JC

Here’s a list of five enjoyable moments and five difficult ones based on what I've experienced this year:

Moments I Enjoyed:

Traveling to La Union and Baguio with my family

When my relatives from Switzerland came to visit

I made new ARMY friends, Izzy, Mika, and Patricia.

My Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media convocation ceremony

My family vacation to Hong Kong

Moments You Hated:

Losing my maternal grandfather

Days when I feel sensory overload

My cat, Biggie, passed away

Days when I feel like I've failed myself even with the littlest mistakes

Mowgli’s Jungle Journal Date Unknown

Oh, what a day! Another of nature's miracles in the dense, loud jungle has just been witnessed. It had adventure and laughter at sunrise, and the day became very great.

I was sitting high in a branch early in the morning with my brother Baloo. He was teaching me some fresh words from the language of the birds. I even managed to mimic a peacock's call, just about which Baloo joked with surprise! Bagheera stretched himself over a rock, swishing his tail in a lazy approval as I practiced. You've finally learned to listen, he teased me.

Soon after this, we went to the riverbank. From there, I ran with wolves through the cool, dew-drenched grass. I climbed trees with Bandar-log, the monkey folk, who were surprisingly nice today and shared ripe bananas with me. One even dared me to swing across the river on a vine—of course, I couldn’t resist! My heart raced as I soared over the water, landing triumphantly on the other side.

The best time was in the afternoon. Kaa, the great python, said to me, Come, Little Brother, to my secret sunlit glade. He told me the old stories about the jungle, the stories of how the trees and rivers came to be. His voice was hypnotic, and I felt myself there among so many kinds of wisdom.

As the setting sun painted the horizon with golden rays, we came all together for a feast. Hathi the elephant brought in his herd as he came to the clearing, and we all feasted on fruits, nuts, and honeycombs that Baloo discovered. The air enjoyed the hubbub of laughter and the fragrance of blooming jasmine.

Now, sitting under the vast starlit sky is an ode to the jungle's lullaby—the rustle of leaves, the chirp of crickets, and the distant roar of Shere Khan (though I'm sure Bagheera will keep him at bay). My heart is full now because I know that I belong here, surrounded by this family of fur, feathers, and scales.

Goodnight, jungle. Let tomorrow's adventures find us once more.

Here's my quick year-end to-do list:

Reflect on this year's accomplishments, difficulties, and lessons learned.

Make a list of my objectives and aspirations for the following year.

Clean up my home to get a fresh start.

Send thank-you texts friends and family who made a difference this year.

For nostalgia, watch a favorite movie, read a book, or do something I enjoyed earlier this year.

Capture memories in a collage remember this year.

What I want next Christmas based on the people and things I've missed this year:

A reunion with my friends and having a nice date together, whether it's shopping, dinner, or an entertainment center.

A vacation with my family to anywhere in the Philippines or anywhere in the world to explore new places

A new camera to make videos, whether it's for my assignments or for fun.

A collection of colorful stationery for drawing and coloring.

I rush to the window, where I press my face and hands against the cold glass, fogging the world's view of the gentle white flakes drifting down from the sky. The snow covers the ground like powdered sugar on a cake, altering the world's view into a sparkling wonderland.

“Look!” I shout with excitement, contagious. My sister, still with scissors and half a snowflake, comes to me with her glittering eyes. 

“Can we go outside?” She asked, already bouncing on her toes.

Our parents exchange a glance, smiling. “Why not? But bundle up first,” says our mom.

Bursts of activity caused us all to dig out winter coats, hats, scarves, and gloves that had not seen daylight in years. We step out into the crisp night air first, that first sweet crunch underfoot sending a thrill through you. Streetlights floated a gold glow on untrodden snow, making it shimmer with magic.

My sister throws the first snowball, laughing as it explodes against my coat. A full-blown snowball fight starts now with our dad joining in with surprisingly accurate throws. The neighborhood is filled with echoes of laughter as we're chasing each other through the fresh snow.

