Normally November is a prelude from the festivities that will commence before the year ends. But being in 2020, it is safe to assume that everyone wants the year to be over. Apart from living with the pandemic COVID-19 for most of the year, there are still unfortunate natural phenomenas that had made people’s anxiety over the roof. 

Living in the Netherlands, we are included in the list of countries in Europe that went on partial lockdown for most of November. Our neighbour countries went on full lockdown. Festivities in the country have been cancelled, including the much awaited Sint Martin, Sinterklaas and Christmas Markets.

In the Philippines, the country have been struck by, not just one, but two succeeding typhoons which caused flooding in most regions. But despite all these negative things happening around, November is still the month we look back and think of the things we are thankful for before the year ends. 

I am thankful that my family here (and also in the Philippines) are safe. My in-laws were stuck by the harsh typhoons, leaving their house in a devastating state. Despite that, we are still thankful they are safe. We can help them rebuilt things that was destroyed, but nothing compares to their safe well-being.

I am thankful that we are in a country that has put us in a place of privilege. My husband and I kept having the conversation about “What if we were still in the Philippines raising our child?” I am grateful because my anxiety cannot handle all the stressors that the Philippines are having now. Living in the Netherlands is hard for us, but still it is better to struggle here. I can see myself going crazy if we were still raising our child in the Philippines. I know as a Filipino, we are built to be resilient, adapt to changes and live with it. But emotionally and psychologically, one cannot handle that much stressful environment. 

I am still praying that December will be a peaceful month. Hopefully we can still feel the spirit of the yuletide season as we ease out of 2020. Including in my prayers that we see the light at the end of this tunnel of craziness in 2021. 

What are you thankful for this 2020?

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