Christmas Around the World: A Tapestry of Joy and Tradition

December 4, 2024December 4, 2024 AinaBalagtas2 Comments

Christmas, like a timeless melody, has been sung through the centuries, weaving its harmonies into the hearts of people across the globe. It is more than a celebration—it is a story of light, resilience, and unity. Born in the humble glow of a manger in Bethlehem, this holiday transcended borders and cultures, carrying with it the promise of peace and goodwill to all.

Christmas’ origin can be trace back to the early Christians who honored the birth of Jesus Christ as the beacon of their faith. Over time, the celebration absorbed local customs like threads in a rich tapestry, blending the sacred with the cultural. In medieval Europe, it thrived despite winter’s icy grip, bringing warmth through communal feasts and carols sung in flickering candlelight. Today, that spirit endures, stretching across continents, languages, and traditions, creating a kaleidoscope of customs as unique as the stars scattered across the winter sky.

Christmas in Europe

In Germany, where the Christmas tree was born, homes glow with twinkling lights and the scent of evergreen. Advent calendars mark the days leading to Christmas, each door revealing a small gift or sweet treat—a ritual echoing the anticipation of the Nativity. In England, the yuletide crackle of a Christmas pudding aflame recalls both warmth and celebration, while carolers fill the air with hymns as timeless as the season itself.

In Italy, La Befana, a kind witch, delivers gifts on Epiphany, symbolizing the Magi’s journey to the Christ child. Midnight Mass draws families to ancient churches, their spires lit against the night sky, as bells toll the miracle of Christ’s birth.

Christmas in the Americas

Across the Atlantic, the Americas paint Christmas with vibrant hues. In Mexico, Las Posadas reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter, culminating in joyous feasts and piñatas bursting with candy. In the United States, Christmas is a dazzling spectacle of lights, parades, and the sound of sleigh bells—an ever-evolving blend of traditions reflecting its melting pot of cultures.

In Canada, the frosty air hums with the laughter of ice skaters, while in Brazil, the summer sun shines over Ceia de Natal, a feast rich in tropical flavors. Christmas in the Americas is a symphony of contrasts, yet its melody is always one of togetherness and joy.

A rich and diverse Christmas in Asia and Africa

In the Philippines, the Simbang Gabi dawn masses usher in the season, with lanterns lighting the way, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem. In Japan, Christmas takes a more commercial form, with sparkling displays and a quirky tradition of feasting on Kentucky Fried Chicken—a testament to cultural adaptation.

In Africa, Christmas often blends Christian rites with traditional rhythms. In Ghana, drumming and dancing fill the air, while in South Africa, families gather for summer picnics under blue skies, a celebration of both faith and the earth’s bounty.

The Eternal Flame of the Yuletide Season

What unites these diverse and enduring traditions is not the way they are celebrated, but the spirit they embody. Christmas endures because it resonates with something universal—the desire for light in the darkness, for connection amid isolation, for giving as an act of love, of kindness, and thoughtfulness.

Like a tree rooted deep yet adorned with unique ornaments, Christmas draws strength from its history while flourishing in its infinite forms. It reminds us that while the customs may differ, the heart of the holiday—a celebration of hope, love, and unity—remains the same.

As we marvel at how Christmas touches every corner of the world, may we cherish its enduring magic. It is a season that belongs to everyone, a testament to humanity’s capacity to create beauty, share joy, and uphold traditions that span not only from generation to generation but the entire globe.

To conclude, I have the highest regard and reverence to all religions. However, modesty and bias aside, Christmas is a timeless celebration amongst us, Catholic and Christians alike. An enduring centuries-old tradition that brings people together, unites families, tightens bonds among friends and kin, thereby creating heartwarming memories. Most importantly, Christmas is an abiding proof that if people choose—and only if they choose hope and love—peace becomes attainable: Indeed, achieving the very elusive peace is conquerable—but only if we have the will. We must not give up pursuing it.

A very merry Christmas to y’all!

YouTube/Lea Michele/It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Christmas · Holidays · Non-Fiction · Poems

The True Spirit of Christmas

December 3, 2024December 4, 2024 AinaBalagtas1 Comment

In alleys cold where shadows creep,
Where hearts are heavy, dreams asleep,
A lonely soul, a child, a face—
Christmas feels like a far-off place.

No tree to light, no gifts to share,
No stockings hung with tender care.
Just frigid nights and hunger’s sting,
A season stripped of joy it brings.

In beds where sickness holds its reign,
Through whispered prayers and quiet pain,
The yuletide glow feels faint, unsure,
As time stands still without a cure.

