Spread gratitude this Christmas

Gratitude is the true measure of progress and contentment. When Filipinos fall asleep counting their blessings (instead of sheep) because the list is long, I am sure that means our GDP has risen. I hope that happens sooner than later.

- JOANNE RAE M. RAMIREZ

(From left) SM Supermalls president Steven Tan, Paolo Prieto, 'Management Man of the Year,' SM Prime chairman Hans Sy, Kevin Belmonte, Miguel Belmonte, Emil Yap and Chico Sy

Yesterday was Thanksgiving Day for Americans. Since the day also falls within the extended Christmas Season in the Philippines, many Filipinos hold thanksgiving celebrations in November.

The Christmas tree-lighting ceremony at Malacañang Palace was held last Nov. 23, a week earlier than last year's tree lighting—perhaps to lift people from the murky floodwaters of the corruption scandal that is drowning them in debt and disappointment.

The glow from Christmas lights triggers happy memories, especially of childhood. Scientifically, they spark an inner sense of wonder and magic.

President Bongbong Marcos said at the annual tree-lighting ceremony at Malacañang that Christmas "is a time to maybe put down what we are carrying and spend more time with (family) — because those of us, especially those of us who are very busy, we sometimes neglect our family. We sometimes neglect those we love. This is the time for us to take that time. It's perfectly alright."

"Christmas is for children, children of all ages because whatever age you are, you can still enjoy Christmas as well as any child. That is what we should be doing so that we come back refreshed. We come back with new ideas, we come back with new blood, we come back with something that will contribute to what we are doing. That will come from just spending more time with our loved ones. And remember that this is the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Once again, dedicate ourselves and our lives to that service," he added.

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