What Have You

Some say they don’t believe in Christmas. Others prepare for Christmas festivities and events as early as October.  A distinctive few do not even know what Christmas is or have never heard of the word “Christmas”. For me, I still believe in Christmas. This belief has nothing to do with my religious affiliations or political views about the event the Christian world so religiously celebrates. I am not religious. I am not political. For me Christmas is symbolic. It’s something very personal. It’s a shadow of my happy childhood memories.

Thirty years ago (wow, that long!), Christmas in Manila was a season (not just an event) where every child expects to receive gifts from aunts, uncles, grandparents and other relatives. Christmas during the 70’s used to be a very merry time especially for children. Economy was good (though not totally great) and everybody just seemed to have that desire to GIVE – an indication of the presence of the “spirit” of Christmas. Food was virtually everywhere. It was never a problem that time during Christmas and New Year. Every elder I had practically gave me something during those times.

Thirty years later in the 21st century, Filipinos do not celebrate Christmas as lavish as before. Food became more and more scarce. Food on the table started to lack color and taste. Gifts started to become unseen over the years. Seldom can you hear children ask for “Aginaldo” whereas 30 years ago, it was a common term among the young when asking for gifts from their elders. Earning money became more difficult verging on frustrating for many. More and more people stopped using Christmas lights to save money. And the Christmas tree is starting to become a relic – a symbol of luxury. Yes, folks. This is Christmas 101 in the Philippines.

What has happened to the spirit of Christmas in the Philippines? Is it poverty that is killing this spirit softly? Or is this an emerging culture within regional cultures? I still see a few Pinoys celebrate Christmas lavishly even here in Ilocos Norte but most streets I walk on remain dark at night. Nights are becoming colder with silence and darkness. Where have all the Christmas lights gone? Where are the bells that used to jingle? Is the phrase “silent night” being taken literally by Pinoys?

For what it’s worth, whatever are your Christmas conditions, beliefs and culture, let me greet you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Whether you believe in Christmas or not, I hope these short greetings can put a simple message across – there is always HOPE.

Christmas Wallpaper Greetings

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Tags: Christmas Greetings, Christmas in the Philippines, personal, Thoughts About Christmas

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