Are we there yet?

@adnileb (5276)
Philippines
October 4, 2012 3:42am CST
It's the second -ber month already. So excited for the holidays. I can smell the cold Christmas air. Sometimes I want to be in those places where there's snow during Christmas. I would love to be there someday. I've been seeing lanterns for sale along the street and I bet my mom will be preparing our Christmas tree soon. December was my most awaited month of the year because it's the time I get old for another year and receive gifts too. Every year at September, I am counting the days left before my birthday. And now, as I am lying on my bed, I am thinking of gifts to give on Christmas. I am wondering too on what gift I want to receive this Christmas. How about you dear friends? Do you plan for holidays as early as now? Or like the holiday rush and discounts on shops? Do you feel the spirit of Christmas at your place nowadays? I'd love to hear your Christmas stories! =)
4 people like this
25 responses
@peavey (16936)
• United States
5 Oct 12
Christmas is my very favorite holiday and it's never far from my mind. It snows here, but not always on Christmas (although I always hope, pray and wish for it to!). My youngest daughter was born during a blizzard on Christmas Eve. It will be 30 years ago this Christmas. We got escorted to the hospital with a police car because the highway was closed to normal traffic. I took her home the next morning in a big Christmas stocking!
@peavey (16936)
• United States
5 Oct 12
Maybe some year you can go somewhere and have snow on Christmas. I didn't know that it got cold there. Yep, she was quite the Christmas gift!
@adnileb (5276)
• Philippines
5 Oct 12
I want to experience snow during Christmas but it will never happen here. It's so cold now every morning and it really smells like Christmas. I could imagine your daughter in a big Christmas stocking, seems like a great gift for you on that time.
@adnileb (5276)
• Philippines
5 Oct 12
Hmmm.. I'd love that. Maybe (just maybe) someday, I could visit some place with snow. =) Yes, it's cold here but only in the morning. I mean the earlier morning, err, dawn. Lol
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
4 Oct 12
Hi adnileb Holiday season is just a few days ahead here in India when we celebrate the Dusshehra festival. I am so very excited about any festivity that I find from any religion or any country. I love to celebrate and enjoy. And the good news is that wifey will be here during those Dushehra festival and we will be travelling too
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
6 Oct 12
I am late again I have found this page from wiki for explanation of what is that festival all about (it is a long page no doubt, and if you need a shorter read, skip to the Eastern India Section as it covers my state Orissa and also my wife's state Bengal) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vijayadashami For the phone, we are going to Hyderabad (in another state) for my medical checkups this 10th. So she will be arriving here on 9th night. And 10th morning I will buy her the phone as we might use the camera to take some pics during the train journey)
@adnileb (5276)
• Philippines
4 Oct 12
Dear sids, I don't know about the Dusshehra festival. Would you elaborate it further? I love any kind of events especially when it is holiday, meaning, I will not go to work as I am so tired of working everyday. Oh, I'll take it back, not all events, as there are some events that involves many crowd that is annoying. I love those in which I can see some beautiful parades and shows. I'll guess, that's the time you will give your wife her new phone, right?
@sishy7 (27167)
• Australia
4 Oct 12
Enjoy her company and your travelling together...
@choybel (5042)
• Philippines
4 Oct 12
It's not my first time saying this, December used to be my favorite month of the year as well. My birthday is August but December was my favorite because everyday of it seemed so festive and cheerful in our town until the day my parents got separated. After that, it never became the same, at least never the way I felt about it before. I still love the holidays but just less now. In fact, I'm nowhere near excited about it, as I would have been years ago. Sometimes, experiences and events in one's life can really change one thing just like that.
@choybel (5042)
• Philippines
5 Oct 12
It's nice to know that you are still excited about your birthday. It's a good thing, being positive and cheerful in life. As for me, life has not been very easy, and there's mostly just myself to blame for it. That's probably why I don't really feel the excitement anymore. I normally wish for longer days in a year so as to give myself more time to accomplish things, because whenever I look back in my life all I could see are failures. Having my birthday only reminds me of another failed year. Nonetheless, I try to stay positive. It doesn't really sound like it here, but I really do. I'm still ambitious and I hope that's a good thing.
@adnileb (5276)
• Philippines
4 Oct 12
I think we're on the same situation. My parents also separated and last year was the last Christmas that we are together. Actually it isn't the same last year because of the situation unlike the previous years. But my excitement for this season never changed because I am with my mom right now and I enjoy being with her than with my father. And besides, my birthday is December too; just 4 days before Christmas. I like it because I have the countdown of the days before my birthday. It's makes me too excited. Sounds like too excited to get old?
