December is the most unforgettable month full of precious memories. There were class vacations, class parties, family reunions, and of course noche buena and media noche.
We Filipinos traditionally celebrate Christmas and New Year with our families. Unlike in other countries, we started our Christmas preparation every September.
Visitors from mountain barangay
Today I will be sharing with you our Thanksgiving Sunday and year-end party. Usually in the U.S., they celebrate Thanksgiving every November but for us, we do it in December. We are thanking God for the whole year's abundant blessing.
We usually celebrate it every third Sunday of December. All of our fellow members bring something to share. But this time they have to bring nothing but their presence. The church will prepare everything.
One member who shares the goodness of God
Food at the table
So before that day arrived We have to prepare everything. From the gift per family, individual prizes for games, giveaways, food, and decorations. We also prepare some raffles and games.
I see that everyone can receive something. I also ordered roasted pig for everybody, It tastes delicious and is so crunchy. I packed every gift and named it. It was my most fulfilling and favorite part, packing something for someone.
Some give aways
Another set
For everyone
The day arrived and everyone came. Others are still bringing some food to share. My husband fetched some visitors from the mountain barangay. Some members shared their life's journey throughout the year and how God blessed them. Tears of joy as we listened to their stories. Faces of joy painted on everybody's faces greeting everyone a happy Thanksgiving. We had our worship service and had our lunch together. Because of a lot of food on our table, we could not finish everything we just covered it and had another worship in the afternoon with our visitor missionary.
my sister
Food disappearing
Cakes for everybody
After the service, we have picture takings and a short program to let the fun begin. We prepared games, the number game, and relays. After the games some of our fellow members give gifts to everybody, especially 5 kgs of rice to every family which is the most important thing we receive as we know prices of rice reach a higher level. We also gave the prizes to the winners and distributed the giveaways per family.
Gift distribution
Eating time
Our Working student
Our visitor Missionary and his family
We also exchanged gifts and raffles. Also awarded one of our ladies as " perfect in attendance" as for the whole year she is always present at the church.
After the program are lot of food remained so we divided it among everyone to bring it home. While waiting for the food to be brought home we cleaned all the mess we made and had fellowship together. Faces of joy together as we do it with unity.
Rice and other give aways
Everyone went home bringing bags of rice and gifts. It does not matter how heavy it is the important thing is that it goes into provision the following days.
Christmas isn't all about giving and receiving gifts because we can give and receive all year round. Christmas means Christ who came into the world to be our Savior. Let us not forget about it, may it be the center of our celebration.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everyone!