That’s how many Christmases I’ve officially celebrated with my girls, my friends from way back. Our first Christmas together came about after we graduated from Secondary School. We wanted to create a tradition that would help maintain the friendship for a long, long time. Alas, the original group of nine has been steadily declining over the years either because we’ve grown apart (two of them) or because some have moved overseas (three of them). This year, there were only three of us at our annual Christmas dinner. Three. Granted, one was confined at home due to a recent op, so technically, there should’ve been four. But, still. THREE. We all agreed it almost felt like any other dinner with the girls…
I guess that’s what happens when life gets in the way, huh? We all grow up, have different priorities and somehow it’s no longer easy for things to remain as you wish for them to be. I used to have difficulties accepting this. I couldn’t understand why things had to change. Now I know that we’re still a tight-knit group and are fiercely loyal to each other. We just don’t have the means to be together.
I’m blessed to have this group of friends who are so loving, generous, patient, understanding, considerate and accepting of each others’ flaws. I love that we are so honest with each other. I love that we know each other inside out, and that we can easily share moments of silence. We have truly seen each other at our best and worst, and I can’t imagine what life would have been like without them.
“There will never be peace in the world until there is peace in nations.
There will never be peace in nations until there is peace in communities.
There will never be peace in communities until there is peace in families.
There will never be peace in families until there is peace in individuals.
And there will never be peace in individuals until we invite the Prince of Peace to reign in our hearts.
Jesus is the Prince of Peace.”
- Rick Warren
Reading these two devotionals, I immediately felt guilty about not spending enough time commemorating the birth of Christ. I was so fixated on presents, dinner parties and everything else leading up to Christmas day, that I failed to recognise the significance of this very special occasion. Where was the peace that was supposed to transcend this holiday? Whatever happened to observing the Advent? (Not that I’ve ever really practised it, but I’m beginning to think that I should.)
Tomorrow, on Christmas day, I’m going to make sure I remember the true meaning of Christmas, and reflect on this wonderful and awesome gift that was given to mankind.
Got a new masthead, but I don’t really like it. I don’t even know why I uploaded it.
Anyhow.
Launching my online business has been a little frustrating, mostly because the local distributors have not been responding. It has actually been easier for me to get in touch with the US representatives than the Singy ones. Imagine that. Nonetheless, I gave myself 3-4 months to fully get this going, so considering I’ve only just passed the first month, and I already have some merchandise on hand, I’d say there’s been progress.
It’s a busy, busy week ahead with all the crazy/late Christmas shopping one can possibly muster. I ought to kick myself for not starting earlier. And this, despite the fact that I was in the country practically the whole time, unlike previous years where I was frolicking across European cities (and oh, how I miss Europe this year! *sniffs*). Between you and me, subconsciously, I think I enjoy doing things at the last minute. It kinda gets my adrenalin going. Whatever the case, I’m definitely not looking forward to the crowd. I’m just glad I have my Christmas list all ready so the shopping can be focused, and hopefully, efficient too.
