“Mama, why does it feel like this Christmas isn’t as special as last year?” Raven asked when all the presents had been opened on Christmas morning and we were in the lounge room chilling.

Just Jeff, Raven and me.

“Well, we had Mommyla, Romaine, and El-El here last year, babe,” I said. “There was a lot more people.”

Technically, it was a reasonable explanation. It’s the one that probably makes sense at her level of understanding. Because I could’ve dived in deeper and further offer how, at some point, Christmas becomes less and less special the older you get because you realise there’s more to the occasion than simply receiving presents. Same goes for birthdays too.

I mean, don’t get me wrong. Christmas is still special. But the presents you ask for slowly become more intangible. Good health, financial wealth, happiness, and peace of mind become the best presents ever. Something you become consciously thankful for outside of the holidays so come Christmas season, you’re good.

Every day is Christmas day for all you care.

But for all the stress and the gift-buying pressure that often comes with Christmas, it’s a good calendar reminder too to catch up with friends and family.

Which was what we did last night. A belated Christmas dinner as most everyone was working on the 25th and 26th and making it rain with the double pay.

By default, it was a night of eating. Because food is always the main thing when everyone gets together.

But… It was also a night of music. There we were in the backyard singing good ‘ol Filipino music and whatever song either Totots or Ernest knows the chords to with the guitar and later, the keyboard piano.

We didn’t care what song it was. As the vocalists, we were happy to adjust and improvise with the erratic accompaniment. A mark of the true performers that we are.

I apologise to our neighbours for such a cacophonous concert. I pray they have enough humour to let it slide and not have to involve the Council with our little shindig. Although I reckon they’re all cool.

Except for Karen behind us who seems to love getting in touch with the Council to report whatever she could complain about against the people living their lives around her.

That concert was dedicated especially for her.

Merry Christmas, Karen.

*Raven at 8 years old