Christmas in Calgary seems so exciting...well at least judging from my friend Nacho's blog. Oh, Nacho-- I wish my Christmas was AS exiciting! But do let me give you a rundown of my Christmas which is NOT a Canadian Christmas (NOT that I know what that is) but a FILIPINO christmas.  My Christmas started off last Sunday Dec. 19 with a traditional "Simbang Gabi". It means "Evening Mass". In the Philippines it is tradition to have a series of masses before the Christmas Midnight Mass. This of course includes eating at the end of every mass...not a bad deal really!  So, the Filipino community decided to do a series of masses in different churches around Calgary. My family went to only one...it was an incredible feeling to be at church with a TON of people. People from all over the city came to attendthe mass. Just that feeling of community and the pride that everyone had for their culture was definitely overwhelming.

This weekend was all about going to mass, karaoke, eating, cooking, opening presents, karaoke and eating. It's been two full days of karaoke and eating. Christmas since I can remember has always been about two things- eating and people..tons of people that my mom loves to invite during the Christmas season. This past weekend was no exception. Christmas dinner consisted of at least 10 dishes (excludign desserts) and at least 30 people.  So, it's almost time to go to bed-- it's Boxing Day tomorrow-- now there's a Canadian tradition that I welcome!

Merry Christmas to all of you and your loved ones!

 Melissa