

Ipakita nato atong paghigugma kanila

Ipadama ta kanila nga sila importante sa atoa

Sa panahon sa kapaskohan, panahon kini sa paghigugmaay, pagpinasayloay, ug pahinatagay dili nato hikalimtan nga mao kini ang angay.

[mssgntlewman]

Beauty of Christmas

How do you feel when Christmas is near? I personally feel very excited because seeing the traditional decorations of our country makes the world so full of life. The colorful lights and a parol that brings back the childhood feels. The voices of Filipinos uniting as they sing Christmas carols at different houses. In my belief, without Jesus Christ, there probably wouldn't be any Christmas. The gratefulness and thankfulness I have to God who gave His Son to us.

I wouldn't say this isn't just any holiday; it's a season of giving and love. We share gifts, eat like family, and enjoy the spirit of Christmas. A connection that once turned off has returned because of greetings. When I receive a Merry Christmas, a warm sense of joy resonates with me, reminding me that even the simplest message can carry the heartfelt spirit of the season and the connection we share. It's moments like this that make the Christmas season truly special, a reminder of the importance of family, faith, and the joy that comes from being together, no matter how simple the celebration may be.

May we end every year with a blast of the Christmas season that continues to bring happiness and peace to all of us. Though as I grow up, I may feel like Christmas is so different now, but what matters is how you look forward to it. Always see the brighter side and know that it's Christmas!

[retrocgads]

USA 1993

[kosumikku]

𝓐 𝓣𝓪𝓹𝓮𝓼𝓽𝓻𝔂 𝓸𝓯 𝓒𝓱𝓻𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓶𝓪𝓼

A cold breeze, the gentle pitter-patter of snowflakes falling, and the warmth of houses filled with people — these are the elements that stereotypes Christmas. Most people eagerly anticipate this day, when gifts are exchanged, families gather, and friends reunite. Although these kinds of events are a great thing, what is the true essence of this festive holiday?

At the very heart of Christmas is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, symbolizing hope and love in our daily lives. His notable actions for humanity will always have a place in our hearts, as He had shown us light even in our darkest times. This makes Christmas a reminder for us of what Jesus had done on that cross, remembering His message of peace, forgiveness, and compassion that continues to inspire millions around the world.

Christmas is a time for our families, friends, and loved ones to gather and celebrate. It’s a day filled with shared meals, laughter, and stories that strengthen our bonds and create cherished memories. This perspective on Christmas reminds us to acknowledge the people who have been by our side throughout our lives, and those who have never left our side even through the challenging times.

Another important aspect of Christmas is our personal reflection throughout the year, giving a moment to reflect on the past year and express gratitude for the blessings in our lives. This allows us to think of the people we would like to thank, while also greeting loved ones that are far from us. After all, the true essence of Christmas is love, that’s why we love one another and continue to value it.

In short, Christmas is a time to reconnect with loved ones, express gratitude, and remember the selfless love of Jesus Christ. By focusing on love, compassion, and gratitude, we can experience the true joy of Christmas. Always remember that the greatest gift we can give to others is the gift of ourselves.

⠀⠀⢀⣤⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣶⣤⡀⢀⣤⣶⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣷⣤⡀⠀⠀ ⠀⣰⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣆⠀ ⢠⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡄ ⢸⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡇ ⠀⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠀ ⠀⠘⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠃⠀ ⠀⠀⠈⢿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⠁⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠙⢿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⠋⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠙⢿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⠋⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠙⢿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⠋⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠉⠻⣿⣿⠟⠉⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠈⠁⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

[innerkittenstrawberry]

For me, the Christmas celebrations of 2012–15 remain the best for me I try so hard to bring the joy i felt as a kid, but of course there are things we cannot relive and that is what makes it special (so make sure to live in the moment!). And although i cannot bring the joy back, there are songs that give me nostalgic and relive the happiness of those times. As for me “Jingle Bell Rock”, “Last Christmas”, and every christmas song by Jose Mari Chan, will always be our my to nostalgic songs! The beauty of these songs is how they instantly take me back. Christmas music carries memories — exchanging gifts, eating noche buena together, or staying up until 12am with a my cousins on christmas eve. Hearing these songs can make us feel like kids again, capturing the wonder and excitement we felt growing up.

Photo not mine – credit to the original creator.

[mistylunaelise]

"Beyond the Years Apart; Finally Back in His Arms Again"

Way back in 2013, my mother and father separated. I went to live with my mother, which meant being apart from my father for 10 years. My last memory with him was us eating together on my birthday. We communicated through texts, but it never felt like enough. Finally, in December 2023, my mother allowed me to visit my father's place in Davao. I was overwhelmed with happiness—words couldn’t express it. "This is my Dad, my Papa, the man I've longed to be with, finally here in front of me."

