Last Christmas, I splurged with lavish gifts. For example, I got myself a new car and got my parents a car of their dream also. This Christmas, I promised myself that I'd keep things reasonable. So here I am - eight days before Christmas. No gifts yet, and all my relatives are coming for this holiday! What brave soul I am (you must think).

Frankly, I don't know what to get people. More frankly, I haven't put much thought about Christmas because I've been preoccupied until now. I had that 16 people dinner party on Thanksgiving (will never do that again) and then my Italy trip (oh yeah... you'll have to wait for this story after the holidays). And this past week, I had visitors at work so I was in all day meetings all week long. This weekend, I barely had enough senses to put up Christmas lights. Also I figured that I should stock up on food before the groceries become a battle ground (as they usually are during holiday season). I am counting on next weekend to clean up the house before the guests arrive. Thank God for another weekend!

If one thing lifts up my spirit this Christmas, it's the holiday music. C'mon, you can't hide your smile when you hear Jingle Bells or Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer. Can you? Every Christmas, I enjoyed my spirit lift up as I buy gifts for others and imagine how happy they'll be. This time my spirit is lifted even without any gift to give -- thanks to the holiday music ♫ I suppose. I'll just have to give a gift of myself (and my hospitality) this time. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Traveling gives me what roller coaster ride gives to most people (but I cannot stand roller coaster ride!). Before travel, there is great expectations of fantasies and excitement. On the way to the destination, there is uncertainty of 'did I make the right choice?'. At the destination, I either like it or hate it but try to make the best of it (might as well since I paid for it). I am happiest on the way back home (back to familiarity and safety) and vow to do it again.

While each trip brings different perspectives depending on the location, events and people I travel with, I get the same feeling over and over again at the end of the trip -- 'there is no better place than home!' Even the pollution at home is better than the pollution in a foreign city. It's like saying,"I prefer my mold over yours" :-)

Perhaps this is why I travel, and why I strongly recommend people to travel. I learn to appreciate not only the treasures of diverse cultures, history, and people, I learn to appreciate today -- my culture, my people, and my home.