From Childhood To My Daughter Aya: A Memory Lane of Treasured Dolls, Memories And Journey.

For this week's challenge which is memory lane. I want to share something truly special. Two special things that I cherished. That part of my life's journey through childhood and into adulthood. This item is not just my journey, it is also my cousins and until I have my daughter Aya. We all witness the different phrases of life.

Things are quickly broken. It depends on the quality and how we care for it. And thing changes and some don't, and those

We often talk about how much things change, but what about the things that don't? the timeless reminders of memories that hold in place and lingers in our hearts.

- First: Christmas classic, Our Santa Claus doll.

This Santa Claus doll was a gift from our great grandma from the US. She visited the Philippines way back in the 90's and I think I was in grade 2 and my sister was in grade 3. My sister Katrina is the first granddaughter and I'm the second.

When my great grandma visited us, she bought a Santa Clause doll.

My sister Katrina and I, all smiles and youthful excitement, with the classic pinoy haircut for kids, short hair with bangs. I have wispy bangs and my sister has short hair. Together with Santa and the Christmas Tree, holding Santa together and smiles on our faces.

Our very own Santa was not just a holiday decoration, but also a symbol of magic and journey every Christmas Celebration.

2017

Many years later, the same Santa sits proudly under the Christmas tree. We all know that in the Philippines, during the month of Ber months it's the start of Christmas celebration and we have the longest month to celebrate it.

2018

And guess who's the lucky one getting to spend time with Santa? It's my daughter Aya.

She likes the Santa Claus doll and she plays with it. I told her to be gentle because we took care of it for years. My heart with so much joy to see her interact that was also part of my own childhood.

2019

2020

2023

It fills my heart with so much joy to see my Aya interact with something that was so much a part of my own childhood. For other, it's just an ordinary Santa Clause doll. And for me, it's more than that, Santa is part of our lives, a family, celebrating Christmas. It's a tangible link for more than years. Now I'm 39 and I have an 11 years old daughter. Those years we had Santa Clause really part of our lives. Carrying countless years of happy memories every Christmas.

- Second: The Doll.

This doll was from my mom who passed away. They lived in Manila before and brought it to Cotabato . Carry her favorite big doll as part of her childhood memories.

I don't have a picture of my mom and her doll. Her doll has too many names given from my cousins. Other people when they visit at home they feel scared. But for me it's not, it's part of our childhood. She has a dress before and it's all broken, that dress was from my sister and until now still the same. I went to college from another city, worked abroad then had my Aya, and still she's standing.

2015

2016

Present.

Some misinterpret it as Annabelle from the horror movie. Because of her eyes, her hair and neck are not that good. She’s stood the test of time and she’s still my little treasure.

In the end, let's create more memories. Filled with joy,lessons and happiness to inspire us in the future.