I was also able to meet the other side of my family, those I hadn’t known or spent much time with, and to share a Christmas holiday with them. Beyond the gifts and their heartfelt welcome, their presence and the chance to spend Christmas together made the holiday extra special.

We went out, and I even played chess with my father. They told me I look just like him most like a carbon copy. We have so many similarities, like favorite foods: pork sisig, macaroni salad, lechon, and more. My father and I shared stories and caught up on the years we missed. There is a bit of sadness for the past 10 years that I wasn't able spend much time with him, but I know God has His plans and purpose. Being reunited with him feels wonderful, and I hope for many more moments together with him in the future.

[yenqa]

Fightign to not claw my eyes out . thid is ur Man

Yup. MY man My man

[saline-coelacanth]

you've got me around ur little finger D:< I just read "Tectonics" in my textbook.....and all I could think about was HIM. you know who.... ...<3

Listen, I've been dealing with the same curse for years now lol

That's just what happens when you have characters who's names are words instead of real life names. But yeah it is usually more funny with Techtonic since the word tectonic is not a super common one.

Just remember whenever someone talks about tectonic plates, those are his plates. Techtonic's plates.

[maooaoa]

COLD BREEZE ON A CHRISTMAS EVE

I always feel genuine love as I hear familiar vehicle sounds coming from the gate—a Christmas day. That alone is a big gift for me, an obvious hint that my cousins were coming. I didn't even remember how we started to get along, but one thing is for sure—we all met up at the same spot, our grandparents' home. 

More than ten cousins at that, and we live across different places. Some lived in Linabo, some lived in Bagong Silang, Baungon, Cagayan de Oro, and some even lived in Cebu.

As for me, I was just a meter away from my grandparents' house.

 

Seeing them in the distance, stepping out of the vehicle, my face would light up brightly like a sun. Despite being shy, I would hurriedly rush and smile at them. It just felt complete with them by my side, even so on a Christmas day.

As children, our favorite time of the day has always been the evening.

 

No Christmas lights, Christmas trees, or Christmas parols—no decorations. Our Christmas evening back then was purely about 2F: family and food. No cap, but my grandparents' house was as spacious as the width of a school building; we would play tag around the house and scare each other out.

Even with the cold breeze roaming, not a single second would the atmosphere die—silence just wouldn't emerge. As expected from the adults, they were more prone to laughing loudly than us.

 

But no one can deny, we've had more fun. I remember one time, one of my cousins fouled me. He begged me to sniff one of his fingers, and do you know what the smell is? It came from his butt. To this day, I still feel nauseous thinking about it. 

"Really? Right in front of my salad?" as a reference to what I felt.

 

Then came midnight. Midnight of December 25. The best night ever. That would mean having a feast up the ground. Not on the roof, but on the next floor. As my cousins and I stepped just one more time from the staircase, the chilling feeling was evident. 

Compared to the first floor, this was way worse because all the windows were opened. Does grandfather even feel the cold? NOPE, I don't think so.

 

Have you ever watched that one TikTok video that says that if you feel cold, somehow you'll randomly start having an attack of happiness?

 

That was exactly the best description of what I felt at that moment—as if I was looking forward to an exciting experience that could happen anytime. And I always do feel that on Christmas Eve. And perhaps that's the reason I like the evening more than the day.

 

The moment we stomped both of our feet on the wooden floor, we were surprised because in front of us, tons of food were placed on the table. Foods, like spaghetti, lechon baboy, and of course, the famous food of all time (just kidding)—hotdog with marshmallows on top. And of course, before we savored those delicious meals, we prayed to Jesus Christ and thanked Him for His birth, life, death, and resurrection. 

 

After all, He is the reason we celebrate this special day annually.

Right after prayer, every one of us, cousins, would go to the same spot and share waves of laughter while eating, and our laughter would eventually lose its volume and our bodies would go all over the place. Loud soothing laughter could be heard from the adults too; indulged in food and interesting conversations.

 

Now I'm sixteen.

And they say that Christmas doesn't feel the same way anymore. I feel that way sometimes, too. My cousins don't visit the place anymore. And what's more—our home's now far away from my grandparents.

 

Years and years, I waited 'til night at my grandparents' home every December 25, yet vehicles just passed by our gate, never entering.  

I couldn't celebrate Christmas the same way anymore. I guess these things do happen inevitably as long as we're humans.

 

Even so, I'm still grateful that they celebrate Christmas to this day, even with other people. Because the reason we celebrate is not because of man but rather because of the birth of Jesus Christ.

 

I still want to believe we will reunite. After all, it's the best to celebrate Christmas with the ones you love, isn't it?