@adnileb (5276)
• Philippines
5 Oct 12
Don't think negative things my friend. Everybody has his own failure in life and it's normal. Failures teach us to become stronger for the next year to come and teach us lessons so those will not happen again. Just make a plan of your goals in life, list them down and update yourself that you have to accomplish it in due time. If you didn't make it, list down those that hindered you and next time, you know what to do. Just try and try. =)
@jenny1015 (13366)
• Philippines
5 Oct 12
At my parents' house, Christmas really starts early. Christmas ornaments are already put up and yes, there are several gifts under the Christmas tree. The warmth of the house is so invigorating, just like the old days........Unlike here in my own house, it is a different scenario. Since my in laws are not like my parents, they put up Christmas decorations just a few days before Christmas. I couldn't do my own decorations without them saying something "off" about it.
@jenny1015 (13366)
• Philippines
5 Oct 12
Let's just pray your future in laws will be kind enough to allow you and your future husband to be with your own parents' home. My family and I always spend Christmas Eve at my parents' home. Our house is more "Christmassy" than the other house. My in laws didn't say anything against it coz during Christmas Eve, they just go to sleep. They celebrate it the next evening where all of my husband's siblings' families are also there.
@adnileb (5276)
• Philippines
5 Oct 12
Oh, those in-laws! I think it's really difficult to deal with them especially when you get used to your parents' house. I don't have any in-laws yet (future in-laws I must say) so I couldn't share my experience on that part. But in the future, I still want to celebrate Christmas with my Mom. I have no brothers or sisters or close relatives near us to be with my mom. So when the time comes that I will ba having my own family, I will still be with her. Do you think that would be okay with my future in-laws? I think so.
@ARIES1973 (11426)
• Legaspi, Philippines
5 Oct 12
Hi friend! Since I have just done with my training, I was not yet able to prepare for the coming Christmas. I hope I may have the time and funds on the coming days. I also got lot of expenses during the training so I really fun out of fund. I hope I would have more time to wok online so I can save enough for the Christmas Season. Merry Christmas!
@adnileb (5276)
• Philippines
6 Oct 12
I encounter you telling mylot about your training. Since it's already done, would you mind telling me what was the training all about? I can only start shopping when I received my 13th month pay because I have no extra money for now. Hope we can save on our online earnings.
1 person likes this
@adnileb (5276)
• Philippines
7 Oct 12
Oh, I see.. Half year training? That's a long one. Good thing you were finished before the holidays. But what's longer to wait is the 13th month pay. =) Then after the holidays, I'm poor again. Merry Christmas!
• Indonesia
4 Oct 12
I haven't planing my holiday right now.. Usually in my school, before we take the christmas and new year holiday we must take the final exam.. And now we are all preparing hard for that with hope that if we can get a good score then our parents maybe will give us some holiday bonus (gifts).. LOL Actually i'm not a Christian but some of my aunt and uncle are celebrate it so i join them.. We usually went shopping together and they buy me some expensive and beautiful clothes as a gifts .. And when it comes to the nwe year party, my parents will give a gift back their children (my cousin).. That what happen annually.. I think this year will be the same..
@adnileb (5276)
• Philippines
4 Oct 12
When I was still studying, I cannot enjoy the coming of holidays because we also have the final exam. But whether I had good grades or not, my parents would still be giving me gifts. lol I think what happens this year will also happen next year, and yes, it's the same annually. Only, the gifts change and vary from time to time because we get older. Good luck to your exam! Hope you will receive a good gift this Christmas. I think Christmas is not only for Christians but I do respect that some religions really don't celebrate it. Have a nice day!
@adnileb (5276)
• Philippines
4 Oct 12
Well, I took that burden of going to school for five years. But I love the allowances that my parents give to me. I am working now and trust me, when you are working, you will definitely beg to go back to school again. It's much harder than it looks like. Yes, you have your own money but it's difficult. It's the same holiday when you're working but I leave work during those work days because I still feel the holiday. So I come to work usually every 3rd or 4th of January..
• Indonesia
4 Oct 12
You're so lucky that you had finish your school.. So are you working now ? Or still in college ? How long is your christmas holiday ? Mine usually just 10 days.. 24-26, and then 27-29 we still go to school.. And 30 december until one week after new year we are in holiday again..
