Xmas Tradition

XMAS TRADITION How I longed for the Xmas tradition we celebrated when I was growing up. The Xmas tradition that still lives on; but we left behind. It is celebrated here in some parishes. However, it is not the same as we celebrated it in the Philippines. As Xmas advent approached, my father busied himself making Xmas lanterns to be hanged in every window of our house. They were made of bamboos and colorful papers with bulbs inside to light at night. My brothers and I were so excited watching him make them and when they were all hanged. Then the devotional nine-day celebration started on December sixteen, wherein we walked to the church to attend a mass each day starting at dawn or four o’clock in the morning. After the mass, at five o’clock we ate rice cakes with tea or hot chocolate outside the church. There were so many delicacies to choose from, as they were so many who made these rice cakes to celebrate the Xmas season and to show and share gratitude. On the ninth day, the end of this devotional tradition, the mass was held at midnight or Xmas Eve welcoming our Savior with gratitude. Instead of eating the rice cakes after the mass, we all went home to celebrate Xmas Eve. We all gathered at the kitchen table, young and old, enjoying Xmas dishes and rice cakes and togetherness. “Christmas”, the season to reflect and be grateful for our gifts, blessings 11/27/21 "X" Contest, New Or Old Poetry Constance La France