For today, I asked my wife, Mhalene to write on this column. Her reflection and Christmas experience taught me how mothers can truly be a light in the home and inspire others to look to that light.

Here is her voice.

This Christmas, my experience and that of my family taught us a very important lesson; that we always have a choice and that choice can make a significant difference even in seemingly minute things.

We were already expecting a “Home Alone” sort of Christmas since our relatives and helpers expressed that they will each go home and spend Christmas with their respective families too.With four young children (3 months is the youngest and breastfed), I braced myself for a challenge. I knew it would not be easy for Kit and me to prepare our eveningand keep the kids especially when the youngest craves for her fresh supply of milk.

But beautifully, the whole night until Christmas Eve was just solemn and meaningful. We ate pancake and iced tea for Noche Buena. The fireworks were entertaining. But more than anything else, we were able to pray as a family and greeted Jesus a Happy Birthday.

On Christmas Day, we were excited to go to Tubigon to visit my family and do our yearly gift giving to the poor families there. We expected our house helpers to come back in the morning and tend the house. But there was no response after several texts and calls.

Kit started to get grumpy and angry. I also began to feel anxious…and then disappointed, and then angry as well. The children also became rowdy sensing our very own frustrations.

But realizing the great blessing Christmas day has for us, I remembered the ordeal of Mary on that fateful night she gave birth in a manger. The very inspiration I got from that image is Mary’s trust in the great plan of God. And that soothed my heart.

With the change in thoughts, I also felt the change in my feelings. Hence, instead of ruining my day, I decided to make it great just like the night before. I chose to be beautiful, happy and inspiring…and I did just that.  I cleaned up the house, took a bath and wear nice clothes.  I also did that to my kids and inspired my husband to do the same.

And Christmas Day ended the way it started; solemn and meaningful. I got to spend it with the most important people in my life and I was able to serve them and love them in the way I know best.

P.S. Our household help came back late in the afternoon already. And instead of getting angry at them, Mhalene’s perspective taught me to look at things in their favor. That Christmas is for family and there could be no greater gift we could share to them than having them spend Christmas where it should be… in the home. (By Kit Nemenzo Balane)