After some time, I see our mom kneeling down and putting something together in the snow. Curious, I squat down beside her and discover she's making a snowman. “He needs a scarf,” she says, and drapes her own around his neck.

His name should be given; my sister adores making the face with a carrot as his nose. 

"How about Frosty?" Our dad jokes, brushing snow off his gloves. "Or is that too cliché?

Just before anyone can really respond, a particularly large snowflake lands right on my nose and makes me giggle. Looking up, I behold the sky—the vast, endless sky—which is raining snow, and inside my heart wells joy, almost as I have not felt in a long time.

A Calm Christmas Morn

The clock strikes twelve; the cheer is done, Noche Buena beneath the stars was fun. Laughter echoed, hearts were light, As we welcomed Christmas in the night.

The feast now rests, the plates are clear, The house is quiet, the calm is near. The scent of lechon still fills the air, A lingering warmth of love and care.

Morning peeks through the velvet sky, A gentle breeze as time drifts by. No rush, no noise, just peaceful glow, The world adorned in yuletide snow.

With tea in hand, I take my seat, A cozy corner, the calm feels sweet. The tree stands tall, its lights still gleam, A reminder of joy, a Christmas dream.

Noche Buena’s Glow

The stars awake in velvet skies, As laughter and warmth begin to rise. A table spread with love and care, Noche Buena calls—come gather there.

A feast aglow with flavors bold, Stories shared, both new and old. Lechón glistens, rich and grand, Beside the rolls, so soft and hand-planned.

Bibingka’s scent, a sweet delight, Halo-halo shining in the night. Rice and stew in hearty bowls, Binding kin in their treasured roles.

Children’s eyes with wonder gleam, As lights around the parol beam. Candles flicker, prayers ascend, Hopes for blessings the heavens send.

This year I'm not going back home for Christmas because of our busy schedules, so here's what we do every Christmas:

1. Noche Buena (Christmas Eve Feast)

A grand family dinner featuring dishes like lechon (roast pig), ham, queso de bola (cheese ball), pancit, and desserts like bibingka and puto bumbong. This year, we're going to invite my father's office mates over to our house.

2. Longest Christmas celebration in the world

Christmas in the Philippines starts as early as September (the “-ber months”) and lasts until January, culminating in the Feast of the Three Kings. This makes the Philippines one of the best countries to celebrate Christmas.

3. Aguinaldo

Ninongs and Ninangs offer their godchildren, or "inaanak," presents with Aguinaldo during the Christmas season. These presents might be cash or tangible goods. This ritual represents affection and care and helps strengthen the link between godparents and godchildren.

4. Christmas parties

When we return from overseas to be with our loved ones, family reunions are one of the greatest joys of the Christmas season. Typically, one's December agenda is jam-packed with trips to various relatives' homes. This year, we'll celebrate from our own home and video call them during Noche Buena.

5. Christmas Shopping

This year, we've shopped for our friends and decided to send the gifts before our Noche Buena.

This is what I would envision for myself stepping into this snow situation:

Day 1: Assess the Situation

First, ensure safety for my family or neighbors. Check for old residents and those who will need some immediate help.

Supply emergency supplies, such as food, water, flashlights, and blankets.

Use my phone or a radio to stay abreast of the situation, weather forecast, and rescue operations.

Day 2: Form a Community Team

Bring Robust Neighbors Together and Form a Small Power-Winning Team

Assign Roles: Shoveling, Coordinator, and Communicator

Distribution of Shovels, Snow Blowers, and Salt for Clearing Pathways Usual to Important Access.

Day 3: Focus on Accessibility

Clearing paths leading to critical places such as grocery stores, clinics, and shelters is essential.

Door-to-door checks for residents around specific locations: clinics, grocery stores, and shelters.

Identify and clear blocked roads by joint efforts with local government authorities regarding stranded vehicles.

Check for any medications or medicines needed and help organize delivery.