@primeaque86 (8108)
• Philippines
5 Oct 12
Hi there, yeah Christmas is approaching and we are about to be there! Here at work, my office mate already planned to buy giveaways for our customers and clients... December is also special to me because last time I have a contest at my blog available to all readers, that is the advance new years resolution, I guess I will host the same contest this year at SB!
@adnileb (5276)
• Philippines
6 Oct 12
Wow... It's so nice to shop for giveaways. I find it funny because you get to think of your clients attitude and buy a giveaway that is suitable for her. Good luck for your contest!
@Canellita (12029)
• United States
14 Oct 12
Wow you are lucky that you only get older once per year instead of every day like the rest of us :-) I am not a big holiday person. Holidays can become very bothersome and I am one of those people who is relieved when they are over.
@adnileb (5276)
• Philippines
16 Oct 12
I guess that's too much burden on you when you get old everyday. What makes you old everyday? Go away from them, you'll reach the target age as soon as possible without you knowing it. Anyways, holidays are really bothersome because of the expenses and hardwork. But it is fun! So, just enjoy the fun.
@cerebellum (3863)
• United States
6 Oct 12
Christmas is the only thing I like about winter. Where I live, we get a lot of snow, and although it is pretty, I hate it. I have started shopping for gifts already. I am disabled, and have a long drive. I order most things and they can't be delivered if the driveway is full of snow, so I start early.
@adnileb (5276)
• Philippines
7 Oct 12
At least there's Christmas as a reason for you to enjoy winter for once. Sorry to hear that you're disabled and I know you hate the snow for that. But good to know that you can do things by yourself. Maybe you just have to do the shopping early for your convenience and stay safe. Is the winter already there? Have a nice day!
• United States
15 Oct 12
I am also excited about Christmas and will be starting my ornaments to sell online at the end of the month. I know the stores have been busy putting their Christmas items out and having sales so people can spend money. I am hoping that I can set up my budget and hope that I will not overspend this year like I usually end up doing. I do not have any credit cards and am trying hard to not apply for any more credit cards. I will be decorating my house the day after Thanksgiving.
@adnileb (5276)
• Philippines
16 Oct 12
Wow, you sell ornaments online? That's great! I went home last Sunday and my Mom told me that she's not fixing the Christmas tree this early. Because the kids who sings Christmas carols always go to our house. And that's everyday until Christmas! So my mom always give them money after singing. And with that scene every night, surely my mom spends a lot.
@SIMPLYD (90721)
• Philippines
4 Oct 12
Here in our province we aren't much yet of the Christmas decors and other realted activities. Usually, it will be after the halloween that people will be putting up their Christmas decors. But the breeze feels like Christmas already. It's already cold at night and in the early morning. BRR!
@adnileb (5276)
• Philippines
4 Oct 12
The Christmas air is really different. I think no matter where you are, the breeze is still the same. I just wish it would sometimes here in the Philippines. Don't you like it too? The water is too cold and I can't bear it. Before, I take a shower at night and the water is just right. But now, I want it warm so I boil hot water for my bath.
@SIMPLYD (90721)
• Philippines
5 Oct 12
Yes, i like it when the BER season comes. At night sometimes, we would stop the electric fan because it becomes cold already in the middle of the night. And yes, the water is so cold also, that i don't get to take a bath at night anymore. It's now just sponge bath.
@adnileb (5276)
• Philippines
6 Oct 12
Same in our house too. So when it's December, we get to save some electricity.
@mtrguanlao (5522)
• Philippines
4 Oct 12
Hello friend! Well,it's always Christmas whenever hubby is here with us,lol! And since hubby is here for a vacation again,it's already Christmas! Honestly,I don't feel the Christmas spirit yet in my neighborhood. Compared last year,I still don't see any christmas lights in houses. Maybe because we experienced flooding again this year. With regards to planning,I don't know why I enjoy rush shopping,lol!
@adnileb (5276)
• Philippines
4 Oct 12
Hi, good to see again... I see that it's your husband's vacation. I'm sure he bought you and your daughter lots of gifts. Yes, it is sad that flood is always happening in the Philippines nowadays. And typhoon is never stopping. Hope the sun will shone soon and good weather all over the place. I think what's enjoyable in rush shopping is that you get to think of all that you need because your mind is so active due to the rush. lol Or maybe because you see lots of people rushing too, and it's fun.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
4 Oct 12
Haha,I guess I just like the rush shopping during Christmas since I can feel all the people are buying for gifts not just shopping for themselves,lol!
