| December is significant to many people -- including myself -- not only because it's the month when numerous religious and cultural holidays are celebrated in many parts of the world, but also because it's the season for giving. When I was a child, I remember waiting with excitement for the arrival of Christmas because of Santa Claus' gifts and those from my godmother and favorite aunt, Ninang Onor, and my parents. Such gifts were always simple plastic toys (that I later learned came from the local market) but I nevertheless cherished them. Their act of giving actually made me feel loved. Of course, as I grew older and developed many relationships, personal and professional, gifts took forms other than material things, but the feeling remained the same. While I keep on receiving such gifts (which I consider blessings from above), I have also chosen to give something of myself to those whose lives have been intertwined with mine. On this season of giving, I have started a list of my gifts, some material and some "untouchable" (literally meaning, 'can't be touched by hand') stuff, all going to people who have touched my life on different levels, at various times. Please bear with me as I enumerate them here. Who knows, you might find some ideas to add to your own list. * Balikbayan ('Coming Home') boxes full of toys, canned goods, children's books, clothes, electronic gadgets, towels, etc., sent to my loved ones in the Philippines. (Filipinos in America, just like most of you, share our blessings with our families back home, especially those in need. FYI, I started collecting items for these boxes early in the year.); * DVDs, CDs, sweaters/jackets, T-Shirts, books, Holiday cards, gift cards, flowers/gift baskets, etc. for my siblings/friends/colleagues in the U.S.; * Cook a special Filipino dish for my son, Dennis; Jon, my bestfriend and his son, Andrew (or treat them in a fine restaurant of their choice); * Asian Wisconzine subscription gifts for silent auctions/fund-raisers and send $$$ donations to some nonprofits in Madison; * Call my youngest sister Nancy who lives in Texas, to tell her I love her and I miss her; * Volunteer my time and effort for worthwhile social-justice activities and other significant gatherings; * Volunteer to write stories (with social/cultural impact) or announce worthwhile events in Asian Wisconzine; * E-mail friends and greet them with "Happy Holidays!"; * Novena prayers for loved ones and those who don't like me; prayers for self-improvement and world peace... My list isn't complete yet but it's a good start. I am grateful to those whose gifts of love and friendship fill my life every day. I hope I can give the same gifts to others so that their lives can be as fruitful as mine. Happy Holidays!! |
| Editor's Corner Over a cup of tea |
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| The spirit of gift giving |
| Heidi M. Pascual* Publisher & Editor * 2006 Journalist of the Year for the State of Wisconsin [U.S. -SBA] |
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