And why not? It seems to take forever for the holiday season to come around. You know how it is, one day you’re focused on work or school and then suddenly, in the mall, you hear it. The notes strain against the background noise for a moment, causing you to doubt – is it? Could it be?

Then the yuletide song rises, its sweet lyrics and familiar melody ringing in your surprised ears, and you smile and shake your head because it is already September, and everyone knows that the holiday season starts with the “ber” months.

Soon more people are smiling (despite the traffic), more people seems happier (despite the shopping lines), less people are complaining (because of 13th month pay and bonuses). Invitations to parties and get-togethers abound and suddenly you’re everywhere with everyone, happily immersed in holiday cheer.

But once in a while during my favorite time of the year, I like to just sit back and relax. At my favorite coffee shop, I order a hot drink and rest my feet, shopping bags to one side (filled with gifts, of course).

That’s when I watch the world go by. There is no walking in a winter wonderland in the Philippines, just walking – but (and here’s the very important but) the difference of a few degrees downward in the temperature is enough to convince us that we are.

Happy holidays, all!