Welcoming 2026 with a grateful hearts.

Happy New year!, hoping everyone had a blast celebrating with their families and loved ones.

I could no longer remember when was the last time I celebrated this holiday season with my family in Guimaras. Even this year 😌, but who knows, I could be together with my own family in the future.

For now, here's how we celebrated,

The preparation

Completing the 13 round fruits has been part of our tradition. I remembered back then, how we would try our best to have a basket on our table. Thus, after years and me reaching adulthood? A few fruits is fine. Now, I only bought fruits that symbolize five elements.

I added a bunch of bananas but it was the husband who bought it and I was surprised to see how huge it was! 🤣.

For money I had a taels of gold an Bitcoins 🤣

What about the food?

After the New Year's countdown, the problem of where to keep all the remaining foods in the fridge was always the problem. Then followed by eating the same food over and over again for days, re-heating until all was consumed.

This time, I told my husband we should cook only what we could eat for a day. Unlike last year, we didn't host the celebration for the entire family. It was only the three of us and if anyone would go there.

Let's just cooked pancit and shanhai. I suggested. For sure everyone would cooked spaghetti. For dessert since mango was expensive and to lessen the sugar , we made just graham and mixed fruits.

We still had few foods left untouched on the fridge and no longer to add up.

It was the husband who was busy cooking as Calen and I were busy too.

Capturing memories.

Since we have a toddler, I told my husband to cook early so we could set up the table. Have photos while my son is still in the mood.

And here is our son while we are preparing. Climb up the chair and wanted to be the first to eat.

I think he got interested since it was colorful in his eyes.

Time for family portrait, and truly the challenge.

I bought a family shirt for us but then realized it would be better to wear when we go to a photo studio maybe next week. So, we just wear our random clothes.

After countless clicks on the phone camera here are the decent photos of us that were captured.

There are a lot of things happening in 2025. My father suffered a mild stroke, rush to the hospital twice. Thankfully he recovered, though no longer strong as before. Yet at least he stopped his vices. Then our Mom turns out had Gal and kidney stones. Add on more family heartaches and problems. YET we are still welcoming 2026 with grateful hearts as there are also countless blessings. From the huge and even simple ones. Praying this year would be good not only for us but to everyone.

By the way, here's one of the behind the scenes 😂.

Lead image was edited using Canva
Photos are mine