Day 4: Set Up a Warm Shelter

Convert a community hall, school, or church into a heated shelter for those who lost power.

Plug in portable heaters, distribute hot drinks, and offer blankets.

Encourage residents to pool resources such as spare generators and non-perishable foods.

Day 5: Spread the Word

Update the communities by utilizing social media and the local radio regarding safety measures, cleared paths, and any necessary assistance available.

Coordinate with various authorities in order to accelerate rescue and relief operations.

Day 6: Celebrate the Community Spirit

Arrange a get-together after the storm once everyone's safety is assured. A competition for drinking hot cocoa and making snowmen could help lift spirits.

The Elf Who Dreamed of Santa

Pip was busy organizing the toy parts when something glittery caught his attention. Indeed, it was a magnificent big mirror leaning against the wall, shining gold trim embellishments like Christmas lights. The elf, not busy, elves have time to look at themselves because it is so busy here in getting ready for Christmas. But not today; curiosity came over him.

Pip glanced around to check that no one was watching. Santa and Mrs. Claus were grateful cocoa drinkers in their study, and the other elves were busy testing toy trains. Clear.

Then he popped into position before the mirror and straightened his wee green hat. He squinted while stroking his chin as if he ought to have a huge, white beard. Then, deepening his voice, 'Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas!!' boomed forth with a mighty swell.

It did startle him, but not enough not to grin. He grabbed a vermilion blanket and flung it over his shoulders like a cape. Then he stashed a pillow into the lounge chair, taking it for his purposes, having the belly of Santa.

He turned back to the mirror, puffed out his chest, and said, "Have you been good this year, little one?" Then, with a chuckle in his throat, he laughed at his reflection.

“Ho, ho, ho!” he bellowed again, this time with an exaggerated jiggle of his pillow-stuffed belly. "Don't forget the cookies and milk for Santa!"

Suddenly, a quiet clap echoed behind him. Pip froze. Slowly turning, he found himself face-to-face with Santa Claus himself, his jolly blue eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Practicing for the big leagues, are we, Pip?" said Santa in warm, kind tones.

As red as his makeshift cape, Pip's cheeks glared. "I... I was just... uh..." He fumbled around for a sufficient sentence, dropping the blanket and yanking the pillow out from under his shirt.

Santa laughed out loud, accomplishing that hearty shake of his belly, which Pip had only pretended to have. "There is no need to be shy, my lad. You have been a very good Santa Claus. The North Pole could just be a bit more festive at this time of the year."

Pip deemed it best to stay still for a moment and then ventured into a shyer, somewhat awkward smile. "You think so?"

"I do," Santa replied. "Now come and help me out in making it come true. The reindeer need polishing of their jingle bells, and I could use an elf with a Santa spirit-sized heart to help."

Pip's chest swelled with pride. "You can count on me, Santa!"

"A Merry Light of Christmas"

Verse 1 Twinkling lights on every street, Snowflakes dancing, oh so sweet, Laughter fills the frosty air, Joy and love are everywhere.

Chorus Oh, the merry light of Christmas shines, In our hearts and through the pines. Gather near, let spirits sing, Feel the magic this season brings.

Verse 2 Stockings hung and candles glow, Warmth that melts the chill of snow. Carols ring from door to door, Peace and hope forevermore.

Chorus Oh, the merry light of Christmas shines, In our hearts and through the pines. Gather near, let spirits sing, Feel the magic this season brings.

Bridge From the mountains to the seas, Love unites us like the trees. Shining bright, the star above, Guides us to the gift of love.

Chorus Oh, the merry light of Christmas shines, In our hearts and through the pines. Gather near, let spirits sing, Feel the magic this season brings.

Outro So let's hold this light through all the year, Keep the spirit warm and near. Every day, let kindness grow, In the merry light of Christmas glow.

