The Christmas Audit: Sowing for a Joyful 2026

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As the Christmas lights twinkle and the 2025 calendar winds down, a quiet mood of reflection often sets in. It is a season for an "inventory"—a time to look back at the wins, the losses, and the intentions set twelve months ago.

In this season of giving, the mind turns to the foundation of a good life: character. There is an inescapable truth found in the wisdom of Galatians 6:7, which suggests that the harvest is always determined by the seed. To experience a harvest of happiness and joy, it is impossible to plant seeds of shortcuts or resentment. In looking for what this "harvest of character" looks like in practice, the lives of several Filipinos offer a masterclass in unblemished propriety.

The Standard of Propriety: Ramon Magsaysay

Character is often defined by what a person is willing to refuse. President Ramon Magsaysay set a high bar for propriety—the quality of being proper and honest.

There is a historical account of Magsaysay canceling a government contract simply because the winning bidder was his own uncle. He refused to let "palakasan" (favoritism) blemish his service. By sowing the seed of fairness, he reaped a harvest of absolute trust. Living with that kind of propriety removes the stress of "covering one's tracks." There is only ever one version of the truth to remember.

The Steel of Steadfastness: Corazon Aquino

Strength of character is personified by the ability to stand firm against forces that seek to topple what has been built. Cory Aquino personified this "steel" during the most turbulent years of Philippine democracy.

Surviving nine coup attempts required more than just political will; it required a deep-seated resolve. During the most violent attempt in December 1989, even while the Palace was under threat, the refusal to flee or surrender anchored the nation. By sowing unwavering steadfastness, she reaped the survival of freedom. Her character proved that a quiet spirit can hold the greatest strength.

The Harvest of Humility: Jesse Robredo

Jesse Robredo, often remembered as a leader of rare integrity, showed that character does not need a podium or a grand title; sometimes, it just needs a pair of slippers.

His "Tsinelas Leadership" was a masterclass in humility. Whether shoveling mud after a typhoon or walking into a neglected barangay to listen, the focus remained on being "Matino at Mahusay" (Accountable and Competent). By sowing seeds of genuine service and avoiding the ego of high office, he reaped a legacy that remains unblemished. Humility, it seems, is the ultimate shield against the stress of self-importance.

The Essential Seed: Forgiveness

As the new year approaches, one seed feels more vital than all the others: Forgiveness.

If the harvest depends on the seed, then sowing grudges only produces a heavy heart. Forgiveness is not about letting someone else "off the hook"; it is about letting the heart out of a cage. It is the ultimate stress-reliever. It clears the weeds out of the soul so that joy and happiness can actually take root. Like the honesty of Magsaysay or the humility of Robredo, forgiveness provides a "clearance" for the spirit.

A Personal Reflection

As I sit with my cup of coffee this Christmas, reflecting on the year that has passed, I ask myself what seeds I want to put into the ground for the coming year. What kind of harvest will be waiting next December?

The question remains for the heart: what seeds go into the ground today?

 

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