What is it about Christmas that makes it seem like a magical season every year?

True, December is the most awaited month of the year, the ever-eager malls displaying their "Pamasko" decors heralded by festive carols sung on the airwaves as early as October, the appearance of the forever young Jose Mari Chan humming "Christmas in our Hearts" on TV screens or resurrecting in hotel lobby or elevator music sound systems, are indeed a harbinger of good times to come. However hard it is to shake it off or ignore it, its after-effects cling to you with the tenacity of a glue stick on paper.

Almost immediately, one notices the pops of color that would liven up not only windows with lanterns fluttering in the cold breeze but also the streets lined with various yuletide decors ranging from Santas laden with bags full of toys, improbable scenes of reindeer frolicking in front yard lawns covered by faux snow, even rooftops groaning with sleighs riding through winter wonderlands. There, too, is a noticeable change in the season's wardrobe, with many among us dressed in bright red, green, gold and silver, discarding drab brown, grey, or neutral hues as colors of choice in our daily wear.

The scent of anticipation wafts gently in the air, discernible even to those who appear oblivious to the approach of the event much awaited by everyone in the Christian world: The commemoration of the birth of the Child Jesus. Without warning, there is a spell of expectancy, as if waiting for a season of grace to unfold and little miracles to happen to both everyday people and extraordinary people thrown in ordinary or unusual circumstances.

Consider these: The elevator girl's morning greeting is brighter than usual, a cafeteria server spoons over an extra shrimp or two into your bowl of soup, the boss is extra generous with his "thank you" or "good job" greetings, the pedicab driver is extra careful that you watch your step while descending from his creaky carriage, the smiling Customs employee with their "Happy Holidays" greetings (bawal kasi ang Merry Christmas). Why does even the grumpy immigration officer manage to release a smile from his once-pouty and smirky lips?

It is indeed that time of the year when goodwill is generously spread, layered, and slathered like butter on toast, with enough for everyone to enjoy. It is a feeling of infinite goodness, of bounty not running out, of unceasing wonders cascading from a fount of endless joy. It is an occasion of love and hope.