In a world forced to stay put in limited spaces, finding joy and staying joyful is a discipline. One doesn't wait for joy to happen while brooding. You've got to will it. And as the months passed to give way to the holiday season, getting into the Christmas mood isn't always a snap.

If one were to take the Christian path, 2 Peter 1:3 has written it out for us: "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence."

God's love is enough to give us the good in life and its joys. Yet, human as we are, there are times, many times, when we feel the burdens of the world, broken, hopeless and unable to navigate the road ahead.

But joy, in the spiritual sense, isn't just the ability to laugh and crack jokes at life. It's an act of accepting imperfections, letting go of bitterness, and a laser focus gaze at His kindness and love. Of course, let it also be said, that the discipline of joy is also about keeping tabs of what is right, the values that one upholds.

So, deep joy is a kind act of self-gratitude. It's the least we can choose in a fast-paced world that doesn't mind missing us out.

For those who haven't gotten the memo on imbibing the Christmas spirit yet, remember finding joy is a mindset, you can have it if you want it.

This season, making others feel good through gift-giving can be a form of finding joy. Giving presents is an act of gratitude and kindness.

Funny how a simple act of stepping out and going to the malls, whether with loved ones or in solitude, can be a gamechanger. The shiny Christmas tree that reminds you of childhood, a child laughing at Santa Claus and reindeer figurines, nice things to gaze at a shop or bazaar, can be small triggers for letting out a quiet smile within.

Tarsee's back

This weekend, good to have a third place (other than home and office) to let you have some of that festive holiday spirit.

Tindahan ni Tarsee's Holiday Bazaar is back — this time in a physical mall with 50 merchants offering diverse finds like food, drinks, clothes, fashion accessories, toys, vintage items, houseware and so much more.

The bazaar started out as an online shop to support SMEs especially during the lockdowns in 2020. Daily Tribune offered to give a viable platform to over 100 entrepreneurs to promote and sell their offerings.

This year, on 25 to 27 November, Friday to Sunday, through the graciousness of Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Tindahan ni Tarsee is back with proudly Pinoy-made offers.

On what sets this year's event apart from the sea of bazaars popping out all over the metro, Komfie Manalo, Daily Tribune's Business Associate Editor who has been part of the unique bazaar since day one, said it best: "The Daily Tribune envisions itself as the most digitized news organization in the country, seamlessly integrating all media platforms, including print, website, social media, TV, and radio.

"The Tindahan ni Tarsee, which started in 2020 as a purely online platform, has now transitioned to a hybrid operation with a mall presence. We want to provide the local small and medium enterprises the platform to sell their products and services seamlessly in both the physical and digital spaces to mirror the Daily Tribune's infrastructure or business model."

So, your bayong bags ready this weekend for some joy and gifts for your acts of gratitude to your good life.

Shameless plugging

And, what would an event be without our dear sponsors: Ayala Malls Manila bay, DOOH, PCSO, and Angkas along with Regroe, Dermcare.

Catch livestreaming of the event on Daily Tribune's Facebook page and on TribuneNow on Youtube.

Tara, mga Katribu. Stay steady and joyful.