I was saying to one of my colleagues a few days ago, it’s a few days ‘til Dec. 25 yet, Christmas can hardly be felt, and I doubt it’s because of the weather. Days have been unbearably hot, you’d think it’s summer, although the evening cool makes up for the sweltering heat of the day.
Yes, it’s December, the season of Christmas. But for the decor, the music blaring from the speakers set-up by Lee Plaza or Cang’s, the date on the calendar, the Advent wreath in Church, the spirit of Christmas is sadly thinning.
At least from how I remember Christmas is celebrated and felt years ago when I was so much younger. When we were all much younger.
How has Christmas come to be reduced to just a holiday? A mere date for which, months and days before, we must remember to list down the names of all our relatives and friends so we can get them the nicest of gifts? Nicest in the sense that they will appreciate what we give them. Appreciate in the sense that the gift they receive is an item that is the current fad, and will deserve the envy of people around them.
It was so much more different back then. Life, in its simplicity in the past, allowed us to appreciate the smallest blessings — a fragrantly-sweet apple as big as an infant’s face, a bag of chocolate candies wrapped in colorful foils, coins that jingle in one’s pocket as pinaskuhan from ninong and ninang, a relative coming home from a stint abroad, quiet time spent in prayer with the whole family.
Life, in its simplicity, made us more aware of the things we should be thankful for — the presence of Christ, the presence of family and friends. Life, in its simplicity, made us recognize how blessed we are by merely being alive and together.
With all the complications to life and living the years have brought, with all the pressing issues we are facing with our family and our country, it may be difficult to bring back that simplicity we experienced and enjoyed in our youth.
But I believe it is not that hard to bring back the spirit. The word itself reminds us of what all this is for — Christmas — Christ.
Christmas inspires. Christmas promotes togetherness. Christmas tells us to be generous. Christmas brings love.
Let us once more feel Christ in this blessed season. May the warmth of God’s unending and unconditional love embrace each one of us.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!