5 Things to Be Thankful on Christmas

Christmas is almost here on my part of the world. For others, it has already come. You must be enjoying opening your gifts now or wrapping last-minute gifts, or you might be busy prepping for that Christmas dinner. But while we get caught in the middle of excitements and happy gatherings, let us take a moment to reflect and be thankful of all the good things.

Sometimes we get blinded by the meaning of Christmas that we simply focus on gifts, what to give and what to receive. We tend to concentrate on material things and we fail to see those that are more meaningful. On the other hand, if we are stricken by catastrophe, it´s difficult to see the goodness of God, much more celebrate a happy Christmas.

As I am writing this post, I imagine how Lauren Scruggs and her family find new meaning to Christmas, given that it´s her search for Christmas lights that brought her to this accident. I also think of my people in the Philippines, the more than a thousand that were killed by the typhoon, flood and landslide last week, and the thousands that were left homeless and orphaned, and that many who lost families and loved ones. How would they celebrate their Christmas?

No matter what your circumstance is, here are 5 things that you can be thankful for this Christmas.

1. Good Health

Good health is something that we rarely appreciate, but the moment we get sick, we so crave for it that we are willing to exchange our richness for it. If you enjoy good health this Christmas, thank God for it. However, if you are suffering from a sickness, thank God for the hope of healing.

2. Families and Friends

Unless our families and friends are safe and in good health, we´re not completely happy. Therefore be thankful this Christmas that they´re safe and sound. They are our treasures.

My good friend, Daisy, in Thailand is saddened by the very recent accident of her mom, falling off a motorcycle. The mom broke her hip bones and she couldn´t move. She is scheduled to have a surgery next week and the bills are overwhelming. She doesn´t have an insurance so the children will have to shoulder her bills. How could my friend find reason to celebrate Christmas happily? I advised her to look at the good side, her mom is alive.

If any of your family and friend is suffering this Christmas, pray for them and encourage them to trust God, they will be safe.

3. Your Job

I used to hate my job, but the moment I resigned and ventured on a new career, its unstability leaves me disappointed and depressed for how many times. I miss the financial freedom that I used to enjoy. If you have a great job that you love, give thanks for it. If you have a job that you hate, and you know that you need it, find reasons to appreciate it. A good job is a gift.

4. Your Freedom

The freedom to live, to do things that you want, and the freedom to practice your religion is one of those best gifts. Think of those who are oppressed, or those who spend their Christmas behind bars, they wish they have your freedom. Be thankful for it.

5. Your Closet and other Possesions

Now we come to the material side. Being a fashion blogger, seeing the closet of other fashionistas sometimes make me covet what they have. But looking at my own closet, it´s full of many things I adore. I have more than I need and I´m thankful for it.

I´m also thankful that my husband worked hard to get a car. Living in this place where the bus only comes every half an hour, and only every hour on Christmas, a car is a need. I´m also thankful for the humble apartment that we have. We have enough space for us and we have the freedom to live as we want. These are great gifts.

You may have more than I have, you may have a bigger closet than mine, or you may have as humble abode as we do, all these material things are a gift from God and the fruit of our hard work, they are something worth thanking for. I learned that looking on the underprivileged instead of those above me makes me appreciate more what I have.

Share Your Blessings

One way of giving thanks to all the blessings that we received from this year is by sharing it. If you would like to send help to the thousands of Filipinos left homeless and hungry by the “Sendong” typhoon, you can send your donations here.

Have Your Say

So tell me Creative Fashionistas, what are the other things worth thanking for this Christmas? How do you celebrate Christmas?