Happy Birthday Jesus!

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It’s okay. I’ve actually spent Christmas Eve alone a few times already, so 2023 wouldn’t be the first. And no, it’s not as bad as you think. Being single at this stage in my life and oceans away from family can lead to this situation. Also, living here in America for almost half of my existence, you learn how to break tradition. Don’t get me wrong, it can still get lonesome but nothing that a good cocktail can’t fix. Plus I haven’t had a carne asada burrito with chips and pico de gallo in awhile. That’s a worthy Christmas Eve dinner if you ask me. See, if you think about it, it’s technically just another night. Something that you just sleep through as long as you avoid feeling sorry for yourself. That’s a rabbit hole you don’t wanna be in. I did manage to video-chat with my folks and sister despite them being in the middle of hosting the Christmas Day celebration for my Mother’s side of the family (they’re like 16 hours ahead). That’s a very Christmas Eve-y thing to do, right? Maybe not. We do that at least once a week. Howard and I chatted as well for about an hour and as we say goodbye, he greeted me Happy Birthday instead of Merry Christmas, which brought out a loud chuckle from both of us. He tried justifying the blunder by saying he meant Happy Birthday to Jesus, which of course didn’t fly at all. What a dufus!

Speaking of Jesus’ birthday, a few hours earlier that night, I made sure to execute my religious obligation to greet Him on his nativity through mass. I came about 30 minutes early and the church was already packed. Didn’t mind standing up though. I love the sight of people dressed up in red and green and families wearing matching outfits. This made my light pink hoodie, dark jeans and white sneakers get-up, dismal, like any given Sunday. But I smelled fruity sporting the Maison Francis Kurkdjian Day Parfum which turned a few heads my way. An old lady was standing in front of me and I gently tapped her on the shoulder pointing at a spot in one of the pews where she can possibly squeeze in. She smiled and said she’s fine standing up. She said Merry Christmas and I returned the greeting. At the end of the mass, the priest addressed the crowd that as Christians, we should be greeting everyone a Merry Christmas and not Happy Holidays. A holiday can mean a lot of things. It could be Labor Day, 4th of July, Memorial Day. But it is the birth of Jesus so say Merry Christmas. That is after all what the “holiday” is about. Father spitting facts. Well said Father. Well said.

My boys spent Christmas Day with their old man so that’s really the highlight of my holiday. They came in just a few minutes after 1. I made some pot roast supposedly for lunch but they weren’t hungry yet since they had breakfast late. I haven’t had anything besides my coffee earlier that day so I had a bowl with some bread. We watched the Lakers/Celtics game on TV plus half of the Sixers/Heat when Offspring 2 said he is starting to feel the munchies. I was about to reheat the pot roast when Offspring 1 suggested we just eat out. I said, “I think only Chinese restaurants are open on Christmas Day.” Justin replied, “We can go to Malaysia!” Say what now? “The dimsum place near Sake2Me!” “Owww, Lunasia!” We all laughing. “Is that even open?” Justin checks and it was until 8. I guess we eating out. I haven’t been out on Christmas Day for as long as I remember so it was weird just being in the streets. Im surprised the resto was even open. Along the way, Joaquin noticed that the OPEN sign was lit up on our usual go-to AYCE KBBQ place and they asked me if I was down. I’m like, “I’m not really that hungry!”, hoping that we don’t deviate from the original plan as I was already salivating over the Honey Walnut Shrimp at Lunasia’s. Those are by far the best that I’ve ever had. Glad they stayed the course. I’ve noticed that there are actually a lot more establishments open than I would’ve thought. What’s happening? Has it always been this way? 

After 18 hours of flight, we finally arrived to “Malaysia”. There was no line, thank goodness, so we got seated easily. The shrimp dish was as sumptuous as I expected. The dry noodle plate was simple but tasty and of course we had shumai to pair with the shrimp fried rice. I was soooo happy we went there and not do KBBQ. I can do without KBBQ for a minute. We stood outside where the car was parked, which we usually do after we fill our bellies to the brim. Well, maybe there’s still room for dessert since Justin was offering to buy us a Boba drink and Joaquin gave him a shrug— let’s go! Me again— “There’s a boba place open?” ShareTea was and also only up to 8. When we got there it was about 630 and by the look of the line outside, I don’t think they can close at the time they said they would. The Honey Milk Tea just hits the spot and now I can truly say that my tank is full. We headed home and watched the remaining NBA game between the Suns and Mavs. The Philippine contingent called in while me and the boys were still hanging out so Dad, Mom, my Sister and her family had a chance to do some quality face-time with us to cap off the night. I’m glad we had that chance because that rarely happens. I mistakenly greeted them a Happy Birthday instead of Merry Christmas when we’re about to hang up. Damn Howard got me all goofy as well. But you know what, it is Jesus’ birthday so maybe he has a point! Right?

Merry Christmas 🎄🎁