After four long years, I finally put up our Christmas tree again—and honestly, it felt like welcoming an old friend back home.
If you’re wondering why it took that long, the answer is simple: pets. 😂
Our three beagles and six cats were still young, extra playful, and very curious back then. I could already imagine ornaments on the floor, branches chewed on, and the whole tree collapsing in slow motion. So for a few years, we skipped it entirely.
But now that they’re older and calmer (thank goodness), I thought—why not bring the tree back?
So on December 1, we set it up again.
When I stepped back and looked at it, I realized something: our old Christmas tree still looked good. It wasn’t trendy or Instagram-perfect, but it was familiar, comforting, and full of memories. The only thing missing? Family photos.
We don’t really have many Christmas tree photos this year—si Cookie lang ang meron! 😂
A look back: Christmas 2024, Christmas 2023, Christmas 2022, Christmas 2021, Christmas 2020, Christmas 2018
Life has changed so much since then — people, routines, even how we celebrate. But one thing remains constant: Christmas always finds a way to feel special, no matter how simple.
Noche Buena: Quiet, Simple, and Surprisingly Happy
Last year’s Noche Buena was lively and full because Kuya Meme’s family celebrated at Tita Becka’s house. This year, though, it was completely different.
For Christmas 2025, Noche Buena was just the four of us at home— me, Ykaie, Twinkle, and my sister who proudly calls herself Anney.
Well, technically… nakikain lang si sis 😂 and went home right after.
Daddydoodledoo spent Christmas Eve at work, so it was really just me and the kids. And you know what? It was still nice — medyo tahimik, pero masaya.
We watched one of our favorite Christmas movies, The Family Man, sang Christmas songs on karaoke, and just enjoyed the night without rushing anywhere.
Our Noche Buena Food
One thing that never changes in our house: food still matters, even if the celebration is simple.
We made a Charcuterie Board, which is already a must for us. Everyone loves it —no complaints, no leftovers, and perfect for snacking while watching movies.
As requested by Ykaie, I cooked Beef Stew, and she made the mashed potatoes to go with it (yes, she did great 💕).
Sis brought the traditional pink gelatin with fruit cocktail—because somehow, Christmas doesn’t feel complete without it — and Pink Lemonade to balance everything out.
No long table, no overflowing handa—but everything felt just right.
Christmas Day with Family
On Christmas Day, we headed to Colinas Verdes to celebrate at Ate Arlene’s house, together with her family and Mama Lucy and Papa Sony.
We brought Cheesy Baked Salmon, which was perfect for sharing, and spent most of the day doing what Filipinos do best during holidays — karaoke. 🎤😂
It wasn’t extravagant or over-the-top, but it was warm, loud, and full of laughter—the kind of Christmas that stays with you.
Christmas 2025: A Gentle Reminder
If there’s one thing Christmas 2025 reminded me of, it’s this:
You don’t need a grand setup, a packed house, or a long guest list to feel the magic.
Sometimes, it’s just:
- putting up the tree again after years of waiting,
- sharing food with the people who are there,
- singing off-key songs at home,
- and appreciating quieter moments more than ever.
And honestly? That’s more than enough.
