<center> *We cannot separate Christmas from our culture, regardles of what country we belong*</center>
![IMG_20211208_173642.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmbuSsCWU7cCBerWDWm6wvL7Hu25jXfCD5dpEP7g3uYZFe/IMG_20211208_173642.jpg)

This photo was taken year 2019 where most of us did not expect changes after this year. I have been blessed because I was able to spend this last normal Christmas with my family at SM Seaside. Most of us did not think of changes just like we experience in December 2020 and may experience this December 2021.

**About this photo**. This is our first ride with my family. My brother and my father in a motorcycle, I and my mother in my motorcycle. This is my first time to treat my parents with eat all you can buffet in the largest mall in the Philippines, SM Seaside. After eating, we tour the mall because this is one of the greatest request of my mother and I'm glad I made it before COVID pandemic.

**Changes**. This year's Christmas is a blast, in a way that not everyone can totally experience normal activities we had every Christmas. I cannot bring my grandma at fastfood store, since she is a senior citizen and haven't vaccinated yet. I cannot enjoy with my younger cousins at mall since they are younger than 15. We may enter malls but I can't eat in restaurants since I am unvaccinated.

**Before**. Christmas 2019 is supposed to be a preparation for all. But fate never told us. Some take it for granted, some take it a full effort to celebrate. We are free to go somewhere with no restrictions. We can go vacation without limits. We can do parties everywhere and anytime.

**Lessons I have learned**. Life is unpredictable. We are strangers in this world. We need to think that we own nothing and one day, we'll leave and return what has borrowed. This Christmas, others have may lost family members, friends, colleagues or loved ones, but this is the reality of life. I want to celebrate this Christmas with the important people in my life. We may celebrate it simply but we will not hinder this pandemic to make memories.

Thank you Steemit Philippines @steemitphcurator for extending this contest. I am inviting my friend @sweetmaui08 @georgie84 @jaofran to submit your entry, too.

This has been @jes88 setting 20% post payout to @steemitphcurator