It’s 3:55am and sleep is elusive. This is not too good for my plan to attend the 8AM Christmas mass. But let’s see.

It is still raining, has been raining for over 12 hours now–a lazy, continuous rain that started in the early afternoon as the delivery man bringing some boxes of muffins that I ordered from my friend Rose arrived. He was polite, apologetic even; delivery time took double than usual. Traffic’s heavy, he said, perhaps expecting a reprimand. But of course, I did not. Chatted a bit, paid, gave a tip, and wished him “Merry Christmas.”

Even in Bicol, it’s raining. And to make the Christmas sad for the kids, there was a brownout in my hometown since early evening. It happened as my high school buddies and I were greeting and updating one another via our GC.

The past weekend and yesterday found me a bit sad and reflective. Perhaps it’s the effect when you realize that there are only a few days left in the year. It shouldn’t matter too much, right? It’s just the same days with 24 hours, with work, chores, errands, a bit of fun. But it seems it does? Our self-imposed deadlines, plans to be completed, assessment of the year that was.

Also, some of my plans cannot be carried out fast or they require concurrence with other people and availability of sched — like watching the sunrise, visiting the UP campus, watching a movie, even grocery shopping time.

Despite the seeming lack of excitement, I am glad and grateful. We shared a nice meal for the Noche Buena; I was able to prepare gifts for the neighbors in our compound. Some gave us gifts too. We were able to watch a movie and concerts together from a large TV that a family friend won during their Christmas party last Sunday. We were able to spend time all together in the sala to bond, something that is rare on ordinary days.

I look forward to our family reunion tomorrow. And now, as I endeavor to fall asleep, I pray for a blessed and peaceful Holiday Season and Christmas for everyone.