Four years ago today, at exactly 4:36 a.m., my life changed; I became a mom! Four years. Wow, where did the all the time go?

Since I really had an overwhelming labor, I thought it was the ultimate challenge to become a parent and I survived. Truth is, it was just the start. My life has never been the same since I brought our little bundle of joy from the hospital one cold winter not too long ago. From then on, everyday was a challenge on its own. 

But although parenting comes with sleepless nights, some heart racing moments and the worries when babies get sick, the joys of being told “I love you, mama” , the wet sweet kisses and warm fuzzy hugs everyday makes being a mom my favorite role in life.

Happy 4th Birthday, my sweet and thank you for making it easy for me to slide into parenthood with the little skills I have. I know you can’t read yet but some day when you can, I want you to know that I love you more than anything and anyone in the world! I live for you!

Who knew someone this small could influence me so greatly?

It’s three days before Christmas and the clock never seem to stop ticking its way to December 25. Here comes the season where I daydream about Christmas pasts and holiday memories while decorating the tree or wrapping gifts.

The date was December 24, 1996. Barely two months after my arrival in Japan (to study), my school scheduled an excursion in the historic cities of Kyoto and Nara in the southern part of the country. We arrived in Kyoto after a really quick trip from Yokohama via the bullet train and like a curious teenager, within minutes after I stepped out of Kyoto station, my 24-shots film roll was done.

We have been billeted in a hotel in Kyoto, I was alone in my hotel room. There were 10 of us, 2 females and 8 males but the other female was a Muslim so clearly, she won’t be celebrating Christmas with me. I wished her goodnight and went back to my room, tried so hard but never able to sleep.

The clock said 10:30 pm, only an hour and a half left before the big bang of Christmas arrives. Christmas in my home country were always loud and merry and I expected the same, even away from home.

Midnight came so I opened the window, ready to feast my eyes on the Christmas scene on the streets. I mean, there should be! I expected fireworks, people dancing, family and friends gathered outside. There were none. I checked my watch again. This couldn’t be happening! The streets, with few cars were almost barren and almost no one walking outside as the skies started to open and snow fell. I grabbed my jacket, went outside and looked up to see that there were no fireworks, only bits and bits of white snow falling on my face.

No one told me there would be no Christmas in Japan and that everyone sleeps on Christmas eve. I could have prepared myself of the worst of all holiday memories that was to come.

This writing exercise is fueled by the writing prompt “holiday memories” at Sunday Scribblings.