@murkie (1103)
• Philippines
6 Oct 12
hello, adnileb! christmastime is indeed fast approaching. however, the overall mood is not the same as it has been in the past few years. you usually get excited and feel the christmas air by the start of september. but nowadays, it's almost mid-october and seems only a few is anticipating it. maybe because of the economy, or it is out of their mind yet i don't know. anyway, even those who had no christmas in their religion could feel it. in some place, it's not even christmas that they are celebrating, but rather the general holiday nearing the year-end.
@adnileb (5276)
• Philippines
6 Oct 12
I think it's only on their minds. Or maybe you're right about the economy. And soon noone will celebrate it anymore. I don't want that to happen. Still, I can feel the Christmas spirit! =)
@bloodmask (590)
• India
5 Oct 12
Yes we are and Obama will be celebrating all this with his family after a big lose with his opposition. I think this cristmas will be peaceful and I do hope and all those rush in Greece and Spain and rest of the world will feel the same thourgh this cristmas.
@adnileb (5276)
• Philippines
6 Oct 12
It's nice to hear that you will be having a peaceful Christmas. Congratulations to Mr. Obama.
• United States
4 Oct 12
I love the holiday season but what I do not enjoy is the cold or the snow. As a kid I enjoyed it of course. But now I can't wait for the warm weather to come back! I was born in the summer. Maybe that has something to do with it.
@adnileb (5276)
• Philippines
5 Oct 12
You have snow there? Wow! I like that. Maybe I'm still a kid at heart and when I grow older, I think my joints couldn't bear the cold anymore. I was born December. Do you think it has something with it? [em]blink[em/]
@silverfox09 (4708)
• United States
4 Oct 12
I can feel the Christmas breeze and I would love to have a white Christmas in the near future also . I dont see anyone putting up decor its still very early but maybe later in the month or november that is usually the time . Christmas is my favorite time of the year and I hope I get to spend it the way I want this year .
@adnileb (5276)
• Philippines
5 Oct 12
I see it's your favorite time of the year too. Every morning, the wind gets colder. Much more here because the typhoon just passed by. I love white Chistmas, especially with family and we can dance in the snow. But unfortunately, we don't have it here. How do you want your Christmas to be spent this year? If you don't mind me asking though. Me I just want to forget my problems for one day and be happy till the New Year comes.
@jugsjugs (12967)
4 Oct 12
I am ready for Christmas and I can not wait.I save all year round for christmas and this is great, as this year I already have over half the christmas gifts as well as £1350 worth of vouchers to spend on gifts.I hate all the added expence, so it is easier to save all year round than pay out all the money in one go.
@adnileb (5276)
• Philippines
5 Oct 12
Wow, so you saved much money for this year. I don't have much money to save the whole year so I wait until the 13th month pay will be given to us. So I have no choice but to experience the holiday rush. I can't also wait for the holidays. 81 days more!
• Philippines
5 Oct 12
December is the busiest month of the year and this is the month that most people are waiting for. It is also the most expensive month. Usually I plan for Christmas during this month and it is good now to buy gifts for our families and friends because there are so many "sale" now.
@adnileb (5276)
• Philippines
6 Oct 12
Most expensive indeed! From the foods, to gifts and everything. Good thing there are lots of Christmas sale during the holidays so we can save a bit of our money.
@pgiblett (6524)
• Canada
4 Oct 12
My advice: Don't wish time away too quickly! We have many days to enjoy before then.
@adnileb (5276)
• Philippines
4 Oct 12
You're right. But I can't help it. It comes faster as I can feel the cold air of December. So we have to enjoy quickly too.
@leeandrew (1225)
• Philippines
5 Oct 12
I actually has this love and hate feeling about this season. I'm excited to think about the things I should for Christmas. The christmas tree, the christmas lights and more other things. But what causes me stress in the though of my godchildren coming to me for gifts. Ooh I have loads of them probably more than twenty of them. I could I say no to friends who asked me if I could be a second mom to their kids. And now I'm suffering (exaggerating here) from anxiety because I might get flooded of godsons and daughters who will asks for their gift on Christmas. Deep sigh!
@adnileb (5276)
• Philippines
6 Oct 12
Twenty???! That's really a burden! I have many of them when I was in high school but them we move o a different town. So now, it's only down to one! I am so relieved now. And I usually give my godson a toy, not money actually because he will just give to his mom and his mom will spend it unwisely.