Today is Christmas and we should pat ourselves on the back because we have just endured the annual dance between bustling shopping traffic and festive cheer.

Every year, Christmas sales attract shoppers to malls and retail centers in enormous numbers because their money can go much farther during this time.

But there is something magical about this chaos. The sounds of laughter, chatter and holiday music fill the air, creating a jovial atmosphere. It feels like a community affair, where people from all walks of life converge in search of joy and gifts.

While traffic can be a significant downside, it also signifies the spirit of the season — one rooted in generosity and connection. Entering the parking lot and finding an empty spot can be a test of patience and spirit, but not everyone is angry at the long queue.

Then we open our homes to loved ones, relatives, friends, even the occasional strangers who tag along. With warm smiles and open hearts, we invite them to join us in celebrating togetherness and connection.

The tables are overflowing with dishes that you don’t usually eat on regular days. You spent part of your Christmas bonus on them, because, as the name implies, it is meant to be spent on this day. The scent of homemade dishes blends with laughter and Christmas music, creating a space for beautiful memories.

The initial whirlwind of excitement that comes with finding the perfect gift days before Christmas will soon fade into the background, giving way to the most joyful moment — unwrapping the boxes.

Opening a Christmas present is a magical moment that embodies the anticipation of the holiday season. There is an undeniable thrill in the act itself, from the colorful wrapping paper to the sheer excitement of discovering what lies beneath — the moment you make the first tear and hear the crinkle of the paper, your adrenaline races.

The experience of receiving a gift goes beyond the item itself; it involves the emotions it stirs within us. Every layer of the paper you unwrap recalls the innocent excitement of childhood. It’s a moment brimming with possibilities — whether it’s a thoughtful gift that demonstrates how well someone understands you or a surprise that leaves you completely astonished.

Each unwrapped present has the power to bridge connections and strengthen bonds, as laughter and delight echo in the room. The unwrapping ritual brings people together and enhances the joy of giving and receiving.

Like the Three Kings who celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ on this day, true gifts of living are those fleeting moments of love and togetherness. The spirit of giving transcends the physical act itself, reminding us of our shared humanity.

For those who did not receive any gifts, take heart; you are not unseen. God is watching and He will have something greater in store for you.

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