Purple, pink and silver thoughts

When I came home from work one day last week, I was surprised to see the Christmas stockings and bears on the wall.

My helpers said Caehl asked them to pack away the four season-frames and replace them already with the stockings.

“Naku, nagdidirek si Caehl sa amin,” I was told.

Christmas na, Caehl said. And who can argue with that?

But that was all. My helpers wanted to prepare and clean the living room ceiling first before putting up anything. This is the second year that we are using the purple, pink and silver theme. And so we waited until over the weekend when everything was ready.

We needed to bring in some holiday cheer as three loved ones passed away one after another just recently – Tito Prime, Ma’am Ophie, and Tita Flor.

When we arrived home Sunday night from Heritage Park, I was delighted to see the Christmas lights all set up in our terrace window and the pine garland already in place. In one corner of the living room, our 7-foot tree stood tall.

Nanay Ev said Caehl himself adorned the tree with the purple, pink and silver balls and holly, and wouldn’t stop until everything was in order. He didn’t want to put the tiny silver balls as he insisted they were for the garland. Cae also asked where she should put the pink bell chain. It’s too short to be placed around the tree, she said.

Ah yes, the chain is for the garland and Caehl was right, the silver balls are indeed for the garland, and not for the tree. Funny (and remarkable) how Caehl could still recall those details – a proof that he is truly his mom’s son.

The poinsettia garland, tacked on the ceiling cornice, served as border.

Last night, I saw that the deep pink lights have been placed around the tree as well. According to Nanay Ev, she liked how the tree turned out this year. “Better than last year. Parang mas maganda ngayon."

Maybe because the kids put it up.
Maybe because it was put up with pure and trusting love and hope.
Maybe because everyone wanted things to be better.

Purple and pink are my favorite colors (they were our wedding color motif, too).
Together with silver, they make a pretty combination indeed.
They evoke happy thoughts, happy memories.
And yes, our departed loved ones are in a better and happier place now.