Rudolph and the Magical Glow

Long before he became Santa's most famous reindeer, he was merely a little calf curious about the snow-blanketed woods of the North Pole. Unlike all the other reindeer, Rudolph loved to wander across the bright tundra and the intimidating frozen caves nearby. His most favorite place was a secret glade where the Aurora Borealis danced, illuminating the sky as if it were a heavenly performance.

On one frosty evening while the Northern Lights were painting the heavens, Rudolph wandered deeper into the glade than he had ever been before. All of a sudden, he tripped on a beautiful enchanted crystal lying on the snow; it was like nothing he had ever seen before: warm to the touch and glowing faintly with a golden-red hue. Captivated, Rudolph leaned in to nuzzle it and curiously pressed his nose against the mesmerizing object because of his spell.

The moment his nose touched the crystal, it was lit up with sparks, and a wave of heat washed over Rudolph. He sneezed in surprise, and to his shock, his nose became as bright as the jewel! As if the power of the Northern Lights had been banked inside him.

At first Rudolph felt embarrassed trying to stay with some other little reindeer, who teased him because of his glowing nose, calling him names and laughing at his "funny light." But as time passed, he saw how this amazing luminous nose could light up even the darkest parts of the forest and pave the way home on cloudy nights or during snowstorms.

One really terrible Christmas Eve, Santa had trouble indeed. The storm was so overpowering that neither he nor his team of reindeer could take to the sky. He was getting ready to announce to all that Christmas would be a miss for that year when he saw there was some brilliant light shining from Rudolph's stable. 

"Rudolph!" shouted Santa, eyes twinkling with hope, "With your nose so bright, won't you guide my sleigh tonight?"

Rudolph, although nervous about doing so, stepped forward to take his place as head of the sleigh team. As the team took flight through the snowy sky, his bright nose pierced through the storm like a lighthouse guiding ships to shore. Because of Rudolph, Santa got all his gifts delivered that night, and kids the world over woke to find Christmas in full swing.

When the sweater gets to rest on my shoulders, a tickle flows from my chest to the tips of my fingers. Gaudy LEDs sewn into the fabric bounce with light more than they would usually, and that lumpy pom-pom on the chest starts softly humming as if alive. Just before I manage to comprehend what's going on, the very air about me seems to shimmer and warp into a flow of colors.

I stop spinning, and, suddenly, the living room is not what I experience. Where I am standing is now in the midst of a village covered by snow, with cobblestone streets and gingerbread-style houses lining them. The air is crisp, smelling of peppermint and pine. Twinkling lights deck the rooftops while elves scurry back and forth carrying sacks of presents and trays of cookies. In the middle of the village is a grand sleigh lying in a pile—its runners are dry, its paint has withered away, and its much-better-looking reins lie limp in the snow.

"Finally!" A freckled elf with a tool belt around his waist and a candy-cane-striped hat runs to you. "The sweater chose you! We've been waiting for one to help."

"Wait, what?" I stammer, still trying to process the sudden change of scenery. "Where am I? What's happening?"

"This is Treedale, Santa's workshop village," the elf finishes. "Tomorrow is the big day, and the sleigh is broken; without it, all will be horribly doomed on Christmas day! But Magic Sweater has brought you in to help."

I look down at the now strangely warm and comforting sweater. The pom-pom pulses softly, and a voice whispers in my mind, "Believe in the magic. You have what it takes." 

I hesitate, then nod. "Alright. What do I need to do?" 

The elf claps their hands. "Follow me!" They lead me to a workshop blaring with tools and raw materials. "Use magic from the sweater to mend the sleigh; one hitch, Grumblethorn knows you're here."

"Grumblethorn?"

The elf shudders. "Nasty creature, living up by the holiday spirit, trying to ruin Christmas for decades. He'll stop you if he finds you."

My heart pounds, but the sweater hums reassuringly, and I feel a surge of confidence. "Let us do this."

I work on fixing the sleigh for hours. With each weld of cracks, each sanding of a splinter, and repainting in gaudy reds and golds, the sweater seems to have a hand glowing dimly as my work progresses. Every task feels like second nature, as if this is something I've always done and been good at. The elves cheer me on, bringing cups of hot cocoa and sometimes lending tools when needed.

