Ligth amidst Darkness

COVID spreads through social gatherings, and we're more susceptible around the holidays, when we're tempted to leave our inner bubbles to visit others. We must, however, avoid this temptation and remain safe at home this year.

This is most likely one of the few moments in human history when we are urged to experience Christmas in in its uniqueness.

Christmas is the most important holiday each year. Everyone celebrate the birth of our Christ to thank the glorious god who made us and save us from our sins. It is well known, that Christmas in the Philippines is different among others. We Filipinos have the traditions to countdown from September to December which is called the "Ber months". 

Also, nativity scenes, often known as the Belen, are only displayed in churches or other religious locations in most nations. However, it is common in the Philippines and can be found almost anywhere-everywhere. During the holiday season, every Filipino huosehold, schools, building lobbies, will have one set up and even hold competitions for the best belen, making for some lavish displays. 

Furthermore, Philipines has its own Chritmas ornament also known as the parol. The parol was initially designed to be hung on lampposts to direct mass-goers to Simbang Gabi, but they may now be spotted outside homes, malls, and offices.

To add more, Simbang Gabi directly means as "night mass,". For the nine days leading up to Christmas, Filipinos attend mass late at night or early in the morning. We attempt to complete the 9 days as a Religous traditions and our belief the finishing the 9 days can grant your wish. 

In most cultures, Christmas caroling entails a full-fledged production involving excellent singers, synchronized clothes, instruments, and well-rehearsed Christmas tunes. It's become a joking matter for us. Beginning in early December, Filipino children and adults go from house to house. Recycled instruments and made-up lyrics replace lyric booklets and Christmas outfits. Caroling is a sure sign that Christmas is approaching.

This are just the few Christmas traditions of the Philippines which will unlikely to happen this year considering the pandemic is not completely gone yet. We are preoccupied with regulations on how to spend Christmas this year– with only members of the family who live in the same household, to continue wearing masks, to keep social distancing, or to wash hands frequently– due to the attention on the COVID virus. Although this Christmas season will be unique – and unpleasant for many – we can rest assured that the sacrifices we make today will protect us, our loved ones, and our communities in the future. But our celebration of Christmas should not be dampened by covid-19! Let us spread more hope, peace, joy and love this Season!

References:

https://www.fnha.ca/about/news-and-events/news/celebrating-christmas-during-the-covid-19-pandemic

https://su.edu.ph/reflections/celebrate-christmas-amidst-the-covid-19-pandemic/

https://philnews.ph/2020/10/19/simbang-gabi-allowed-in-metro-manila-amid-gcq/

https://www.mypope.com.ph/he-story-behind-the-christmas-parol/

https://www.cbcplaiko.org/belen-sa-makati-3/

https://thesmartlocal.com/philippines/filipino-christmas-traditions/