Christmas time, Mistletoe and Wine...

I dare not look at the receipts I have kept in order to tabulate how much I've spent on Christmas gifts. Thing is, I just have this weakness to buy gifts to give others. The first on my list are always people who have touched my life in one way or another in that year. Christmas time is a time that Joyce does something to show her appreciation to the people who have encouraged her, scolded her, listened to her etc.

I have told myself not to buy useless gifts to give others. If someone so chin chai like me would cringe at a ceramic cheapo statue or decoration, I don't think anybody else would appreciate it either. Hence, my objective was to look for gifts that are practical. And those things cost $$$!!!

Thank God this year I have some money from the bonus to supplement this crazy practice. To me, as Christians, if we do not celebrate Christmas by giving gifts and showing appreciation to those people who have helped us, how would the non-believing people see us. That Christmas time is just a time to get to go to church and and try to get them coverted (again)?

Anyhow, I think this year I bleed most profusely in the pocket. But at least I did not have to resort to too last minute shopping, although I still did it a day before the eve.

At the end of the day, I figured, I am at the losing end, cos I received more than I give. Which is very Joyce really... I go by the proverb (correct huh?!) "It is more blessed to give than to receive". Even if I were to bleed, I hope the gifts were practical and is useful to the receipient. Today, I saw 2 of my presents being worn by the receipients already. Now that is an affirmation that I did the right thing :)

Also, I have been thinking... God, if you could hear me out on the issue of the future Significant Other... Please provide me with a man who is generous in giving too. Not necessary monetarily, but out of his love for others. I would have a very hard time being with someone who is stingy in giving out, and protects himself... Or someone who waits until he is "ready" then he give... There will be friction and strain in relationship and stuffs.. You get the point :P Oh, I don't mean someone who gives away money anyhow and freely... But someone who gives because he knows that the true meaning of giving lies in the fact that we have been provided by you, and we should share it with others.

Other than the giving, this Christmas has been exceptionally good... I gave gifts that I thought were good... I get invited to Christmas lunches, I spend time with people who otherwise may have to spend a quiet Christmas... I brought my nieces to Orchard Road...

And I finally get to watch the movie I've been waiting for for along time. Seeing Mr Tumnus and Aslan and Mr and Mrs Beaver being fleshed out on the movie screen just gave me a cringing satisifaction. I was just sitting down there, being very moved by what I see. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe has come alive, and what I've read is now right before me. AWESOME!!!!

I'll write more about the movie again.. Tired liao...