We've had our Christmas tree for more than a week now. We bought it for less than $40.00 at Home Depot. It is a Fraser fir and I chose it due to its nicely shaped foliage and scent . It is also not as sharp and prickly  like the one we got last year. I've decorated the tree with whatever embellishments we've accumulated for the past few years. I wanted to buy a new set of adornments this year for a new over-all look but it didn't seem practical to buy stuff at full sticker prices so I'll just wait till the end of the season and purchase them at clearance sale.

When Carlota sent me the Christmas tree assignment a few weeks ago, I didn't really feel like I have much to write about as I am not so big on decorating the house for Christmas at all.  Perhaps because I'm just way too indolent and daunted by the task of putting the knick knacks away once it's over. We don't have much of significant trinkets to speak of anyway.

Our holiday celebrations were not as traditional in terms of the trappings that come with it. However, the past Christmases were not bereft of the holiday spirit at all. Instead of ornaments, I have my memories to cherish and share . I browsed through my old photo albums and searched for the images that reflected the "ghosts of the Christmas past" . As I've mentioned before, it's been 12 years since I last spent Christmas with my own kinsfolk but throughout the years, my friends and I have forged a relationship that is akin to family . We have each other to help us survive the homesickness and pangs of loneliness during the holidays. The moments I shared with them were the most precious ornaments I could ever collect and treasure. This is my Christmas tree...

This photo was taken during the early years of working at the nursing home . We just started being friends, not just coworkers . Mainly just a small group of single young women  except Fritze who met Mike (now hubby) at work. We were just being goofy and enjoying the freedom and independence of living on our own in a different country and culture.

This seemingly blissful image belied the calamitous events that followed weeks later . This photo reminded me of innocence lost and dreams shattered . It was one those growing up pains that could either break you or make you stronger. A fleeting reminder of how darkness can sometimes come to our lives and it seemed like it can only get worse. Alas! Despite the turmoil, people learned their lessons and moved on.  All the better for the experience and insight they've gained throughout the experience.

 

This was a more formal Christmas party at a small banquet place. The attendees were still mostly women but a few men  had crept up in the mix. I remember I had a bad case of PMS that night. Couple that with homesickness and it made for a bad recipe for a party spoiler. Everybody had a great time anyway. This was probably the only time that we had a nice group photo taken. I realize I have not seen some of these people in the past few years. 

Mariah and I had been room mates for a couple of years before we finally decided to decorate for Christmas in 1999. We bought a fresh Christmas tree and somehow managed to drag it up the elevators to our apartment on the 6th floor . We had fun decorating it with a few inexpensive ornaments including the two angels that we used as tree toppers. I was able to keep them when our living arrangement ended a year or so later. We also hosted our first party with a theme: white christmas. Our friends were asked to wear something white and most of them did. We had karaoke and oodles of fun.

This was the first time Kenny encountered my friends. We just met on Christmas Day in 1999 and celebrated the New Year's eve at a party downtown. I was giddy and thrilled  to have met such a great fella so I invited him to Kismet's birthday fete (Jan 1st) so he can get acquainted with my pals. It was truly bold of him to accept the invitation not knowing what to envisage from a typical Filipino gathering. It turned out to be the first of many more Filipino parties he went to for the years that followed. My friends warmed up to him pretty quickly, I might add.

This was the second Christmas Kenny and I spent together but probably also the last time we celebrated it with our friend Romela (second to bottom left).  She moved to California the next year. Just one of the many changes and moves that happen as life goes on.

As you can see, there were a lot more men in attendance in this Christmas party in 2003. The party was held at Mating's place. We had a few more additions to our ever expanding family.  It was notably the first time that Tom (Mariah's boyfriend and Kenny's friend) was formally introduced to the group. He has since become a regular fixture in our shindigs as well.

This photo was taken last year, an evidence of how far we've come in our journey through life. In contrast to the first picture above, this was a far cry from what our lives were like eons ago. Although a few of our friends are still single, this image just goes to show that there is someone out there for everyone. If not, there's always our friendship.

 I suppose this is one of my favorite snapshot of me and Mariah. No longer room mates but we still share the same chums and celebrate the holidays together. We might have only been friends for a few years but we've seen each other through all the vicissitudes . We both have matured and have a better appreciation of the important things in our life.

 I couldn't make up my mind what years these photographs were taken but they're a few of my favorites of me and Kenny. It just make my heart melts whenever I think about how much of a metamorphosis he has brought and the impression he has made in my life . These holidays are even more momentous now that I'm sharing them with him. What greater Christmas gift is there than that?

I like this post Rose, I am getting teary eyed....we have seen each other grow, and yes, the CHANGES ! Those were fun times, lots of good memories I will always treasure !

Dear Rose, I haven't been here in a while.. Been so busy lately. Anyhow, I like your idea of waiting the end of the season and purchase it during clearance sale. My decors where from last year. didn't purchase any this year. Thanks for sharing your pics. U and Kenny look great together.

Hi Rose, thanks so much for showing & sharing your Christmas Tree very nice Tree and you decorated very nicely.
I really love the way you shared all the memories with your friends and love ones very touching. Thanks so much for sharing all the memories.

Have a wonderful Holidays and Healthy 2006. Take care and God Bless!

P.S. I just love all your music here...

hi rose, reading your post reminds me of my friends way back pa gyud. sus ako nalang mahimo i pray sila nga maayo ila mga life. Wait basin ug magdrama ko dire hehe. I just like to great you and ken MERRY CHRISTMAS! tc and God bless.

Rose, I enjoyed walking down the memory lane with you. It's true about the constant evolution of friendships and friendship groups. About your friends taking instant liking to Kenny, I can see why. You "caught" a great guy. Anyone who likes you you will like Kenny as well. You are alike in so many ways.

Mariah, it was indeed a nostalgic trip for me to see these photos. It reminded me of how far we've come over the years.

Honeylet, I have to save up some money to indulge in my post season clearance sale shopping spree. Kenny is not so much in favor of it but I'll work my way through it hehehe...

Carlota, thanks for taking the time to read all my ramblings. I hope to be able to share more about my christmas ornaments next year. Thanks also for the compliment on my music selection.

Kim, there's really only a few friends I still have in contact with from the Phils. Too bad... but that's life as we know it. Easy come, easy go...

Geri, you caught a great guy yourself. It's amazing how we cross paths with our spouses despite being born and raised on the opposite sides of the planet. Certainly makes for a good story, huh?

A Speical Christmas Wish to a Speical Friend

hi Rose, it's Christmas day today, my inaanaks and relatives alreaady have come and got their gifts, i 'm kinda bored right now and thought of blog hopping (at xmas day huh, hahaha). Anyway thanks for sharing your photos and what lovely pics u had and Kenny. Regards merry xmas

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