Preparing for Christmas

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I miss Christmas in the Philippines. I remember stores and houses decorated with festive ornaments and Christmas carols being played all day long. Everyone would be talking about Christmas events and parties they'll be attending. Children would count down the days and their excitement heightens as Christmas draws closer. Shoppers would crowd the malls and every store would have their own Christmas promotion to invite customers in. It's definitely an exciting time for everyone.

For me, Christmas will be a little bit different this year. Being away from my family and living in a Buddhist country, it's definitely not the same Christmas compared to what I have at home. However, I know that Christmas is still Christmas no matter where I am. Watching the Christmas Devotional was a wonderful reminder of the reason for this season. 
"Finding the real joy of Christmas comes not in the hurrying and the scurrying to get more done. We find the real joy of Christmas when we make the Savior the focus of the season." - President Thomas S. Monson
With this thought in mind, I've committed myself to make the most of my Christmas here in Thailand. It means focusing on the things that matter most and enjoying each day as it comes.

Holding hands with a stranger. LOL
We were contemplating on a part-time job as Santa's elves.
Decorating our Christmas tree at the office.
Oh Christmas tree... Oh Christmas tree...

I am grateful for this season. I am grateful for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave us the greatest gift of all... His life. No matter where we are, may we all have a very Merry Christmas!
"Focusing on the Lord and everlasting life can help us not only at Christmas, but through all the challenges of mortality." Elder Russell M. Nelson

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