And yet, beyond the glistening halls,
The wreath-clad doors, the banquet calls,
The truth of Christmas softly pleads:
It’s born in love, not gilded deeds.

For every child, a toy should gleam,
A tiny spark, a cherished dream.
For every soul, a gift of cheer,
A gentle hug, a listening ear.

The warmth of meals, the joy they share,
Should circle wide, should show we care.
For Christmas magic, pure and true,
Lives not in things, but what we do.

So let us pause, reflect, extend
Our hands to stranger, foe, and friend.
For Christmas must be shared by all,
The great, the meek, the big, the small.

And in that giving, love will grow,
Its radiant light, a steady glow.
A world united, hearts made whole—
This is Christmas, its truest soul.

YouTube/Amy Grant/Grown Up Christmas List

Non-Fiction · Poems · Sentiments

The Beauty of Hygge

December 1, 2024November 30, 2024 AinaBalagtas4 Comments

*A warm, comfortable, serene atmosphere—hygge—that’s what it brings.*

In candlelight’s soft golden glow,
A quiet warmth begins to grow.
A haven from the world’s loud din,
Where stillness calls and peace begins.

A knitted blanket, worn and frayed,
Becomes the shield where dreams are laid.
The steaming mug, a simple grace,
Transforms the soul, renews the pace.

No need for riches, grand displays,
For joy resides in humble ways—
The crackling fire, the book in hand,
The comfort shared in moments planned.

Hygge whispers, slow it down,
Let stress dissolve, let ease be found.
Embrace the now, the gentle air,
And find a healing nestled there.

The wonders bloom within the heart,
A balm that soothes life’s jagged parts.
In mindful peace, contentment sings,
Oh, how hygge restores and brings—

A love for life, a sacred glow,
A path of calm through winds that blow.
So light the lamp, and let it be,
A doorway to serenity.

YouTube/Rosemary Clooney/I Wish You Love

Christmas · Holidays · Non-Fiction · Poems

The Heart of Christmas

December 1, 2024 AinaBalagtasLeave a comment

Beneath the twinkle of the lights,
Beyond the snow-capped, starry nights,
There lies a truth both pure and clear:
Christmas lives in hearts sincere.

It’s not the gold, the gifts, the store,
Nor wreaths that hang on every door.
It’s found in love, in acts of grace,
In every kind and gentle face.

A whispered prayer, a hand held tight,
A beacon glowing through the night—
These are the gifts that heaven sends,
Binding strangers, family, friends.

The manger’s child, the holy start,
A Savior born to heal each heart.
Through him, the weary world may find
A peace that warms all humankind.

So let this season’s message ring:
Of hope reborn, of angels’ wings.
May Christmas’ warmth, like candle’s glow,
Touch every heart and softly grow.

For Christmas isn’t bought or sold,
It’s love’s pure light, more prized than gold.
A gift eternal, vast and true—
May it forever dwell in you.

YouTube/Stevie Wonder/Someday at Christmas

Essay · Memoir · Non-Fiction · Writing True

What I Wear: My Apple Watch and Myself

November 29, 2024 AinaBalagtas4 Comments

What are your two favorite things to wear?

There are two things I wear with pride every day: my Apple Watch and myself. To some, an Apple Watch is just a trendy accessory, but to me, it’s far more than that. It’s not about fashion; it’s about function. It’s not about looking good; it’s about feeling good. This small device once became the catalyst for a major transformation in my life. From 162 pounds to 124 pounds, it didn’t just track my steps—it tracked my progress, measured my determination, and celebrated my victories. It’s a health gadget that reminds me to move, to breathe, and to take charge of my well-being. Every ring I close isn’t just a goal met; it’s a promise kept—to myself.

But alongside my Apple Watch, I wear something even more important: myself. You might wonder what I mean by that. Recently, I blogged about wearing my skin, and that’s exactly what it is. To wear myself is to embrace who I am, unapologetically and confidently. It’s to walk through life with the assurance that there’s nothing better than being simply and authentically me. Just as my Apple Watch reflects my commitment to physical health, wearing myself speaks to my character and self-esteem.

One tracks my steps; the other carries my stride. One encourages me to move forward; the other ensures I do so with confidence. One measures my activity; the other reflects my identity. Together, they remind me that true well-being comes not just from taking care of my body, but also from embracing my soul.

When I wear my Apple Watch, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come physically. When I wear myself, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come emotionally. One helps me become the best version of my physical self; the other reminds me that I already am the best version of my true self.

