Welcoming 2025: A New Year, New Experiences, and New Goals

 

          Welcoming 2025: A New Year, New Experiences, and New Goals 

    The New Year always feels like a fresh start, a chance to reflect on the past and plan for the future. My New Year’s celebration this year was filled with simple yet memorable moments that I will cherish forever.  We began the evening with a casual dinner surrounded by my family and relatives. It wasn’t about fancy food or extravagant decorations, it was about being together, sharing laughter, and enjoying each other’s company. After dinner, we headed to our barangay’s New Year program. The event brought the whole community together, and it was heartwarming to feel that sense of unity and joy as we welcomed 2025.  

    Of course, what’s a New Year celebration without fireworks? Lighting them up was an exhilarating experience, filling the night sky with vibrant colors and the sound of celebration. The best part of the night, however, was playing games with my cousins. The fun and friendly competition, coupled with the thrill of winning prize money, made it a night to remember.  As the clock struck midnight and we welcomed the new year, I couldn’t help but think about the things I want to improve about myself. These are my resolutions for 2025:  

    I want to be more organized with my time, ensuring that I balance my responsibilities, hobbies, and personal time more effectively.  My family is my greatest treasure. I hope they continue to love me and, hopefully, scold me a little less this year. I’ll do my part by being more understanding and responsible.  I recognize the importance of self-discipline in achieving my goals. Whether it’s sticking to a routine, focusing on my studies, or simply following through on my commitments, I want to build better habits this year.  Beyond these, I aim to keep learning, improving, and striving to become the best version of myself.  

    As I step into 2025, I am filled with hope and determination. The New Year offers endless opportunities, and I’m ready to face them with optimism and perseverance. Here’s to a wonderful year ahead for all of us, may it be filled with growth, love, and countless memorable moments!  

My Christmas Vacation: A Season of Joy and Togetherness

    

                          My Christmas Vacation: A Season of Joy and Togetherness

    Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year, and this holiday season was no exception. It was a perfect blend of faith, fun, and family, making it a truly unforgettable celebration.

    One of the most meaningful traditions we observed was attending the nine-day series of Masses, known as Simbang Gabi. This cherished Filipino Catholic practice is a beautiful way to anticipate Christmas, reflecting on the spirit of the season and expressing gratitude. Each morning, we would rise early, braving the cool December breeze to join the community in prayer. The serene atmosphere and heartfelt hymns made the experience even more special, filling our hearts with peace and joy.

    

After completing the Simbang Gabi, we shifted our focus to the festive preparations. A visit to Robinsons Ilocos Norte was next on our agenda. The mall was bustling with holiday cheer, its halls adorned with sparkling decorations and Christmas tunes playing in the background. We eagerly browsed through the stores, hunting for the perfect presents for our loved ones. The joy of finding thoughtful gifts and imagining the smiles they would bring added an extra layer of excitement to our shopping spree.

Christmas Eve brought the much-anticipated family dinner. Our home was filled with laughter and the aroma of delicious dishes prepared with love. Relatives from near and far gathered around the table, sharing stories, memories, and of course, the scrumptious feast. 

The highlight of the night was the games we hosted. With prizes up for grabs, everyone eagerly joined in, from kids to the young-at-heart adults. The competitive yet lighthearted spirit created moments of hilarity and camaraderie that we will cherish forever.

    

The entire vacation was a reminder of what truly matters during the holidays: faith, family, and the joy of giving. It wasn’t just about the presents or the food, but the shared experiences and the warmth of being surrounded by loved ones.

    As I look back on this Christmas, I feel incredibly blessed and grateful. It was a time of renewal, not only of our faith but also of our connections with each other. Here’s to carrying the spirit of Christmas in our hearts throughout the year!


Sources :  Makvana, H. (2018, December 14). 51 Interesting Games for Family Get Together. MomJunction. https://www.momjunction.com/articles/family-games-to-have-fun-together_00461779/

‌(2025). Istockphoto.com. https://www.istockphoto.com/photos/family-meal

‌Robinsons Place Ilocos Office. (2019, June 14). Robinsons Offices. https://robinsonsoffices.com/properties/robinsons-place-ilocos-office

‌lpmi. (2015, November 9). Simbang Gabi (or Misa de Gallo) All Invited! Diocese of Saint Petersburg. https://www.dosp.org/simbang-gabi-or-misa-de-gallo-all-invited/

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