As my mom pulls out all of our Christmas decorations, I squeal with delight as the memories come flooding back. We assemble our plastic Christmas tree, which is as old as I am! I hang an ornament that I stitched when I was twelve. Setting up the nativity scene was always one of my favorite tasks, and every year it was saved for me. This year is no different.

There are even more reminders when I walk outside my front door and into the colorful city of Cebu. "Jingle Bells" and other holiday favorites are playing to a disco beat in all the department stores

This season, although it brings the appearance of joy and happiness, exhibits the true spiritual state of this country. Many Filipinos do not have the hope of Christ in their lives.

. Christmas stars made of colorful paper, cellophane, and light bulbs are hanging everywhere. Despite the suppressive, tropical heat, it's still beginning to look a lot like Christmas -- the Christmas I know.

The reminders in this third world country are greater than just the sights and sounds. As we drive through the crowded streets and stop at every traffic light, little boys race to our car singing and playing their innovative instruments (bottle caps loosely nailed to a stick) in hopes of picking up some holiday change. During this season, the beggar population seems to double in size and desperation. Like every other culture, commercialism has invaded the spirit of Christmas as the malls jam with shoppers hunting for the perfect gift. Carolers are

Some common words found in the essay are:
Christmas Christmas, Mary Manila, , Jingle Bells, Noche Buena, Afghanistan America, Jesus December, holiday season,
Approximate Word count = 635
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)