Is it just me, or did you notice it too?

From the two Proclamations released by the Official Gazette of the Malacañang Palace, there's one holiday missing. Not really sure if it was intentionally opted out of the proclamation, but of course, we all know there's a reason why. So, have you figured it out?

Well, if you're always on the look for legal holidays and special non-working days every year (take note that it is only in the Philippines), then I'm guessing that you have seen what is missing already.

So, here's the list of the legal holidays and special non-working days in 2023.

January 1, 2023      - New Year's Day (Sunday)
January 2, 2023      - Special Non-Working Day (Monday)
February 25, 2023  - EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary
April 6, 2023          - Maundy Thursday
April 7, 2023          - Good Friday
April 8, 2023          - Black Saturday
April 10, 2023        - Araw ng Kagitingan (Monday)
May 1, 2023           - Labor Day (Monday)
June 12, 2023         - Independence Day (Monday)
August 21, 2023     - Ninoy Aquino Death Anniversary (Monday)
August 28, 2023     - National Heroes Day (Last Monday of August)
November 1, 2023  - All Saints' Day (Wednesday)
November 2, 2023  - Special Non-Working Day (Thursday)
November 13, 2023- Eidul Fitr (Monday)
November 27, 2023- Bonifacio Day (Monday)
December 8, 2023   - Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary (Friday)
December 11, 2023 - Eidul Adha (Monday)
December 25, 2023 - Christmas Day (Monday)
December 30, 2023 - Rizal Day (Saturday)
December 31, 2023 - Last Day of the Year (Special Non-Working Day) (Sunday)

If you want to be sure of the dates you can always refer to the Official Gazette of the Philippine Government. Below are links to the two (2) Proclamations.

Proclamation No. 42
Proclamation No. 90

So, what's missing?

In just few more days we will be celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Early this month and until the day before the Christmas Day or even after that day, we attend Christmas Parties. Probably some of us, couldn't get that schedule because of the invitations from friends, companies and relatives. In other words we're here there and everywhere, especially if you're really that lucky person who is just loved by many.

Beyond that celebration do you really know why parties are created in the first place? Well, probably we often missed that because sometimes we all do is get to the venue and start eating or drinking. Chat a bit and boom where off again to another party.

So, I just have this few ideas that I want to share why parties, particularly Christmas Parties, are created. Of course with a bit of a created story about it.

1. To reconnect. Yes, in some, there are Christmas parties set to create connections with friends and relatives. It is not just music, booze and foods but it's also about reconnecting to your long lost friends or getting closer to them.

2. To getaway. Probably for the working class, the yuppies, or the millennials, Christmas parties are one way of getting away from the load of life or work. You get to have fun, enjoy and laugh even for just few hours of your life.

3. To relax. Yes, for some people parties are their way of getting relaxed. You get to stay at your seat and enjoy the program, the music, the performances and of course the raffle, which is definitely will get you relaxed specially when you won the grand prize.

These are just the 3 generals things that reasons out why we all attend and celebrate Christmas parties. Of course, there are also other reasons like have fun, boast around your new dress, or because fo the prizes that will be raffled.

So, whatever your reasons just be sure that you enjoy and be a blessing to others.