It’s December 21, 2007, three days before Christmas Eve, four days before Christmas day. But I can’t feel the Christmas spirit. I am doing a lot of things, thinking about a lot of problems, and rushing to beat numerous deadlines.

As I grow older, Christmas and other holidays become more boring, and more stressful. When I was younger, Christmas used to fill me with excitement and joy. And no matter how sparse the celebration was, no matter how few the gifts I received, I was happy.

Now, Christmas is becoming more and more stressful. I still haven’t bought any gifts to give, or any clothes to wear to those parties. I still don’t know which parties I am going to, when, where, with whom. I don’t even know what I’ll be doing on Christmas day.

Still, there’s a part of me that is excited. The other night’s fun, fun night with some of my high school friends only made me more excited to spend more time with more of them. That can only mean more fun, alcohol, gossip, and photo ops.

Then, there’s the gifts. Ok so, I won’t probably get any big gifts this year. And I won’t get a lot. But I am looking forward to receiving at least two gifts, one from my manito, the other from somebody who always gives me great gifts.

And of course, the food. Who could ever celebrate Christmas without the glorious, glorious food!!! YUM!

I also look forward with my fingers crossed to spending New Year at Eden Nature Park where me and my relatives had so much fun last year. It was marred by an unwanted incident but I quickly bounced back and enjoyed the night. So I hope this year’s New Year celebration will be even better, more glittery and joyous.

And it’s my first Christmas with the boyfriend. We won’t be spending it with each other but who cares? HAHA!

I know that the fun will not erase my stress, problems, and deadlines. But who cares? It’s Christmas, and on Christmas… well, you try to enjoy and have fun.

I wonder how OFWs in Doha, Qatar will enjoy their Christmas.