By: Chloe Arabella D. Cristobal 
Publication: Sofia Divinagracia

Christmas lights twinkling. Choirs of children outside singing. Each family gets together to do their different ways of bonding. The holiday spirit ‘round the neighborhood is clearly brewing.

The passing of research papers nearing. A mountain of backlogs that I should be doing. Competitions and tasks; I spend the majority of the break planning. The excitement I had during the start of the festive season is slowly dwindling.

I was once a confused kid whose eyebrows furrowed whenever I saw my older cousins who were in high school at that time worrying about the pending work they have greeting their return to school after New Year’s. My pupils were once full of curiosity whenever I saw them from afar  preparing for group projects with their classmates, right around the exact same time when my Titas and Titos were preparing for Noche Buena.

I used to look at the situation with orbs full of wonder. My mouth would stay agape at the vibrant colors and intricate patterns they used for their Parol design. I would even offer to help them look for recyclable materials they could use for their project, but they would always deny my help. I always wondered why they did, and I always felt rejected when they would say I should enjoy the time I had with my younger cousins when I still can.

Now, I look at the situation with eyes full of sympathy. I can now understand why they chose to deny my offer instead of letting me join in. It’s hard to admit, but everything really does get ten times more complicated when you start to grow up. Nostalgia overpowers the present, and the longing for the coziness of Christmas turns into a yearning for the warmth you felt in the past.

There is no doubt that being a Science High School student during times like these prove to be a challenge. Maintaining balance between academics, extracurriculars, friends, family, and alone time can be a tedious task to do. More often than not, even with weeks of school off, the things that make you a student still take hold of you even if you want to be free from its grip. But I learned that this doesn’t mean all hope is lost, this doesn’t mean that the warmth I once felt can never be experienced again. After all, the Christmas spirit can still live on.

They say that Christmas is the season of giving, but I think most of us misinterpret that saying. Giving does not only entail presents, big or small. It doesn’t simply stop at material things, from new clothes to heartfelt letters. It does not only refer to giving to others, but also to yourself and well-being.

Christmas is the season of giving time. It is the only period of the year where the family gets together and celebrates the momentous occasion of all. Besides that, with the end of 2024 nearing, it proposes an opportunity for us to take a moment and breathe. Giving time for yourself to relax and rewind can do wonders for the upcoming year.

This holiday season, I will be sure to appreciate the twinkling lights and sparkling decor. I’ll take a step back from my desk and spend moments with my family that I am sure will someday be part of tradition. In the spirit of giving, I will give myself memories worthy of remembering.