Christmas is a time for family

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My paternal side of the family has shrunk! Until last year, I was preparing more than 50 Christmas gifts for both sides of the family and my list didn't include relatives residing overseas. This year, however, a huge chunk of the family has been stricken off the list because they've migrated; also, I decided to give gifts only to those who were present during the family Christmas Eve reunion.

The family reunion then became more about a family spending time together, sharing a meal, and exchanging gifts. The absence of others was mentioned in passing but was downplayed. The focus was more on those present. Thus, I felt that we were more solid as a group than before; to be fair, though, it is admittedly more difficult to form a cohesive group when there are a lot more people with a variety of interests.

To our relatives who didn't attend the reunion, we missed you all. But don't worry, we ate your share of dinner.

Photos: Cuevas Christmas 2011 party

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