So every day, as I strap on my Apple Watch and step into my skin, I carry with me two symbols of self-care: one for my health, and one for my heart. Both tell my story. Both reflect my journey. And both remind me that there’s no better way to live than by wearing my one and only, irreplaceable me.

Gratitude · Non-Fiction · Writing True

The Heart of Thanksgiving

November 28, 2024November 17, 2024 AinaBalagtas14 Comments

Once a year, when autumn whispers its final goodbye

And the earth dons a quilt of amber and crimson,

Thanksgiving arrives, not merely a feast,

But a moment—a mirror to the soul.

It is not the turkey, golden and grand,

Nor the table laden with pies and bread,

But the gathered hearts, the clasped hands,

The stories shared, the tears unsaid.

Thanksgiving is the breath between seasons,

A time to pause, reflect, and give grace—

To honor the trials that taught us wisdom,

And the quiet joys that lit our days.

It is the farmer, grateful for rain and sun,

The teacher, thankful for eager minds,

The healer, touched by battles won,

The artist, inspired by life’s designs.

Gratitude blooms not in excess,

But in the small and overlooked—

The laughter of children, the warmth of a fire,

The way love lingers in a single look.

It is not about what we lack or desire,

But the riches already in our hands—

The health we cherish, the dreams we hold,

The friends and family who help us stand.

Thanksgiving’s essence is found in the giving,

In sharing our bounty, our time, our care.

It is in seeing the world through kinder eyes,

In lifting others from their despair.

So, as we gather this sacred day,

Let us remember its truest art:

To live with gratitude beyond the moment,

And carry Thanksgiving in our heart.

Creative · Holidays · Humor · Non-Fiction · Short Story

Turkey Talk: A Thanksgiving Conundrum

November 24, 2024 AinaBalagtas7 Comments

It was the day before Thanksgiving, and Tom and Giblet, two plump turkeys, sat under the shade of a sprawling oak tree at the edge of the farm. They had overheard the farmer’s plans earlier that morning and were in the middle of an existential crisis.

“I don’t get it, Gib,” Tom said, pacing in circles. “How does a holiday about giving thanks end up with us in the oven? It’s a yearly genocide, and yet they call it gratitude!”

Giblet, reclining on a pile of leaves, shrugged. “Humans are weird like that. They celebrate by stuffing themselves full of food and then blaming the pumpkin pie for their bloated misery. But you know what’s really confusing? They call us the centerpiece of their joy. How is being roasted to a golden crisp joyful for us?”

Tom flapped his wings in exasperation. “Right?! And they say things like, ‘Let’s give thanks for our blessings’ while they’re basting us in butter! I bet no one thanks the turkey.”

“Not true,” Giblet said, smirking. “I heard a guy on TV last year say, ‘This turkey is the most tender I’ve ever had. Thank you, Tom.’ It’s probably the same Tom who was here before you.”

Tom gulped. “Well, that’s comforting. At least I’ll be remembered for my… moistness.”

The two turkeys sat in silence for a moment, listening to the sound of distant traffic and the clanging of pots in the farmhouse kitchen.

“You know,” Giblet mused, “what if humans didn’t eat turkey for Thanksgiving? What would they have instead? Tofu? Fish? Pizza?”

“Pizza?” Tom scoffed. “Imagine the chaos! Aunt Linda’s mad because Uncle Joe ordered anchovies. Cousins arguing over pineapple. No one’s giving thanks, Gib. Just civil war on a plate.”

“Exactly,” Giblet said, leaning in. “We turkeys bring people together. Think about it. Every American family strives to keep this tradition alive because we are on the menu. If it weren’t for us, Thanksgiving might just be another Wednesday.”

Tom frowned, then nodded slowly. “So, what you’re saying is… we’re like the glue that holds Thanksgiving together?”

“Precisely,” Giblet said with a smug grin. “Without us, they’d just be eating boring casseroles and arguing over football. We’re essential, Tom. Legends, even.”

Tom sighed and flopped down beside his friend. “Well, when you put it that way, I guess being roasted for the greater good isn’t the worst fate.”

“Exactly!” Giblet said, puffing up his feathers. “If humanity needs us to keep their families united, who are we to stand in the way?”

As the sun set over the farm, the two turkeys shared a moment of quiet reflection.

“You know, Gib,” Tom said, a small smile tugging at his beak, “I hope whoever eats me tomorrow goes for seconds.”

“Atta boy,” Giblet said, patting him on the wing. “Let’s make humanity thankful, one bite at a time.”

And with that, the turkeys resigned themselves to their fate—not with fear, but with a sense of purpose. After all, they weren’t just birds—they were Thanksgiving heroes.