In the heart of the holiday season, the voices of children often carry the purest message of what Christmas truly means. Amidst the commercial rush, SunStar Davao turned to the youth to ask a simple yet profound question: "All I want for Christmas is..." The responses, gathered from children and teenagers across various schools in Davao, paint a moving picture of hope, gratitude, and the desire for meaningful connections over material possessions.
Wishes That Go Beyond Toys and Gadgets
The answers revealed a beautiful spectrum of desires, balancing practicality with deep emotional resonance. Twelve-year-old Issabella Bacani from Davao Christian High School (CPG) set the tone with her wish for "an unforgettable Christmas," prioritizing lasting memories over temporary gifts.
Other children echoed this sentiment with their unique hopes. JP Daniel Padica of Holy Child College of Mintal desired a companion for Bible study, while ten-year-old Jose Marco from Heartworks Learning Center asked for good health and God's protection. Some wishes were tangible but heartfelt, like a plushie for Athena or a guitar for 15-year-old Rhomelena S. Dasco. Seventeen-year-old Jyka Claryss M. Laforteza from Brokenshire College hoped for a PC pad and safety for her loved ones.
Even seemingly small requests held significant weight. Shem from Abba’s Child Science School Foundation simply wanted his watch repaired. Meanwhile, Jannah Albrey Revilla Ngo, 12, of San Pedro College distilled the season's essence into a single word: "joy."
A Year of Gratitude: Thankful for Life and Love
When asked what they were most thankful for this year, the children's answers provided a powerful snapshot of their values. Their gratitude centered on fundamental blessings:
- Issabella Bacani expressed thanks for her friends and family who helped her through the year.
- JP Daniel Padica was grateful to be "still alive today," acknowledging those less fortunate.
- Nathan Kyle Muñasque, a University of Mindanao freshman, thanked Jesus, his family, church, and spiritual siblings.
- Jyka Claryss M. Laforteza valued meeting new friends and having a supportive family that cheers her on.
Other responses highlighted appreciation for learning and simple pleasures. Josh Miguel, 14, from Heartworks Learning Center, was thankful for new people and new knowledge. Zion reflected deeply, stating he was grateful for "having a good life because not everyone has what I have."
The True Spirit of a Filipino Christmas
One particularly touching response came from seven-year-old Nina Yvonne Villariasa of Te Akau Ki Papamoa School. She listed her gratitude for her healthy family, a school award, good teachers, and friends. Her Christmas wish? To win the lottery so her family could visit "Lala in the Philippines," blending aspiration with a heartfelt desire for family reunion.
Through their innocent yet insightful words, these children from Davao offer a refreshing reminder. In a world often dominated by technology and consumerism, the core of Christmas remains unchanged. It is found in gratitude for life itself, the love of family and friends, and the creation of joyful memories that outlast any wrapped present. Their collective voice invites everyone to pause, reflect, and rediscover the simple, unforgettable pleasures that define the holiday spirit.
