Well it’s here again, the Christmas Season! I figured it out when I saw the decorations the 1st week of September in downtown Olongapo. Upon our arrival home my wife starts digging out the tree and lights. Not that I’m a Scrooge or anti-holiday, it’s just like when I lived in Puerto Rico, they also started way too soon, like July.

Growing up in New England, I remember the season started after Thanksgiving. That was during the 50’s and 60’s. Today I think it starts after the 4th of July. But here the thing that makes me smile, is buying Christmas Decorations from people who don’t believe in Christmas!

Ok, I’ll stop grousing and admit its here, and just make the best of it. After all it’s not as bad as New Years Eve! Since I’ve lived on the mountain here in Bataan, I’ve noticed that’s there are a lot of Nipa huts in the area. The number of Nipa huts will be cut in half on New Years Eve, as my neighbors will get drunk and burn them down with their fireworks. I’ve been watching this tradition for years now.

The first time I saw it, was at my Father-in-Law house he set his roof on fire by sparking off his fireworks within five feet of his house. Yes! The roof was grass. Talk about a “Chinese Fire Drill”, picture a group of over served people (DRUNK) with nothing but a hand pumped well and three buckets, throwing, with poor aim, water, ten feet in the air. To their credit they did put out the fire, had another few drinks, and started with the fireworks again!

When I pointed out that the roof could catch on fire again, they pointed out that the roof was already wet. When you’re wrong, you’re wrong. So shut up and have a drink!

I then got to thinking about the fireworks being set off on my street, and went home. Broke out my hose and sat on my roof patio with it fully charges and had a few more cocktails.