Just as I finish adding the last runner, there is a shadow over the workshop. The door bursts open, and a hulking shape with cold eyes and a twisted grin steps inside. Grumblethorn.

"Well, well." He sneers. "Fixing your sleigh, are you? Not with me around."

The room plunges in temperature, and the elves scatter to find cover behind furniture. I can feel a flicker of fear, but the sweater starts humming louder, warming you up with confidence. You stand tall.

"You won't stop Christmas, Grumblethorn," I say stiffly.

Grumblethorn lunges, but the sweater is quicker than that. Its lights blaze like a beacon to blind the creature. An energy field, shimmering in the light, surrounds you and throws off his icy attacks. The sweater's voice whispers again, "Share the joy."

And so, I really will know what to do. To close my eyes and think about all the blissful holiday memories I had: family dinners, opening presents, singing carols. A sweater that multiplies my feelings and sends into the room waves of warmth and light. Grumblethorn stumbles back, clutching his chest as the laughter pierces through his frigid exterior.

"No!" he cries as he shrinks to the size of a mere puff of smoke. Then he gives a last wail before disappearing into the night.

Cheers erupt among the elves, and the lights of the sweater softly twinkle in their own triumphant way. A moment later, Santa himself comes in, his eyes twinkling with gratitude. "You have saved Christmas," he says, shaking my hand. "But there is one more thing you'll need to do."

With the sleigh repaired and the reindeer hitched, Santa asks me if I'd like to ride along for Christmas Eve deliveries. With the sweater, I'm cozy as I soar through the night, dropping gifts and cheer to every corner of the world. I've never felt more alive.

When the trip is over, Santa returns me to my living room, lights dimming on the sweater; the pom-pom hums one last time, then falls silent. Time to take it off and fold it onto a chair carefully. As you do, I hear a whisper so soft it can barely be perceived: "This is not the end of this tale—just the beginning."

Journal of Orville Wright December 17, 1903

Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

That is to say, history flew today.

I can hardly find the language to convey the exhilaration and disbelief of what we have done. This morning, under gray skies and with the biting wind whipping at our faces, Wilbur and I made the last refinements to the Flyer. Every bolt, every turn of the chain, and every stroke of the engine had been checked and double-checked. It is time.

The initial attempt was mine. Wilbur held on to the side, steadying the craft on its rail as I climbed aboard. My hands trembled as they gripped the controls. A prayer escaped my lips, not for safety but for success—though I suppose, in this case, they were one and the same.

The mighty engine rumbled, and then the Flyer began its movement as if by a gushing push. And as it went faster, it will cave into space below us. It was deep down in the innermost soul of mine—the miracle of flight! It was short, only 12 seconds and 120 feet, but those moments would have been eternity. For in that fleeting moment, man left the ground and soared into the skies.

This was followed by Wilbur taking the next turn in the flying machine. Our confidence reigned with each successive attempt, the last of which carried him 852 feet in 59 seconds. I could hardly fathom it, despite witnessing it.

No cheering crowds, no bands to herald it. Just the wind and the emptiness of a field of sand to witness the act. But that is enough. After the last flight, Wilbur and I exchanged a look, and in that glance, I could see a reflection of my own thought: today the world changed forever.

The Flyer-Reality all battered within the shed, flung here and there, has been torn by winds. Perfect she is not at all, but she has proved what we long hoped would be possible.

Tonight, as I write with this kerosene lamp on bright, deep within my heart, I sip in gratitude—for trials that taught us patience, for failures that bred resolution, for my brother, one whose partnership has never wavered on this crazed trip.

This dream of flight has been with humanity for a long time: today, it became real.

