Life is full of symbols. So, it is with Christmas. The celebration of Christmas in the Philippines is considered to be the longest in the world. Philippines is teeming with symbols like the Christmas trees, lanterns, twinkles and carols, not to miss our native bibingka and puto bumbong. As the “ber” months come at the later part of each year it is hailed that Christmas season is around the corner.
This 2020 a new virus strain appears and gets in the way. No one will keep mum when there were no Christmas songs playing over the radio as September sets in. The same is true with October coming; the frenzy start and hunt for sale in malls to gather early Christmas presents for friends and loved ones did not even leave a trace. The streets of Divisoria and the stalls in Tutuban appeared like a ghost town. The then teeming busy streets in the commercial district in Cubao and Ayala are not the same since it was no longer business as usual.
The noted strips in Mandaluyong and Bulacan that regularly showcase residential houses sparkling with Christmas lights extravaganza seemingly paused a while to make the trending. The beautiful lanterns made from capiz adorned with multi-colored lights which is known as a local pride in Pampanga never make it to the sales pitch that are expected of them yearly. Christmas trees of green, gold, and red with its colorful and alluring decorations seem to be less in the familiar hallways and corners of buildings and homey residences.
Nonetheless, winter snow from the northern hemisphere still makes it on time for the Christmas season. In the Philippines, the cold front still blows the chill of the southeast monsoon which is a constant feeler for Filipinos that Christmas is coming as the calendar opens its page for November.
For sure the pandemic is never part of a calendared plan of anybody especially the children. The season to be jolly is the one of the biggest annual celebration most people will never like to miss spending. It may be true that the red-hooded impersonators of Santa Claus may not be commonly visible this season because of the social distancing protocol. The same is quite true when the Christmas rush experience may not be as evident this 2020 with the likes of the many other usual scenario of the yuletide season.
In spite of these all, there remains the most meaningful spirit of Christmas that will always live on. Yes, dear ones, Christmas is the season of endless hope and longing for a better and bright life comes the most anticipated remembrance of the birth of the Savior. With a pandemic or in the absence of one, no one and nothing else can stop the celebration of Christmas as our hearts continue to believe and live by it.
By: CARMELLET R. LALAS | TEACHER III | Bataan National High School | Balanga City, Bataan
