Christmas 2013

One of the best things for me during the Holidays is that we get to spend it not only with family but with my mom's relatives. Ever since I can remember, we have a reunion every year Christmas time and have a Kris Kringle. This does not only include my mom's siblings but even her cousins, her aunts and uncles. Now that I am much older, I realize how special this tradition is no matter the circumstances may be. It makes extended family much closer even when the family gets bigger and bigger. Even though life is tough, everybody still tries to be part of the reunion. I've already missed two Christmases with them when I was in Hawaii but I catch up through photos they post on Facebook and that's how I know that another member of the Omadto Family has been added. Aunts and Uncle marry but we still have this tradition and they bring their spouses to our reunion. This year was extra special because we got to go home and mama's older sister Tita Nina, who lives in Iloilo was able to come as well. I even brought Emil and mom for the first time and Emil even joined our Kris Kringle. He was so happy to be part of it and we've talked about doing the same thing when we will have our kids in the future. This is part of the reason why I love spending Christmas in the Philippines! It's the traditions that we have that makes life happier.

Part of the reunion was of course the food. We had plenty because we spent Christmas day here. After eating, we exchanged gifts which is one of the best part, games and Karaoke. What Filipino party doesn't have Karaoke right? We even have BIG prizes for those who hit certain scores! There was also a pool available so there was also a team swimming competition.

Another tradition has been added to the Kris Kringle. Every year we take a photo of our own families and extended families and see how much we've grown. If I am not mistaken, only a few family was not present at the reunion which is a record! Yay!

Reunion was held at a private resort at Pansol, Calamba, Laguna. Sometimes we travel to different provinces to have our reunion (both Summer and Christmas) but this time, we didn't go far.

Paz Family 2013 (complete!)

Amante Family 2013 (minus ate Rhea and Ethan)

Omadto Family 2013

(pink team: Tito Andy's family, mama's younger brother

blue team: Tita Nina's family, mama's older sister

red team: Paz Family

halo halo team: Tito Legie's family, mama's eldest brother)

1st and 2nd cousins (Omadto 3rd generation)

I am so blessed to have family and extended family like them. My mom and her cousins are close and even us cousins may it be first or second are close too! I am blessed to be part of such a happy family.