The Great Wrapping Paper Debate

The elves would be busy preparing for Christmas Eve that night; the whole workshop would be alive with sound and movement. The assembly line of toys would be humming, the air noise would contain the smell of peppermint, and rhythm would replace melody with the excited-sounding jingle bells ringing as the elves enjoyed doing their work.

At the wrapping station, however, the cheeriness was at a standstill for two elves, Jingle and Jangle, perhaps the most hardworking wrappers in the workshop.

"I'm telling you, Jingle," Jangle said, waving a roll of red-and-green-striped paper, "this is the perfect wrapping paper for this year's presents. Traditional, festive, and timeless!"

Jingle folded her arms, and the pointed ears twitched in annoyance. "Traditional? Timeless? Boring is what it is! Look at this!" Sparkling like a snowstorm in the moonlight, she held high a holographic silver roll of paper. "This paper is modern, eye-catchingly tricky, and magical! It screams 'Santa's workshop' in the best way imaginable."

Jangle rolled his eyes. "Magical? It sounds like you'd wrap a spaceship in it. Kids want Christmas to feel like Christmas, not a sci-fi movie!"

The argument continued to escalate, drawing in more elves who started whispering and pointing. Even Spark, the reindeer stable elf, managed to draw himself to the arena—the fashion show of everyday life—and gnawing at one end of a candy cane. 

"Listen to me, Jangle," Jingle shouted, "we are meant to excite them and not dull them with their lovely little gifts. Don't you want the children to open those gifts and say, 'Wow!'?"

"Wow! They are going to say, 'Wow!' when they get a headache from looking at that shiny nonsense," Jangle retorted.

Just as it looked like the two would exchange magical blows, a deep, jolly voice interrupted them. 

"Ho, ho, ho! What is this I hear about a rivalry over wrapping paper?"

Santa himself had come, rosy in cheeks with happiness. The elves stepped aside for him.

"Santa," Jangle started, "for this year let's go with a simple, yet traditional wrapping paper. It's what Christmas has to be about!"

"And I say we should make everything sparkle and shine!" added Jingle. "Kids deserve a little magic!"

Santa stroked his beard in deep thought. "Hmm, both of you have valid points. But Christmas is not just about doing it one way. It's about giving to all in countless ways." 

Then he scanned the gathering elves. "How about we use both? These gifts will have the everlasting charm of Jangle's wrapping paper, and others will have the dazzling magic of Jingle's. Everyone will be able to enjoy a little of both worlds."

Jingle and Jangle exchanged sheepish smiles. "That sounds...perfect," Jingle finally said.

"Yeah," Jangle nodded. ""I guess we do make a pretty good team, after all."

The workshop erupted in cheers, and the elves quickly got back to work combining their efforts into the most beautiful array of gifts wrapped that Santa's workshop had ever seen.

With this problem resolved, Santa later that night chuckled to Mrs. Claus about how sometimes the best part of Christmas would be watching everyone come together—even over a trivial disagreement. 

Candy Cane Rose Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

10 whole candy canes, crushed

20 fresh rose petals, gently rinsed

1 tablespoon honey

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 liter boiling water

Optional: Milk or cream to taste

Instructions:

1. Crush the candy canes into small pieces using a mortar and pestle.

2. Gently bruise the rose petals in the palm of your hand to release their fragrance.

3. Place the crushed candy canes and rose petals in a heat-resistant teapot.

4. Pour the boiling water over the ingredients and let it steep for 5-7 minutes, or until the tea reaches your desired strength.

5. Strain the tea into a mug, adding honey and vanilla extract to taste.

6. If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash of milk or cream.

Serving Suggestions:

Garnish with a fresh rose petal for an elegant touch.

Enjoy this tea hot or iced.

Pair it with a sweet treat, such as a macaron or a slice of cake.

Additional Notes:

Adjust the brewing time and amount of candy canes and rose petals to suit your taste preferences.

For a stronger rose flavor, use more petals.

If you don't have fresh rose petals, you can use dried rose petals or rosewater.

This tea is best enjoyed within a day or two of brewing.