The Madness of Christmas Eve 2010

The day started out rather well. It was a crisp bright morning and I was up at 6:50 to get ready for the day. I had an 8am appointment with my car mechanic in Winnetka so I figured I'll leave the house at 7:30 to get there at the appointed time.

So I washed my face, brushed my teeth and got ready. As I was getting dressed, I went for a long-sleeved shirt under my hoodie, a pair of thick sweat pants and a pair of comfy running shoes to stay warm.

I got to David's shop at around 7:50 and he was already there. I gave him the key to my car, told him what to do and I walked over to the next block to have breakfast at the Filipino Restaurant. I met three strangers along the short walk, greeted them all with "Good morning and Merry Christmas" and all of they returned the greetings. What a great start!

I got my fried rice, bangus (milk fish) and longanisa - your typical Filipino breakfast - and seated myself in front of the TV which was broadcasting a Christmas show live from Manila. I promptly ate my meal, watched a bit and tried to write a few lines to a friend but with all the distractions - and maybe even with the "wrong" pen, I could not go past "Dear.." so I stopped, and left.

I walked over to the 7-11 to get coffee. I spoke with two other customers, one of which was a 5-year-old (or so) kid who I kidded about losing his tongue. Everyone seemed to be in a wonderful spirit.

As I headed back to my mechanic, I smiled as this promises to be a wonderful day. And it was! Within a few minutes, my car was done and I paid half of what I was quoted by the dealer for the same services. I did a couple of errands and stopped by my office to drop something off. By now, I was ready to take off my layers of clothes as it had gotten warmer.

Then the madness began. Lita had asked me to pick up some bibingka and pancit malabon from Manila Sunset. We thought that since I was to get only a small order, it should be a breeze. Wrong! I got to the store and there was a long line. I got in line and when it was my turn, I was informed that unless I had pre-ordered, there was nothing available for me to buy. Filipinos were in a mad-dash for their Noche Buena feasts. I went to two more Filipino restaurant/stores before I had to settle for something close to what I really wanted. Noche Buena food purchased, I went on to other errands at the Filipino grocery store where I saw friends and church folks, exchanged Christmas wishes, then headed home, had a late lunch and changed from the thick hoodie and sweat pants to capri shorts, sleeveless shirt, a light sweater and a pair of flip-flops.

Since it was mid-afternoon, I told Lita I'd have the cars cleaned. I went to the car-wash and as I was clearing the stuff from my car, I saw the present that I was to give the mail carrier. Feeling pretty merry, I decided to give it to the guy who writes the car-wash tickets. He was surprised, but was really happy. I told him that I only wanted the regular wash, but he said he will give me a free fragrance. Not bad, I thought. So I went to pay and waited for them to finish cleaning the car. To my surprise, I saw them putting armor-all in my tires! Another bonus for a gift freely given! The CR-V smelled good and looked spiffy!

I went back to the car wash with the Montero. Someone hit it in the parking lot at the university and there was a long white-mark on the passenger side doors. Lita had already asked him how much it would cost to take the mark out and he had quoted her about $100 for it a month ago. Now, I asked him how much it would be and he told me to just buy him lunch and he will take care of it. We went to the detail room, got a piece of cloth and some chemical and started cleaning out the white mark. In a few minutes, it was gone! The car got washed, with fragrance and armor-all - just with lunch and regular car-wash fee! It felt good because I gave him the gift not expecting anything but maybe a "thank you".

More and more, I realize how much we get rewarded for genuine magnanimity. When they said God could not be outdone with His generosity, they were not kidding!

And so food was ready, cars cleaned, I next tackled the laundry that I started a week ago. I had a couple more loads and so I went about doing them. While waiting, and since there was still some natural light, I set up my trusted sewing machine and repaired three pairs of pants that had rips on them. I can't believe how domesticated I have become! Nanay would have not believed what I can do now! I think most of her prayers have been answered! If she can only see me now...

So the rest of the day was spent dealing with mundane tasks - what I call my "squeaky doors" and getting them off my unwritten to do list. As we prepare for the midnight services, I feel wonderful and lighter and ready to meet the newborn babe that gave us hope for salvation.

Merry Christmas! Maligayang Pasko! Feliz Navidad!