Christmas sure isn't doing me and my stomach any favors. With food being served left and right, it's a major challenge just trying to keep control. Some dietitians say people shouldn't deprive themselves or exercise too much control over their diets over the holidays, but the scary truth is, a lot of people seem to die in December or January due to hypertension or heart attacks. Until I can shed these Christmas calories, hot tea is my friend.
People say us Filipinos are a lucky bunch in these times because we hardly feel the effects of the global economic recession that's torn chunks out of every other country. Whether it's due to Philippine economic factors such as low production of exports, or the opinion that "we've been in shitty times before the recession anyway" is debatable, although both are valid. In the US, though, things are pretty bad (or are they really? The Americans have a habit of exaggerating and living in the extremes, right Dynee?). People are waiting with bated breath over the future of their careers; not even my beloved Uncle Butch's tenure is bulletproof now.
I know I frequently criticize Fr. Ramon Ramos' overly long homilies and repetitive themes, but his sermon today was really on point. So much of the things we say and sing about the season aren't really related to Christmas itself. It's not about overflowing food and chestnuts roasting on an open fire, or dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh, and it's definitely not about being broken-hearted or having gifts. The real reason we're celebrating today is because the Man Upstairs loved us so much that He wanted to see how it was like living as one of us. That very thought alone is cause for a lot of celebration---so despite the so-called recession, let's not have Him catch us with long faces. Let's not forget Him in our revelry, either.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
People say us Filipinos are a lucky bunch in these times because we hardly feel the effects of the global economic recession that's torn chunks out of every other country. Whether it's due to Philippine economic factors such as low production of exports, or the opinion that "we've been in shitty times before the recession anyway" is debatable, although both are valid. In the US, though, things are pretty bad (or are they really? The Americans have a habit of exaggerating and living in the extremes, right Dynee?). People are waiting with bated breath over the future of their careers; not even my beloved Uncle Butch's tenure is bulletproof now.
I know I frequently criticize Fr. Ramon Ramos' overly long homilies and repetitive themes, but his sermon today was really on point. So much of the things we say and sing about the season aren't really related to Christmas itself. It's not about overflowing food and chestnuts roasting on an open fire, or dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh, and it's definitely not about being broken-hearted or having gifts. The real reason we're celebrating today is because the Man Upstairs loved us so much that He wanted to see how it was like living as one of us. That very thought alone is cause for a lot of celebration---so despite the so-called recession, let's not have Him catch us with long faces. Let's not forget Him in our revelry, either.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
1 comment:
I can say, without any exaggeration, it's pretty bad here in the US. I don't know if the rest of our firm knows, but they've offered the US consulting group separation packages (e.g., severance for leaving). And every day, there's some company announcing a layoff.
And the early pre-Christmas retail numbers are out - down, very down. I also heard that some states have cut medicaid benefits for the new year (medicaid, our 'socialized' medical plan). So, with all this bad news, I am hoping (and yes, even praying) that the new administration can get us over these bad times.
I remember the technology boom and bust, and yes, that downturn was also bad. However, this one has really reached everyone (all socio-economic sectors). Everyone though is nervous about jobs and money, so maybe this is something that we needed: A good slap in the face to learn that we should not live beyond our means, to be less materialistic, etc. Maybe we are to become more like Europe where not everyone can buy a house or a car. It'll be an interesting 2009.
Above it all though, there is hope and the US's ever-positivie, pull-em-up-by-the-bootstrap mentality of surviving.
So with all that being said, I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season. Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
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